Kentucky Student Whose Mom Has MS to Cycle Across US with Other Fund-raisers

Caleb Taylor, a second-year University of Kentucky Law School student, has chosen a challenging way to raise awareness and raise funds for multiple sclerosis, a disease that changed his family’s life forever when it struck his mother.

Taylor will pedal across America as part of the Bike the US for MS campaign, which will not only raise awareness of the disease but also funds for multiple sclerosis research.

The cyclists who take part in the Bike the US for MS initiative will ride 4,295 miles across 15 states in 69 days.

The tour, which will begin May 27 in Bar Harbor, Maine, is expected to end August 4 in Seattle. Its initial stretch will take the cyclists from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River in Minnesota. Then the cyclists will head for Glacier National Park in Montana, a stretch of rivers, mountains, and natural beauty. And then on to Seattle.

“Spending nearly 70 days living out of a tent will inevitably teach me something,” Taylor said in a University of Kentucky news story reported by Ashley Ritchie. “I look forward to the simplicity of living with less.”

When Taylor’s mother was diagnosed with MS in 2001, it brought immense changes to his household.

“I was inspired to partner with Bike the US for MS as soon as I realized such an organization existed,” Taylor said. “My mother was diagnosed with MS in 2001. Watching her struggle with different treatment options was part of my childhood.”

To train for the adventure, Taylor has been riding his bike everywhere. He has also started working as a Jimmy John’s delivery cyclist — both to make money and train.

The cross-continent cyclists will stop in towns across the United States to participate in local MS projects. They will help with yard work,  build wheelchair ramps, and take part in home renovations.

Each bicyclists’ goal is to raise $1 per mile, or $4,295. Ninety percent of the proceeds will go to research, treatment and community service projects for those living with MS.

Taylor’s ride has a sponsor — Big Ass Fans — but he will also accept donations. If you want to help him raise funds for MS, please visit this link.