Tailwinds: Alumni Life Milestones and Holiday Cheer!
This holiday season, we want to take a moment to honor the milestones that 2025 has brought, from births to passings. Here are some life milestones and updates from our alumni community: Jade Budowski-Todd, our BTUSFMS social media director, got married this fall! Births: ...
Everything You Need to Know About Fundraising
Guidelines and important information Fundraising to fight MS Thinking about joining us at Bike the US for MS? Take a look at the fundraising goals you will need to meet to make the most of your trip and impact as many people as possible! The money you raise will have a direct and lasting i ...
Setting up your Fundraising Profile
Setting up your fundraising page with us is simple. You can use this blog as a guide to help you, with step-by-step instructions. After this, your profile will be ready to go! To sign into your account, head to our website homepage. In the top bar, find ‘Cyclist Login’, the last icon in the ...
10 Fundraising Ideas You Can Do at Work
You don’t need a big budget… just one lunch hour. Workplace fundraising is a powerful way to build team spirit, strengthen professional relationships, and raise awareness of MS - without a big time or money commitment. 1) Coffee Morning / Global-Foods Lunch How it works: BYO bakes/dishes ...
Budget Fundraising at College: 25 Ideas that Actually Work
Got 2 hours and $25? Raise $150+ with your club, dorm, or on your own. Below are 25 ideas you can run on campus (or adapt for home/community). We’ve considered venue, setup, cost, time, accessibility, and included a BTUSFMS twist! Not on campus? Swap a student union room for a community center, ...
How to use social media to reach your fundraising goal
It is so important to use your social media to spread the word about your challenge! Let friends and family know what you’re doing and don’t be afraid to ask for their support. By sharing your story, you can connect with your donors and show your progress. Sharing your fundraising journ ...
Tell Your Story in 60-Seconds to Unlock Donations
It’s good to tell your donors why you are completing a ride with us. This creates an emotional connection between yourself, the donors and the cause. You don’t need a perfect speech. You need an honest one. The Framework To tell your story well, we recommend using the P-T-A-I framewo ...
Meet Program Coordinator Justin Krute!
Justin in Glacier National Park, MT on the 2025 Northern Tier ride In case you haven't heard, there's a new member of the “behind the scenes” team at Bike the US for MS! We're very excited to introduce Justin Krute, our new Program Coordinator. Justin will be filling Rayna’s role as she p ...
Service Projects and MS Group Visits in 2025
Our teams were lucky to be able to meet and support many amazing people living with MS this year -- learn more about the people and projects that make our rides so special! Northern Tier Cleveland, OH - North Coast MS Home and Cleveland Clinic MS Research Labs Mulching at the Nort ...
Where Your 2025 Fundraising Dollars are Going
Celebrating our amazing contributions to multiple sclerosis organizations this year -- all because of you! The Northern Tier team celebrating with Swedish MS Center in Seattle Wondering where your hard-earned fundraising dollars are going this year? We’re proud to share that this year ...
Bike for MS in 2026 – Our Routes are Here!
Why you should add an MS bike ride to your 2026 calendar At Bike the US for MS, every mile we ride helps raise awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis (MS). Our cycling adventures are a special blend of exploring new places, making great friends, and riding with a bigger goal in mind. Foll ...
Tailwinds: A Big Thank-You to All of our Alumni!
The Northern Tier & Pacific Coast routes this year have had some leader challenges. We are happy to say that Alumni have stepped up to Assist. On the Northern Tier, shortly after departing Bar Harbor, some leadership issues developed. You can imagine that with 30 riders, this became ...
Eli Sykes: MS Athlete Extraordinaire
Meet Eli Sykes, an athlete with multiple sclerosis from Wenatchee, WA and a Choose Your Own Adventure rider for Bike the US for MS. This year, he’s already raised over $2000 and is tearing it up in multiple races while repping our signature jersey! Eli doesn’t let MS stop him -- he leans into t ...
Rolling with Randall: An MS Warrior’s Journey through Virginia to the Pentagon
Some people let life’s challenges slow them down. Randall Pope? He hits the gas. On May 28th, Randall—an Army veteran, wheelchair bowler, and all-around force of nature—will set off on a 250-mile journey from Christopher Newport University, through Virginia to the Pentagon. But unlik ...
Our Top Tips for Nutrition on a Long-Distance Cycling Trip
If you're gearing up for a trip with Bike the US for MS, or just looking to fuel yourself better on long-distance or multi-day cycling adventures, this is the guide for you. We have plenty of helpful tips for eating and hydrating to feel and perform your best. When you're pushing multiple days ...
Alumni Spotlight: Dave Chiarello’s Story
Meet Dave Chiarello – longtime alumni, board member, and friend of Bike the US for MS If you haven’t had the chance to be on a Bike the US for MS ride with Dave, you should know that he can do it all – from building custom shelving for the trailer, to teaching new route leaders to back up the va ...
How Adaptive Bike Technology Has Revolutionized Cycling with MS
Adaptive cycles, which are designed to cater to people with motor differences or disabilities, have made leaps and bounds in recent years. You may have seen people riding adaptive bikes on your local bike paths and not even realized. The most common form is a recumbent cycle that distribute ...
