ReturnThe eleventh annual "Utah's Best Dam MS 150 Bike Tour," hosted by the Utah Chapter National Multiple Sclerosis Society is Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28, in Cache Valley, Utah. Nearly 500 cyclists from throughout the state are expected to pedal 150 miles (75 miles each day) to raise money for the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS).
Utah's Best Dam MS 150 Bike Tour is our biggest fund-raising event of the year," said Utah Chapter President Tami Featherstone. "We are counting on MS 150 cyclists and volunteers to help us meet or beat this year's fund raising goal so we can continue offering hope to Utahns living with this devastating disease," added Featherstone.
The Utah Chapter aims to raise at least $150,000 in pledges this year. Cyclists raise money per mile pedaled or by flat donations and are required to raise and turn in a minimum of $150 in donations on or before the MS 150 Bike Tour to participate. All money raised helps fund re-search into the cause and cure of multiple sclerosis and provide local services to Utahns living with MS.
"While recent MS research advances have been very encouraging, we must not lose sight of our ultimate goal: to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. Thousand of Utahns living with MS are relying on us to bring them closer to more effective treatments, and even a cure," added Featherstone.
The scenic two-day route will begin each day at the Cache County Fair Grounds at 9 a.m. Throughout the route, cyclists are catered with food and drink rest stops every 10 - 15 miles. Also present throughout the ride will be medical, communication, and mechanical support. When cyclists aren't riding, they'll be treated to massage therapists, hearty meals, free camping and festive activities.
For the more recreational rider and family cyclist, an optional, shorter route has been designed. This route will include a 40 mile ride each day, for a total of 80 miles.
Presenting sponsor of the 1998 Utah's Best Darn MS 150 Bike Tour is Icon Health and Fitness, Inc. Other major sponsors include: American Express, Laminating Specialties, Team Rhonda, Utah Commercial Contractors, Inc., Wells Fargo, Westminster College, Ken Garff Volvo, USU Community Credit Union, IHC Rehabilitation Services, Great Western Business Forms, Dan's Foods, Sysco, Cool Water, Coca Cola, Powerbar, Einstein's Bagels, X96 Radio and The Giant Radio.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that randomly attacks a person's nervous system, wearing away the control one has over the body. Symptoms may range from numbness to paralysis and blindness. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, but the unpredictable physical and emotional effects can last for the rest of their lives.
The Utah Chapter National MS Society provides free services including: information and referral, counseling, physical/ hydro therapy, equipment loan, and social and recreational activities for Utahns living with MS.
For registration information, please call 493-0113 or 1-800-527-8116 or visit the National MS Society at http://www.nmss. org.
Please note: The "Dam" in Utah's Best Dam MS 150 Bike Tour is in reference to the water dams and reservoirs passed along the route.
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