Cyclists of all ages, experience levels, and motives converged on Langley this weekend.
They came from all over the province, not only for the incredible scenery offered by this ride, along with the wine tasting that has become synonymous with the event.
They came to help raise thousands of dollars to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS).
It’s people like Langley’s own Tim Baillee (see profile on Tim). He and his team – the Easy Riders – have been riding for 14 years and raised $117,000 for MS’s search for a cure. He’s connected to the disease through his mother Rosalie, who was diagnosed 33 years ago, as well as a friend diagnosed years later.
MS Bike is the largest fundraising cycling series in North America with four tours in B.C. starting with this weekend’s MS Bike Fraser Valley Experience.
Every year since 1989, cyclists of all ages and fitness levels across the country get together to end Canada’s disease: multiple sclerosis.
The kick off started yesterday morning at the Coast Hotel in Langley and took participants on a tour through local vineyards, wineries, breweries, cideries, and farms.
In addition to the Easy Riders, A&W has fielded a corporate team, and Karen Daniels, a morning DJ with JRFM and whose mother lived with MS, was among the rookie riders in this year’s event.
The event continues today (Sunday), with hundreds of riders in total expected to participate in this event. There are 20 such bike rides held across the country to raise money and awareness for MS.
Canada has the highest rate of MS than anywhere else in the world.
Funds raised from MS Bike support innovative research into the cause, treatment and cure of MS as well as valuable services, programs and advocacy for Canadians affected by MS.
MS is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system comprising the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. It is one of the most common neurological young adults in Canada. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40, and the unpredictable effects of MS last for the rest of their lives.
The MS Society provides services to people with MS and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease.
In addition to visiting the website, people can call 1-800-268-7582 for information to make a donation.
• Stay tuned to the Langley Advance online and print editions for more information from this weekend’s event