Winter Training Tips to Stay in Shape for Summer Cycling
Winter is in full swing, and if you’re anything like us at Bike the US for MS, you’re dreading the first long rides of summer where you curse yourself for not keeping in better cycling shape over the colder months. Whether you’re training for a long-distance cycling trip or just keeping up ...
How Northern Tier Cyclist and PhD Candidate Mia Cozart is changing the Future of MS Treatment
Meet Mia – a badass PhD student at Georgetown University who’s planning to ride across the country on our Northern Tier route this summer. She’s set to complete her thesis about a potential new drug target for multiple sclerosis treatment this spring. Both her research and her upcoming ride ...
Why Our Route Leaders Love Their Roles
Our volunteer route leaders love what they do – hear firsthand from some of our amazing route leaders about their experiences on the road with us: Which ride(s) have you led, and what years did you lead them? Ted Yates: I’ve led the GAP and C&O Ride (Pittsburgh to Washington, DC) in 2023 ...
Our Guide to Cycling the Florida Coast: The Active Way to Beat Winter Blues
As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, you might be tempted to keep the bike in the garage and sink deeper into the couch instead of braving the cold. Not so fast – cycling the Florida Coast offers a sunny escape from dreary winter weather. It’s also the perfect way to stay in shape for ...
Tailwinds: The Meaning of Thanksgiving At Bike the US for MS
Bike the US for MS – the Meaning of Thanksgiving! T - Tenacious and Caring Riders, Tailwinds H - Hosts, Wonderful & Giving A - Alumni, always coming back for more! N - Nights in sleeping bags K - Kindness of Strangers S - Supporting MS research and those living with MS G - ...
Celebrating Bike the US for MS in 2024: Fundraising and Service Projects
Looking back on a successful season of fundraising and service Our 2024 season has come to a close and we’re thrilled to share that this year, Bike the US for MS has donated $50.5k in fundraising to multiple sclerosis centers across the United States. This includes the MS Alliance of Virginia, S ...
That Next Great Bike Ride
Tailwinds - August 2024 As Bike the US for MS Alumni, you are always looking forward to that next great bike ride! Our 2025 season will not disappoint. There is something for everyone, especially if you can’t devote a whole summer to a single ride. And don’t forget about the Bike the UK for M ...
Bike for MS in 2025
Why you should add an MS bike ride to your 2025 calendar Following the excitement of our ongoing 2024 MS rides, we are ready to starting climbing into 2025! Our Bike the US for MS rides are not just an incredible way to explore beautiful parts of the country whilst making the very best of friend ...
Our Love for Service Projects
Alumni Tailwinds - March 2024 by Neil McCallum and Kelly Wolf For many Bike the US for MS riders, rest day service projects are the first opportunity to meet and support a family living with MS. Over the years, our Alumni have built walkways, cleaned back yards, replaced light bulbs, painted roo ...
MS Diagnosis Stories: Redefining Life at 23 – Lina Garada’s Journey
At the age of 23, when life's script is supposed to be about exploration, adventure, and the dawn of adulthood, Bike the US for MS alumni, Lina Garada, faced an unexpected twist in her story – a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This MS diagnosis story traces Lina’s courageous journey from the ...
The Essential Role of Route Leaders in our MS Cycling Adventures
Alumni Tailwinds – February 2024 by Neil McCallum and Kelly Wolf As we get closer to kicking off the 2024 season, we wanted to celebrate our unsung heros of Bike the US for MS - our Route Leaders. Without your unwavering support over the years, we simply wouldn't have been able to run 16 years o ...
Your Complete Guide to Cycling the Pacific Coast
Embarking on a journey along the Pacific Coast Bike Route is an adventure of a lifetime, stretching from the lush landscapes of Washington, to the warm beaches of San Diego, California. This guide aims to equip you with all the essential information for cycling the Pacific Coast. Whether you're ...
What are our Bike the US for MS Alumni doing now? Life after the road.
Alumni Tailwinds - January 2024 by Neil McCallum and Kelly Wolf Welcome to the first 2024 edition of "Alumni Tailwinds," where we catch up with our Bike the US for MS alumni to see the amazing journeys life has taken them on since their adventures with us. Their stories continue to inspire us an ...
Ultimate Guide to Cycling the Olympic Peninsula Loop: Discover the best 7 day itinerary
Welcome to the Olympic Peninsula Loop, a cycling paradise nestled in the heart of Washington State. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse terrain, this loop offers an unforgettable experience for cyclists of all levels. Here, we delve into the allure of an Olympic Peninsula bike tour ...
Enhancing Lives with Multiple Sclerosis Support: The Journey of the MS Alliance of Virginia and Bike the US for MS
In the heart of Southwest Virginia, a remarkable story of progress, support, and community unfolds every day. The Multiple Sclerosis Alliance of Virginia (MSAV), situated within the Roanoke Area MS Center (RAMS) in Salem, stands as a beacon of hope for those living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in t ...
