MS Canada’s annual MS Bike events set to roll out this summer
Event organizers welcome cyclists of all levels to participate
MS Canada is calling on everyone across Canada to tune up their bikes and join one of the many MS Bike rides this coming summer to help raise funds for research, advocacy, and support programs on behalf of people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
With distances ranging from 45 to 190 km (about 28 to 118 miles) over one or two days, the MS Bike series kicks off on June 21-22 with two events in Alberta, one connecting Airdrie to Olds and the other, Leduc to Camrose.
There’s also a virtual ride option for anyone who can’t join in person, which can be completed anytime between June and September by recording 90 km (about 56 miles) on Ride with GPS. Those registered for an in-person event may switch to the virtual option at any time.
“By participating in MS Bike, you are fueling groundbreaking research, helping us advocate for positive systems change, and providing support programs to improve the well-being of everyone affected by this disease,” Pamela Valentine, CEO of MS Canada, said in press release about the Canadian nonprofit.
A worthwhile effort
MS Bike welcomes cyclists of all levels and helps everyone prepare for their chosen event. All rides offer first aid and mechanical support, with transportation available when possible. Volunteers are stationed along each route to ensure safety and proper cycling etiquette.
“It may seem like an intimidating challenge, but it is such an energizing experience and well worth the effort. It is also an accessible and fully supported route where everyone can ride at their own pace,” said Patrycia Rzechowka, an MS Bike ambassador who’s participated in the events for 14 years.
In addition to the kickoff events, other 2025 MS Bike rides include:
- July 12-13, Chilliwack, British Columbia
- July 26-27 Grand Bend to London, Ontario
- Aug. 9-10, Windsor, Nova Scotia
- Aug. 9, Cowichan, British Columbia
- Aug. 16-17, Ottawa to Cornwall, Ontario
- Aug. 23-24, Gimli, Manitoba
- Aug. 23-24, Victoriaville, Québec
- Sept. 6-7, Hinton, Alberta
- Sept. 13, Waskesiu, Saskatchewan.
This year’s goal is to raise CA$5 million ($3.5 million) for the more than 90,000 Canadians living with MS, alongg with for the many others who are diagnosed each year.
“People affected by MS are at the heart of everything we do at MS Canada,” Valentine said. “Every two hours someone in Canada is diagnosed with the disease; it truly affects us all.”
As in previous fundraisers, the money helps support important programs that offer information about MS, assist with navigating healthcare, and create connections for people living with the disease. It also funds research too better understand MS and develop more effective treatments.
“I am here to invite you to take the leap and join us,” Rzechowka said. “Every kilometer we ride together brings us closer to a world without MS. MS Bike brings about an incredible sense of community and purpose — the ripple effect of our efforts is tangible.”
An MS Bike app, available for both Android and iOS, makes tracking activity easier by syncing with a fitness tracker to log every kilometer, join team challenges for motivation, and raise funds easily through text, social media, and email.
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