Why You Should Bike for MS this Year
At Bike the US for MS, we are driven by a powerful mission. We are raising funds and awareness for those living with multiple sclerosis (MS) while advancing critical research in the quest to find a cure. Following the excitement of our 2023 summer rides, we are already eagerly anticipating the upcoming 2024 adventures. We encourage you to be a part of our journey and Bike for MS in 2024. Every pedal stroke you take will contribute to making a lasting impact in the lives of those living with MS.
Many of our beloved classics are returning for another year, offering opportunities to relive the joy and camaraderie that has defined these iconic routes for Bike the US for MS. However, it is the prospect of exploring new and thrilling rides that fills us with the most excitement! With a varied schedule featuring 5 day to 2 month adventures, we are thrilled to announce our MS bike tours for 2024.
This includes the much-anticipated Winter Florida Coast and Florida Keys rides in March as well as another new comer to our schedule, the North Lakes Bike Route from Minneapolis to Chicago, via Wisconsin and Lake Michigan, in August 2024.
Cycle Across America
The TransAmerica bike route is back
Back by popular demand after a year’s hiatus, our cross country biking trip of choice for 2024 is the TransAmerica bike trail. Combining the TransAmerica route with the Western Express will take the team from the historic town of Yorktown, Virginia, to the iconic destination of San Francisco, California. This incredible journey spans 3,785 miles across 15 states, offering cyclists an unforgettable experience through a diverse array of landscapes. As we head west, we urge our Northern Tier fans not to worry. The cherished Northern Tier route will be back in 2025.
Cycling across America on the TransAm promises an unparalleled adventure. The route takes riders through a wide range of scenery and terrains. From the rolling farmlands of Appalachia to the majestic Rocky Mountains and the vast plains of the Midwest, the route showcases the best of America. Cyclists will conquer 164,365 feet of elevation change, encountering lush forests, arid deserts, high mountain passes, snowy peaks, expansive plains, farmlands, rolling hills, and winding rivers along the way. Mark your calendars for June 15 to August 16, 2024, and join us as we Bike the US for MS.
Pacific Coast Bike Route
Gear up for a coastal adventure
Spanning 1,852 miles through three states, this scenic adventure promises breathtaking views and captivating landscapes along the West Coast. Our 2024 Pacific Coast ride will be shifted earlier than previous years. Running from June 30th to August 1st, it will offer an unforgettable experience throughout the month-long ride.
From the vibrant city of Seattle, Washington, to the picturesque shores of San Diego, California, cyclists will cover 106,070 feet of elevation change while immersing themselves in the charm of coastal towns and the rugged beauty of the Pacific coastline. Get ready to embrace the sights and sounds of the West Coast as you pedal your way south.
One Week Bike Tours
Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour
Our West Coast one week adventure follows the popularity of our 2023 Olympic Peninsula Loop. Last summer, we have the pleasure of hosting 34 riders, most of whom passionate alumni of Bike the US for MS. We hope for the same again this coming summer from June 23rd to 29th.
As you pedal around the perimeter of the Olympic Peninsula loop bike trail, you’ll be treated to a week filled with stunning rocky beaches, ferry rides, and impressive scenery. This PNW ride is renowned for its fun and challenging route, with cyclists traversing over 20,000 feet of elevation throughout the week. From quaint harbor towns to picturesque vistas, the Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour promises to leave you with incredible memories.
GAP and C&O Trail
A historical trail ride along the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Trail. Following great excitement in our 2023 adventure, we are offering the GAP and C&O Trail ride again from September 8 – 13th, 2024. Immerse yourself in the scenic and historical wonders of the Eastern United States over 6 days of traffic-free riding.
Starting in Pittsburgh, the route takes you through charming trailside towns under the shade of colorful tree canopies, offering a delightful experience for riders of all levels. The packed gravel C&O Canal Towpath introduces a unique aspect to the adventure and takes you all the way into Washington, DC.
New for 2024
MS Bike Ride Florida – Jacksonville to Key West
Florida Keys Bike Trail – Miami to Key West
Get ready for an exciting new addition to our 2024 roster. Our first ever set of Winter Florida bike tours – Florida Coastal Route and a Florida Keys bike event.
A thrilling journey that spans from vibrant Jacksonville to the picturesque Florida Keys. We can’t wait to kick of this 10 day coastal route. Alternatively pick the shorter Miami to Key West option covering 3 days, a perfect long weekend ride.
An opportunity for some warm winter riding, initially working you way down the East Coast before hitting the islands and exploring the Florida Keys and it’s many old bridges. Florida’s extensive bicycling network awaits, ranging from bike lanes and separated paths to scenic sidewalks that wind alongside the shore. Be captivated as you pedal adjacent to aquatic preserves and wildlife refuges, perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts and crocodile sightings.
The final option to Bike for MS in 2024?
