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 ...
Bike 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 ...
Claire Dal Nogare
What’s your favorite memory from your trip? So many memories. One of the best, was when the entire TransAm 2014 team was at dinner with the Charlottesville, Virginia MS Society. Don (BTUSFMS Founder) surprised us all by presenting a family with a much needed handicapped van. The tears were a'plenty, ...
Zach Wasielewski
Do you have any pieces of general advice for new cyclists? This trip is hard to prepare for and a major accomplishment to complete, but the toughest part by far is saying goodbye. Saying goodbye to the friends who live in various places across the country and goodbye to the lifestyle you grew accust ...
Octavia Mullhern
A little about Octavia What is your age? 20, but I was 19 when I did the trip. What made you want to ride your bike across the country? I love riding my bike, I love travelling and exploring new places, and when I found out that I could do it for a good cause, then I saw no reason for me not to d ...