Going the distance for MS awareness

The MS Bike is back with in-person events for the first time in three years. Organized by the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Canada, the MS Bike is bringing communities together across the country with live events and virtual options, all in an effort to raise awareness about and funds for MS research and services.

This year, there are 11 in-person MS Bike events. Thousands of participants from coast to coast have registered for the MS Bike, raising more than $1.2 million to date in pursuit of a $4.5 million fundraising goal.

“After two years apart, we’re thrilled to be coming together as a community in locations across the country," said Kyla Arsenault, Senior Director, Community Fundraising, MS Society of Canada. “The MS Bike is a testament to the resilience of the MS community who have faced tremendous uncertainty, on top of an already uncertain disease, throughout this pandemic."

MS Bike encourages cyclists to make a difference, from anywhere, in the lives of the more than 90,000 Canadians who live with MS. Cyclists can choose to ride in an in-person MS Bike event or participate virtually in their own neighbourhood. Virtual participants can select their date and distance, receiving an exclusive finisher medal after they ride and log 90 km.

In Alberta, in-person MS Bike events continue July 9 and 10 with a ride from Leduc to Camrose. 

Mary MacGregor has participated in the Leduc to Camrose MS Bike in Alberta for nearly 20 years, registering for her first event the same year she was diagnosed with MS. “When you’re first diagnosed, it’s easy to feel scared and isolated. Being a part of the MS Bike that first year after my diagnosis was an emotional experience that allowed me to see that I wasn’t alone. There’s a lot of hope and optimism at the ride, which we continue to see year after year," she said.

For more information about the MS Bike and to find an option available in your preferred location, please visit msbikes.ca.