North Lakes Bike Route
Finally, we have the North Lakes Bike Route from Minneapolis to Chicago. The roughly 850 mile route over 14 days presents a delightful journey through the picturesque north woods and lakes, offering a serene and pleasant ride. This route showcases the beauty of hardwood forests, tranquil lakes, and charming farmlands, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a scenic and relaxed ride.
Taking the southern Manitowoc Alternate, the route includes a 5 hour ferry across Lake Michigan. Beginning in Minneapolis, the route takes cyclists through bike paths and city streets. It connects to the Gateway State Trail, a serene path leading away from the metropolitan area. As you traverse Wisconsin’s dairy farmland, the transition to the enchanting hardwood forests and lakes of the northern region awaits.
From the Upper Peninsula in Michigan to the shores of Lake Michigan, and through vacation towns offering charming detours, the North Lakes Bike Route presents an idyllic cycling adventure.
23 Responses
I would consider ending this ride somewhere else. South Chicago is incredibly dangerous. I went to school there.
Thanks for the advice Nick! We will keep that in mind when planning the finish. We wanted Chicago as the easiest hub to fly out of at the end of the ride, but will see how the vote goes first before looking into it.
To Nick’s point, perhaps ending the ride at Soldier Field? It’s on the lake front and near (enough) to downtown with plenty of parking.
Thanks Greg! That’s almost exactly the area we had in mind. Potentially a finish photo at the Buckingham Fountain, but your right that Soldier Field will have more convenient parking so will look into that.
Maybe an Eire Canal route from Buffalo to NYC or Mississippi River ride from Lake Itasca to New Orleans?
Great suggestions! Thanks Ryan. Duncan has been pretty keen on a Buffalo to NYC or something similar, so watch this space.
I’ve ridden for BikeTheUSForMS from New Buffalo Mi to Sault Saint Marie Michigan following that same route in 2020. It is incredibly beautiful and well suited for cyclists . See Facebook posts.
Great to hear Jerry! How did you find traveling back from Sault Saint Marie? We were considering a route that would be relatively easy to travel to and from, but that looks even nicer heading straight north.
I would 100% do the north lakes ride if it’s during the summer months (teacher life!). Also I second an Erie canal route!! I would LOVE to help plan and/or route lead the inaugural ride!!
YES Moe! Come back and ride/route lead. We’ve tried to make as many of the trips in summer months this year (feedback from other teachers and parents in the past!) so hopefully we can make something work that you can join. Tricky thing now would be to line up one of these around the cross country and/or coastal ride, but will see what we can do. Erie Canal does seem like a popular one…hmmm, so many great options!
The Natchez Trace should be considered also. Between this and the NY ride though I’d have to say I enjoyed NY the best!
The Natchez Trace route does look great! When you say the NY ride, do you mean something like Buffalo to NYC?
Has the Atlantic Coast tour been dropped for 2024?
I’m interested in the Missippi River tour, if it were to happen.
I’m interested in the Florida tour, depending on dates. Suggestion, prior to Atlantic Coast tour?
Hi Karen! Yes unfortunately we are pausing running the Atlantic Coast for 2024 following safety concerns this year, but will be reviewing the route over the coming year to consider bringing it back in the future. The Florida ride will likely run in February as a ‘winter’ ride, we will be announcing the details next month for that trip! We will look into the Mississippi River tour too.
My wife sagged my ride from New Buffalo to Sault Saint Marie, we had pre determined stops every day and had set up our overnight stops also on the way up. She also taxied me across the Mackinaw Bridge, no bikes allowed on the mighty Mac. After we finished at the Soo Locks we drove back down to Lake Leelanaw to a small cabin we had rented on the way up and recovered there for a few days. Average mileage was about 85-100 miles a day. Longest was 115 miles.
So stoked for these shorter rides! The Green Mountains Loop would be a fun future ride. Also maybe a longer loop beginning and ending in Portland, connecting sections of the Lewis and Clark trail, Sierra Cascades, TransAm, and Pac coast routes!
Great ideas, thanks Kaylyn!
The Grand Canyon trail sounds great. How about an East Coast route?
It sure does! We think that Grand Canyon ride will be a 2025 trip, so watch this space. We’ve paused our Atlantic Coast trip for 2024 due to safety concerns on the route over the last couple of years. However the Florida coast ride might be of interest to you 🙂
I really enjoyed the Miami to Key Largo in the past. Any possibility of bringing that ride back?
Hey Burt! We are indeed running a Florida Keys ride this year from Miami to Key West. You’d be welcome to join for Miami to Key Largo or continue on to Key West if you’d like. Check it out here – https://www.biketheusforms.org/florida-keys-bike-trail/
I don’t see the Jack & Back ride for 2024. Has that route been eliminated?
Hi Greg, I think you are talking about a Bike MS event if I’m not mistaken? If so, that isn’t one of our events and best to search the Bike MS website instead 🙂