Back to Home Pagecycling utah August 1999
The Utah Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society raised an all-time high in donations and exceeded their fund-raising goal of $200,000 at the 13th annual Utah's Best Dam MS 150 Bike Tour held June 26-27 in Cache Valley.
Nearly 700 bikers turned in $223,554 in donations, with more money still coming in. Participation was up 30 percent over last year's 550 riders.
"We are absolutely delighted that we exceeded this year's MS 150 Bike Tour fund-raising goal," said Utah Chapter President Tami Featherstone. "We are very grateful to the dedicated bikers who rode 150 miles in two days to raise money to fight multiple sclerosis."
Each cyclist raised a minimum of $150 in pledges before riding, either by flat donations or per mile pedaled. Proceeds raised help fund research into the cause and cure of multiple sclerosis (MS) and help provide services to Utahns with MS.
From a rider's perspective, the weather the weekend of the MS 150 Bike Tour was perfect, with very little wind and plenty of sunshine. Riders approached rest stops every 10-12 miles, supplied with food, drinks and cheering volunteers. Massage therapists were at the lunch rest stop and start/finish line.
Bingham's Cyclery was on hand to provide free mechanical support along the route, as well as SAG vehicles for emergency assistance.
For cycling enthusiasts, a century ride option was new at this year's event. Eighty riders took on the challenge and rode an additional 25 miles at the end of Saturday's 75-mile route.
On day two, riders fueled up with a hearty pancake and egg breakfast before leaving for the day's ride. Before heading home for the weekend, everyone was rewarded one more time with dinner and a big thanks from the Utah Chapter MS staff and volunteers.
Sixty percent of the riders were first-time participants. Whether riding as a first-timer, or a die-hard who returns each year, many seemed to agree that the Utah's Best Dam MS 150 Bike Tour was one of the best in the country.
Since their inception, the MS 150 Bike Tours, which combine for the country's largest organized cycling series, have generated $200 million. There are 140 tours held across the country, which raised $22 million just last year.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. For more information on the Utah Chapter of the National MS Society you can call (801) 493-0113 or 1-800-527-8116. 24-hour national hotline at 1-800-FIGHT MS or by visiting our website at www.nmss.org.
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