Patty Miller
The Edmond Sun
EDMOND —
On Sept. 17-18, more than 600 cyclists are expected to ride and help raise a goal of $500,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Oklahoma chapter.
Funds raised will support direct services and programs for the more than 3,400 people with MS and their families in Oklahoma and national MS research to find a cure for this chronic disease of the central nervous system.
The 26th annual Bike MS Oklahoma Ride is a statewide cycling event heading from Tulsa to Oklahoma City for fun along Route 66 with stops along the way at many of the historic landmarks.
Cyclists will ride about 150 miles during both days. Along the ride cyclists can find rest stops every 10-12 miles and support and gear vehicles will be available between stops.
Edmond resident Nolan Cleaves has been working with the Bike MS Oklahoma Ride for the past 16 years as a volunteer, riding a bike for the past four years.
“I started out feeding riders and it grew from there,” Cleaves said.
The first year he rode one day of the two-day ride and the second year he put together a team of six riders. This year he has 20 riders signed up for Team Ricardos and his personal goal is to raise $2,000.
“This isn’t a race, you go at your own pace,” Cleaves said.
“I work for Ben E. Keith,” he said, “and the first year I was on the Food committee I asked the general manager Kirk Purnell if the company would help out. They provide lunch, food for the finish line and at the rest stops.”
Cleaves said he doesn’t think about the weather when riding.
“You are riding for a reason,” Cleaves said. “A lot of the volunteers would trade you places in a heartbeat.”
Sam’s Club is Presenting Sponsor of the 26th annual Bike MS Oklahoma Ride: The Mother Road Ride, the official Route 66 Bike Ride of Oklahoma.
The ride begins at 7 a.m. Sept. 17 and at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 18.
Day One starts at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Tulsa and goes to Chandler, and Day Two starts in Chandler and ends in Oklahoma City at the state Capitol.
Volunteers are needed to help with the 2011 Bike MS Oklahoma.
“Volunteers are the backbone of this event,” said Paula Cornter, Oklahoma vice president. “Volunteers can help with planning starting months before the ride, setting up at various locations throughout the weekend, registering cyclists, monitoring the route, managing snack stations, cleaning up or cheering on the cyclists. There is a place for everyone’s time and talents.”
To register for the Bike MS Oklahoma: The Mother Road Ride or to register to volunteer or to sign up for bus transportation, visit www.bikemsok.org or call 918-488-0882.
