Why I BikeMS

Every year, in mid to late September, I hop on my bike to ride from the Garmin Headquarters in Olathe, Kansas, to Lawrence, Kansas. I do this, because it supports BikeMS and the National MS Society. I started BikeMS on a whim 6 years ago. My company helps sponsor the event here in Kansas City and has a pretty large team out together. I thought it would be fun, and a few of my friends were participating.

What I discovered is that it was so much more than that, and I’ve been doing BikeMS ever since. This is the one event every year that I fundraiser for, and people always ask me if I have a family member with MS. I do not, but over the years I have met and now have friends that have MS and participating means all the more to me now.

So what is Multiple Sclerosis, or MS? It’s an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the covering around your nerves and can cause tremendous damage to your nervous system. There is no cure, and they still aren’t sure what causes it. Here’s what the Mayo Clinic says:

What’s so weird is that MS seems to have a mind of its own. There are common symptoms experienced by people, but overall, not two people will have the same experience with MS. In some people, MS may lie dormant for years, and in others symptoms may come on so strong all of a sudden. Symptoms may also change each time there is a flare up, so there’s really no way to prepare yourself. The risk factors are also very interesting, as shown below from the Mayo Clinic.

Women are TWICE as likely to develop MS than men, and its most common in people age 15-60. Hmm this is my demographic. That’s one of the reasons why I’m so passionate about it.

So why do I BikeMS? The ride is so well-organized. There are so many volunteers who make the weekend happen (it’s two days of biking). The way it’s set up here in Kansas City is that you can choose from 3 routes on the first day and 2 on the second. Day 1 can either be the short (38 Miles), traditional (70 Miles), or century route (100 Miles).

Day 2 can either be short or traditional routes, but most people do the short route.

There are rest stops approximately every 10 miles, and there are SAG vehicles and help along the way if you should need it. Most rest stops have plenty of snacks (pb&j!), water, and restrooms. They also provide you with lunch on both days. Once you complete day one there’s food, drinks, music, and much more that evening. You can’t forget all the PB&J sandwiches along the way!

Also, it’s such and amazing experience (they also have other events if you aren’t into biking, such as a walk, you can find local fundraising events HERE). Until you’ve biked beside someone who has MS, or had people with MS who can no longer walk cheering you on at the finish line and handing YOU a medal, you may not fully understand. It’s a very humbling experience to be part of something bigger than yourself.

I cannot thank my family and friends that continue to support me every year, enough! I wouldn’t be able to raise as much money as I do without their support!

You can find out more about BikeMS and the MS Society HERE. Details for BikeMS Kansas City can be found HERE.