Dozens of cyclists put the pedal to the metal in the fight to end multiple sclerosis.
The 22nd annual Johnson MS Bike Tour took place across Central Alberta on Aug. 27 and 28.
This year, the two-day event was hosted in Penhold and made a stop in Innisfail during the morning of Aug 28.
“We have 125 registered, including 20 teams and the majority of our riders registered for the two days,” said Kim Desjardins, development coordinator for the Central Alberta chapter of the MS Society of Canada. “It is a challenge event so we put them to the test.”
Participants began the annual event in Penhold at the Penhold Regional Multiplex and rode a set number of kilometres on a designated route throughout Central Alberta. The first day saw participants ride either a 70- or 80-kilometre route, and on day two a 55-kilometre route, for a total of more than 130 kilometres over the two-day event.
“Nationally there are 27 bike tours (every year). Within Alberta there are three road tours and one mountain bike tour in Hinton,” said Desjardins. “The largest road (bike) tour in Canada takes place from Leduc to Camrose, with over 2,000 riders.”
Prior to the event, each participant who registered had to raise a minimum of $300 for MS in addition to their registration fee, noted Desjardins. As of Aug. 27, the total amount raised for the event was just under $120,000.
Fundraising efforts will continue into the fall in hopes of reaching their $175,000 goal this year.
“They're still fundraising. (Participants) are allowed to fundraise until October,” said Desjardins, noting the generous nature of Albertans. “We are the top fundraisers in the nation, in all of Canada.”
Canada is the number 1 country in the world for people living with MS and Alberta is the number 1 province, noted Desjardins.
“Not only are these riders out here, most likely they are touched by somebody with MS, living with MS or they know somebody with MS,” she said. “This may be a tough day for them, but it's minor in comparison to somebody living with MS.
“They're out here toiling through it.”
One of those participants was Innisfail resident Charles Silk.
“It's fun, we're well supported and it goes to a good cause,” said Silk, noting this was his ninth year participating in the MS Bike Tour in Central Alberta.
This year he was participating in the event as part of a team.
“It's awesome and it's terrific exercise,” he added. “You have to train for it and we train about once a week and I ride to work too.”
Silk noted he has a family member living with MS and said the Johnson MS Bike Tour is a great way to help raise needed funds and show his support for the organization and people with MS.
“It feels great to go contribute to something bigger than yourself and make a difference,” Silk concluded.
Charles Silk, Innisfail participant.
"It feels great to go contribute to something bigger than yourself and make a difference."
