Every Bike the US for MS season can be measured in miles ridden, dollars raised and places visited. But some of the best ways to understand what a summer on the road really means come from the people who experienced it.
Throughout 2026, riders joined us for adventures across the country, from the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys to the mountains and coastline of the Pacific Northwest, the gravel roads of Vermont, the Pacific Coast and thousands of miles across the TransAmerica route.
At the end of their rides, we asked our cyclists to tell us about their experiences.
Their answers talked about beautiful places and difficult days, new friendships, Route Leaders who went above and beyond, encounters with people affected by multiple sclerosis and the feeling of accomplishing something they may once have thought impossible.
What the Ride Really Meant to our Riders
Every rider arrives with a different reason for being there. For some, it is the challenge of riding across a state or an entire country. For others, it is the chance to explore somewhere new, meet new people or use cycling to support a cause that matters to them.
One Pacific Coast rider described the experience:
“It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to ride my bike through such an unbelievably beautiful part of the country with such wonderfully kind, supportive, hilarious people united by a common cause.”
For a TransAmerica rider, the opportunity brought together several things they loved:
“What a great way to combine your love of cycling, a desire to explore our awesome country, and to support a very worthy cause! A truly unique experience that you will never forget!”
Another summed it up simply:
“Bike the US for MS provided me the opportunity to help others while seeing the country from my bike. I learned more than I could have ever imagined during the summer of a lifetime.”
And on our shortest surveyed adventure of the year, one Vermont Gravel rider perhaps captured the spirit of the organization best:
“Bike touring with great people for a cause, we must be doing something right as we all keep coming back.”
Strangers Become Teammates
Our riders may begin their adventures as a collection of people from different backgrounds, ages and parts of the country, but spending days or weeks travelling together has a habit of changing that.
On the Olympic Peninsula, one cyclist described how:
“The support team fostered a happy atmosphere for former strangers to come together and enjoy a diverse ride encompassing varying climactic and topographic conditions while supporting a heartwarming cause.”
On the Pacific Coast, riders spoke about the value of taking time to enjoy not just the route, but the people around them.
One rider offered this advice to future cyclists:
“Try to spend time with everyone on the team. Sometimes you can be pleasantly surprised when you step out of your comfort zone.”
Another encouraged future Pacific Coast riders not to rush through the experience:
“This ride isn’t about getting from point A to point B. Take your time, stay a while at the cool views, shop local, grab a second breakfast with the team, MEANDER like your life depends on it.”
That sense of community was just as important on the opposite side of the country.
Reflecting on the Florida Coast, one rider wrote:
“The group was incredible. Thank you so much for your organization and help throughout. It was a life changing experience.”
Another had an even simpler reaction:
“I am addicted! I just love all aspects and the experience and wish I was retired so I could jump on the bike more often.”
Supported Through Every Mile
Our rides are designed to give cyclists the freedom to experience an adventure by bike while knowing there is a team behind them. Throughout the surveys, riders repeatedly highlighted the work of their Route Leaders.
One TransAmerica cyclist wrote:
“The route leaders were fantastic, and it was evident how much work was taking place behind the scenes to keep us safe and on the road. Thank you.”
Another said:
“I was amazed how organized they were considering only 2 had prior experience. Your training program and selection criteria must be very good.”
The support often showed itself in the small moments. One rider remembered breaking a wheel and watching Route Leader Jonathan go out of his way to find a replacement:
“After he replaced the wheel, I noticed him spinning it for the next couple of days to make sure it was working properly.”
For another TransAmerica cyclist, it was the everyday support that exceeded expectations:
“Van support was far better than expected. Same with water support. I brought extra bottles that I did not need as rest stops were great.”
Florida Coast riders also praised their Route Leaders for being there when they needed them:
“The route leaders were super accommodating with helping to fix flats and make sure everyone was safe.”
Sometimes the best sign that things are running smoothly is everything riders never have to think about.
As another Florida Coast cyclist put it:
“I didn’t notice a lot of problems, so I guess they did a great job!”
When the Adventure Doesn’t Go to Plan
Of course, riding hundreds or thousands of miles rarely goes exactly according to plan.
The 2026 TransAmerica team encountered flooding, extreme weather, a ferry disruption, mechanical problems and wildfire smoke as they worked their way west across the country.
Those moments became part of the story too. One cyclist remembered:
“So many great examples – dealing with the broken trailer, flood, out of service ferry, church funeral, shower alternatives.”
Another said:
“Our route leaders did an exceptional job of rising to the challenge when we were faced with things like flooding, closed ferries, and wildfire smoke.”
And one rider reflected on just how much was happening behind the scenes:
“I was amazed at how the organization could manage all the balls in the air the entire time we were on our bikes, doing an incredibly challenging tour.”
It is not always the easy days that stay with you. For one TransAmerica rider, the difficulty was an important part of what made the experience meaningful:
“One of the hardest but most meaningful journeys that I have ever been on. You will be hugged by strangers, laugh with new friends and probably cry too, but you will come through stronger and happier.”
On the Pacific Coast, another rider found a mantra to carry them through:
“‘I can and I will!’ Became my mental mantra. This ride was the perfect challenge.”
Riding for Something Bigger
The bikes and the adventure bring our teams together, but the reason behind every Bike the US for MS ride remains the same. Our cyclists ride to raise funds and awareness for people living with multiple sclerosis.
For many riders, opportunities to meet people affected by MS helped turn that mission from something they had read about into something much more personal.
After riding the Florida Coast and Keys, one cyclist told us:
“I met so many folks with a connection to MS who inspired me to ride in their honor because it is such a prevalent disease and we need to continue to find a cure.”
Another Florida Coast rider said meeting members of the MS community helped them better understand why they were riding:
“I felt like I learned more about MS through our connections with pre-set up meetings this go round.”
The same was true across the country.
One TransAmerica rider reflected:
“This journey emphasized for me the importance of the human aspects of MS – creating a physical and emotional environment that makes the condition as livable as possible.”
Another explained why they chose to spend their summer riding across America:
“I rode across the country with Bike the U.S. for MS because I wanted to do what I love in a way that serves others. Together, we were able to fulfill our lifelong dreams while raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to help people fight this terrible disease.”
It is that combination of adventure and purpose that continues to bring riders to Bike the US for MS.
The Ride of a Lifetime
There are plenty of ways to describe a season like 2026.
But perhaps our riders say it better.
One TransAmerica cyclist called it:
“The opportunity for the ride of a lifetime that helps others at the same time.”
Another simply said:
“This is the best organization to ride with. They have thought through everything.”
On the Olympic Peninsula, the verdict was equally straightforward:
“I would highly recommend the team and the ride.”
And after another summer spent cycling across America in support of people living with MS, one rider’s advice for anyone considering doing the same seems like an appropriate place to finish:
“Enjoy the journey on a daily basis. Every day is unique to what you might see or experience. Enjoy those moments with your fellow riders. You have so much more in common than you ever imagined.”
To everyone who rode, fundraised, volunteered, hosted our teams, supported a cyclist or became part of our journey in 2026. Thank you. You helped make another unforgettable season possible.
And for the riders joining us in 2027, your own story is waiting to be written.
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