MS Canada’s annual bike from Airdrie to Olds event is set to take place June 21 and 22.
For the 36th year in the making, hundreds of community members are expected to participate in the two-day bike event.
With less than a month left to train, MS Canada is encouraging anyone who is curious about the multi-day bike event to consider taking on the challenge by signing up as soon as possible.
Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with a Canadian being diagnosed with MS every two hours. In total, more than 90,000 Canadians live with MS.
By joining MS Bike, participants get to tackle an energizing challenge in a supportive, safe, and vibrant environment that fosters meaningful community connections all while supporting the MS community.
MS Bike - Airdrie to Olds is a two-day weekend biking event with the goal of raising funds to support people living with multiple sclerosis.
This event is one of 11 MS Bike events happening over a four-month period across Canada.
This year, MS Bike - Airdrie to Olds has a fundraising goal of $700,000, with over $400,000 raised to date.
Quyn Larson, Lead of Community Fundraising at MS Canada, said funds go towards groundbreaking research and programming like peer support across the country.
"This brings people together - cyclists and those connected to MS," Larson said. "It's a big challenge and what we say is every km and every dollar brings us closer to a cure."
The route kicks off in Airdrie, goes through Crossfield, contains a lunch stop in Carstairs, and progresses north on rural roads to Olds where participants will spend the night at Olds College. The second day follows a similar route all the way back to Airdrie.
Larson explained that there is longer and shorter routes, with shuttles available for those who aren't able to finish or only wish to do the first day.
"Don't feel intimated by the kilometres," Larson assured.
The unique event is known for its food and features rest stops where participants are offered fresh baked bread, and other things.
After participants enjoy their bread, they must conquer the only hill on the course, aptly named "death hill."
It’s smooth sailing from there, with giant Jenga games, cookies, lawn games along the way, and a beer garden with a live DJ to finish off the first day.
To top it all off, bikers get to enjoy a catered meal of smoked meat to celebrate finishing the ride on Sunday afternoon at TransCanada Turbines.
Friends and family are welcome to gather at the finish line on Sunday, June 22 for a BBQ, face painting, and a chance to cheer on riders.
There are currently 452 participants registered, making the Airdrie to Olds ride one of the third largest in all of Canada.
People can sign up of find out more at msspbike.donordrive.com .