Craft Your Perfect Summer Bucket List 2024: Ideas for Every Explorer
As summer approaches, are you ready to make 2024 your most memorable year yet? It's time to cash in those hard-earned vacation days and dive into the joys of the summer. Make the most of the sunny season with our ‘Summer Bucket List 2024’. Whether you’re a nature lover, social butterfly, adrenaline ...
Biking for MS in 2024
Amidst the excitement of our ongoing 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.
Nikki’s Journey: Cycling with MS on the Olympic Peninsula Loop
In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, the Olympic Peninsula Loop presents a formidable challenge for cyclists, especially those cycling with MS. For Nikki, a rider on the 2023 Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour with Bike the US for MS, this ride was not just a test of physical endurance, but a profound j ...
Celebrating Your MS Fundraising Impact: The Power of Cycling for a Cause with Bike the US for MS in 2023
In 2023, Bike the US for MS has shown that cycling for a cause can create waves of positive change. Our collective pedaling isn't just about the journey; it's a driving force in supporting and uplifting those living with multiple sclerosis (MS). This article highlights the achievements of our cycli ...
TWELVE DAYS OF CARING – the Bike the US for MS take on a holiday classic
Alumni Tailwinds - December 2023 by Alumni Coordinators Kelly Wolf & Neil McCallum with help from Shirley 🎶 On the first day of Caring, my Route Leader gave to me, a MS tee shirt and water bottle 🎶 🎶 On the second day of Caring, my Route Leader gave to me, a bright Bike the US for M ...
Adjusting to life after a cycling journey – Alumni Tailwinds
After the Finish Line - November 2023 by Alumni Coordinators Kelly Wolf & Neil McCallum Completing a cross-country bike ride is undoubtedly an extraordinary achievement, but the journey doesn't end at the finish line. As we wrap up the 2023 cycling season, we wanted to discuss some of the ...
Our 2023 MS Bike Ride Season Recap
New Routes and Familiar Faces Unclip your cleats, dip that tire, and pop some champagne. It's time to celebrate a successful 2023 season for Bike the US for MS and our MS bike ride fundraisers. In addition to our classic cross country bike tour, the Northern Tier, and long distance cycle ...
Alumni Family: Our Bike the US for MS Community
A TAILWINDS feature by Alumni Coordinators Neil McCallum and Kelly Wolf The recent Olympic Peninsula ride provided a perfect opportunity for an impromptu alumni reunion. Many hugs and stories were exchanged. What a wonderful opportunity to create and renew friendships! Our alumn ...
Our Alumni Living with MS
For MS awareness month, we thought we could highlight some of our fabulous Bike the US for MS alumni who currently live with multiple sclerosis. This month we’ve talked to Lina Garada and Mirjam Buren to see what they’ve been up to and hear some of their favorite memories from the ride. This Tai ...
Introducing James Whateley: The New Face of Bike the US for MS and Bike the UK for MS as Executive Director
Following Cassie's farewell from the organization in April, after over a decade of dedicated effort, James Whateley will be coming onboard in a new role as Executive Director of both Bike the US for MS and Bike the UK for MS. He has a rich history with the organization, having first encountered the ...
Farewell to Cassie Wertz: The Heart of Bike the US for MS
Join us in saying goodbye to Cassie Wertz, the Executive Director of Bike the US for MS, who dedicated the past decade to raising awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis. Read about her impact and legacy on our organization and the lives she touched.
Ellie Hawthorne
A little about Ellie What is your age? I am 23 years old. Where do you live? Bozeman, Montana What is your profession? I am currently working as a chiropractic assistant and a physical therapy aid. Who knows what the future holds though! What bike do you ride? I ride a Diva Orbea. What ...
Sean Kerr
A little about Sean What is your age? 32 Where do you live? I work down in Antarctica half the year, but am based out of the Greenville, SC area What is your profession? Emergency and Operations Dispatcher. Part-time artist. What bike do you ride? Lady Jade. She’s green. She’s bea ...
Liz Kantak
A little about Liz What is your age? I am 24, almost 25. A quarter of a century - makes a girl think. Where do you live? Atlanta, Georgia. What is your profession? During the day, I work as a bike technician for REI. In the afternoons, I help coach a high school rowing team. What bike do you r ...
Jen Vetrovs
A little about Jen What is your age? I turned 51 while we were riding across the country. Where do you live? I have lived in Seattle since 1987, but grew up in upstate New York. What is your profession? Registered Nurse What bike do you ride? Colnago CX-Zero What route/year did you ride with ...
Richard Davies
A little about Richard What is your age? I was 69 when I rode the Northern Tier in 2014. What made you want to ride your bike across the country? Was on my bucket list to ride across the the United States for several years. Where do you live? Albuquerque, NM What is y ...
Michelle Ellis
Has the trip changed you as a person or the way you see life? Absolutely. I met so many interesting people who have influenced my choices for the better. Life is too short not to follow your passion and enjoy a balanced life-style. I quit my job during the ride (Eureka, MT) and decided to move out w ...
Larry Siestma
What’s your favorite memory from your trip? The great feeling when, at a rest stop, people come up and thank you for riding for them. Some are MS survivors and others have relatives, friends and coworkers with MS. It is an amazing feeling. Secondly, riding through the Avenu ...