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
We were lucky enough to have a full team this year, with 30 riders who were all very committed to helping folks with MS. This means that we were able to split into two groups for our service projects in Cleveland.
This year, one group returned to the North Coast MS Home to spruce up the yard so the residents could enjoy their time outside. Years of Northern Tier alumni have done yard work projects such as mulching, trimming shrubs, planting flowers, washing windows, pressure washing, and more.
The other half of the team had the opportunity to get a private tour and presentation by Northern Tier cyclist Mia Cozart’s colleagues at the Cleveland Clinic MS Center. This was an amazing chance to get the latest insights into the forefront of MS research.
Minneapolis, MN – Fairview MS Achievement Center and Deck Staining Project
With their two rest days in Minneapolis, the Northern Tier team had time to make two stops. The first was a visit to Fairview Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center – long-term partners of Bike the US for MS.
The team had a lovely visit with some of the staff and members of the center to hear their stories and learn about the opportunities that the center offers. We continue to be in awe of Fairview’s exceptional work in wellness, rehabilitation, and community-building for people living with MS.
Next, the team presented our “big check” with this year’s donation of $15,000. This generous donation was made possible by the incredible fundraising efforts of the Northern Tier team, who raised over $250,000.
On their second rest day, the Northern Tier team had the amazing opportunity to stain a wheelchair ramp at Heather’s home outside of Minneapolis. The stain will make it more durable and weather-resistant and also looks great!
Boston to Cape Cod
Visit to MS Dream Center
Our Boston to Cape Cod team had the chance to visit the MS Dream Center in Providence, RI. The afternoon was a very emotionally moving experience for both the team members and participants at the center. Many were tearful and there were plenty of personal stories and hugs shared. Bike the US for MS will be making a $3000 donation to the MS Dream Center that will go towards keeping their programming accessible and free for everyone!
Olympic Peninsula
Visit with the Ministry of Silly Walkers
The Olympic Peninsula team got to spend a very enjoyable afternoon in Sequim, WA with an MS support group who call themselves the Ministry of Silly Walkers. This is our third year in a row meeting with the Silly Walkers! They provided a lovely spread of snacks for the team and stayed to chat for several hours. We hope to see them again on next year’s trip!
Our service projects and involvement with the MS community are critical to our mission. They are what make Bike the US for MS trips so meaningful.
Alumni, drop a comment below if you have a service project from a past trip that was particularly memorable!
