MS 150 Bike Tour, Bike to the Border

Charlottesville, Virginia Bike Tours

Active Adventure

When asked how he developed the theory of relativity, Albert Einstein said, "I thought of that while riding my bike."
While bicycling in the BLue Ridge Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's 12th Annual STOP IN FOOD STORES MS 150 bike tour won't help you unlock the mysteries of quantum physics, it may be the smartest move you can make this summer.
More than 500 cyclists and 200 volunteers will participate in this premier summertime event that travels from Charlottesville to the John H. Kerr Reservoir on the Virginia/North Carolina border on the weekend of June 10th and 11th.
If cycling 150 (option of 200) sounds daunting, don't despair! One does not need to be an expert cyclist to ride in the MS 150. In fact, the National MS Society encourages amateurs by having rest stops stocked with healthy food and drink every 10-15 miles along the route. There are also SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles patrolling the roads to give weary riders a lift, medics to provide on-the-spot medical care and even bike mechanics to take care of flat tires and other problems along the road.
The STOP IN FOOD STORES MS 150 BIKE TOUR offers air-conditioned overnight accommodations, entertainment (Mando Mafia band), and meals at Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia. The tour ends Sunday, June 11th, at the John H. Kerr reservoir where a finish line celebration awaits complete with swimming, great food, and transportation back to Charlottesville.
Cyclists collect pledges to support MS research and fund local programs that provide people with MS with accurate information, help themfind and keep jobs, and help families cope with the disease - all things that improve the quality of life for people with MS.
For more than 50 years the Society has provided hope and help for more people with MS than any other national voluntary MS organization: hope through our 300 national and international research programs, and help through services that improve the quality of life for families affected by MS.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It causes unpredicatable symptoms ranging from weakness to total paralysis that come and go without warning or pattern. It affects nearly one-third of a million people in the US; a new case is diagnosed every hour. MS is called the "prime of life" disease because it strikes young adults and is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.
Help the National MS Society end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis! For more information about the bike tour contact the Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at (804) 971-8010 or (800) 451-0373.

Typical Day

The MS 150 Bike Tour starts in Charlottesville, Virginia at Monticello High School. Packet pick-up and check-in on the morning of June 10th starts at 5:45 am and continues until 7:45 am. Early packet pick-up is available on Friday, June 9th, from 4 pm until 8 pm. Riders may begin the MS 150 between 6:30 am and 7:45 am on Saturday, June 10th. Starting times will be staggered, with groups of 20 leaving every 2-3 minutes. All cyclists must start by 8 am.
The route is mostly rolling terrain, with some flat stretches, lots of gentle hills and a few large hills. Traffic is expected to be light and the route will be marked with arrows and signs. Rest stops are available every 10-15 miles. Each day is approximately 75 miles in length. On both days, a century loop will be available for the strong and brave who want to log 100 miles for that day.
On Sunday, riders will depart Farmville and travel 75 miles (or 100 for century riders) to the John H. Kerr Reservoir on the Virginia/North Carolina border near Boydton, VA. Riders will receive a completion certificate upon arrival at the finish line. Transportation for riders (and their bikes) and volunteers will be provided back to Charlottesville.

Age range, type of group

Most of the cyclists in the MS 150 Bike Tour range in age from 20 to 55. Teams are encouraged and welcome to participate in the MS 150! For more information on help on forming a team, please contact the Blue Ridge Chapter!

Sleeping and meals

The lovely campus of Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia will be hosting the MS 150 group the night of Saturday, June 10. Riders and volunteers who work both days of the tour will be assigned an air-conditioned room free-of-charge. All sleeping assignments will be made in advance, and you will receive your assignment when you pick up your packet. We will make every effort to accommodate your roommate preferences. No changes can be made the day of the ride. The dorms have single beds. Pillows, sheets and blankets must be provided by the riders/volunteers. Showers will be provided. Teams will be assigned to the same area. Hotel rooms at the rider's/volunteer's expense are also available in Farmville. Shuttles will run between campus and local hotels during the evening and next morning.
At the overnight, massage therapists will be available from 11 am until 6 pm for a $10 fee on a first come, first serve basis. The pool will also be open at various times on Saturday. Basketball and volleyball courts and equipment will be available for use. An entertaining evening program will feature an awards ceremony and Mando Mafia, an award-winning global string band.
No need to bring food with you, we'll have rest stops every 10-15 miles along the route and lunch will be provided on the course both days. These stops offer an opportunity for food and beverage, and a place to rest. Water and sport beverage will be at rest stops.
Dinner will be served at the college on Saturday from 5 pm to 7 pm. At Longwood on Saturday night there will be beer and soda 5 pm to 7 pm. You must have your driver's license with you to be served- everyone will be carded. Breakfast on Sunday will be served in the dining hall between 5:30 am and 7 am.

Restrictions

Riders and volunteers under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian's signature. If under 16, a parent or guardian must be present at the event.

Rates

All expenses are included in the registration fee for particpants and two-day volunteers. Family members not volunteering may stay at Longwood for an additional $37 for meals and lodging.
The registration fee is $30 through May 8, 2000, and $35 after May 8, 2000. The minimum requirement for pledges is $200 but last year's pledge average was $375. All pledges are due postmarked by July 10, 2000, but you are encouraged to collect pledges as you go and turn them in at packet pick-up. The Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides riders with tips on fund-raising.

For more information on how to ride or volunteer, contact the Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Contact Name: Kim Elliott
Telephone: (804) 971-8010 or (800) 451-0373 in Virginia
Fax: (804) 979-4475
Email: k

Other Information

The MS 150 Bike Tour has a dual purpose: 1) to raise funds for MS research, advocacy and local programs for people who have MS and their families and 2) to educate the public about MS and the importance of early intervention.
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the centrla nervous system. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 55. Symptoms of MS vary from person to person. They may include muscle stiffness or spasms, eye problems, weakness, numbness or tingling, loss of balance, trembling, poor coordination, and partial or complete paralysis of any part of the body.
The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are giving hope to those affected by the disease. The management of MS has been substantially advanced by new disease-modifying agents. In addition to suporting research and advocacy, the Blue Ridge Chapter offers educational and support programs for over 1,750 people with MS and their families in northwest and southwest Virginia.

Charlottesville, Virginia Bike Tours