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May is already upon us which means summer is almost here. Take advantage of the nice weather and hit the road (remember to stay hydrated)! Training is essential to have a fun and safe ride at Bike MS: Vegas Challenge. Take advantage of TrainingPeaks, the official training software of Bike MS and view our other training tips.
Fundraise! Whether you're fundraising online using your Participant Center, making phone calls or in-person asks, getting started early will help you reach and surpass your fundraising goals. Our favorite May fundraising ideas include hosting a party for Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day or World MS Day on May 29, organizing a neighborhood car wash or hosting a garage sale. Check out our Fundraising Ideas page for more inspiration.
Recruit! We have great resources in our Team Captain Guide to help you tap into your networks and find new team members. Share the fun and inspire others to join your team in 2013.
Get social! Stay connected with Bike MS: Vegas Challenge on Facebook and Twitter. Share your photos, ask questions, post events and help us build our community.
Bike MS is more than a ride. It's an incredible journey that is helping creating a world free of MS. Cycling is symbolic of our goal to keep moving forward. The miles you're cycling, the money you're fundraising and the awareness you're spreading are making a difference. Here's how:
Cycling Helps Derek with His MS
Fundraising Propels Research Forward
The National MS Society has committed another $18 million to support up to 65 new MS research projects, including:
- A Harvard study asking whether low testosterone levels increase the risk of developing MS for men, to determine whether sex hormones can be manipulated to stop MS in its tracks;
- A multi-center study exploring whether there's a link between microbes in the gut and the risk of developing MS in childhood, for clues to how this link might help to end MS forever;
- A $506k grant to Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl at UCLA to look at how genes on the chromosones that determine gender may influence the severity of MS, to understand why the progression of MS differs in men and women and possibly find new ideas about how to slow or halt disease progression.
Awareness and Advocacy Lead to ACTION
In mid-April, the U.S. House of Representatives was circulating letters of support that would ask Congress to fund MS research. Because of the efforts of MS activists, these letters received an extraordinary number of cosigners! Whether you're spreading awareness through Bike MS or taking action with the MS Activist Network, our advocacy efforts are leading to great things.
More cyclists are hitting the pavement in May and cycling etiquette is a MUST. Bike MS cyclists are all ambassadors for cycling as we travel along the roadways and through the many communities along the way. Be considerate of those around you, including cyclists and drivers. Review our Cycling Etiquette Guide to brush up on important tips for passing, giving vocal warnings and general customs and etiquette. If you haven't already, it's time to start actively thinking about safety on the road as you're training for Bike MS. Be sure to also review our safety information resources.
If you have any questions about safety or would like additional resources, we are here to help! Please call us at (310) 479-4456 or email us a CalBike@nmss.org.
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