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MS Bike Tour to Roll into Cornwall

July 25, 2016
By Bob Peters and Kassandra Blais

Cornwall Ontario – Hundreds of cyclists are expected to pedal their way to Cornwall with the MS Bike Tour during the first weekend of August.

They will be taking part in the MS Bike Tour, and will have cycled from Ottawa to Cornwall. Many will stay overnight at the NAV CENTRE in Cornwall.

“We expect over 700 people this year, and that includes cyclists, families and volunteers,” says Karen Torrie-Racine, Volunteer Office Manager of the Cornwall & District Chapter of the MS Society. “Everyone is welcome to take part in this great event.”

The MS Bike Tour offers cyclist of all fitness levels the opportunity to help end MS while enjoying a great cycling experience.

“The MS Bike is the largest fundraiser of the MS Society, and Cornwall and the NAV CENTRE has certainly helped us offer a very attractive event for cyclists,” says Leanne Anderson, Director of Community Development for the MS Society of Canada, Ottawa Chapter. “We are celebrating our 27th anniversary and our 5th anniversary of going to Cornwall. Our goal this year is to raise $590,000 for MS research, programs and services.”

Locally, funds have gone towards client services such as home care. In the past four years, $102,000 has been rasied to help programs in Cornwall alone.

About the Route

The Ottawa to Cornwall MS Bike Tour will take off at 8:00 am on Saturday, August 6th at the Metcalfe Arena and continues along country roads, the Long Sault Parkway and Cornwall’s waterfront recreational path.  The first day of the tour offers three distances to choose from – 80 km, 100 km or 125 km. After a full day of cycling through a combination of hills, flats and incredible scenery, the first day concludes along the St. Lawrence River at the NAV CENTRE in Cornwall.

An extra 30km loop from NAV to Hamilton’s Island and back is also available.

Cyclists have the option of returning to the Metcalfe Arena by bus on Saturday or by cycling 65 km or 90 km back to the area the following day.

The Cornwall Chapter is responsible for the Ingleside to Cornwall section of the route. Additonal volunteers are welcome.

For those who choose to stay for the second day of cycling, there is no shortage of entertainment and things to do at the NAV CENTRE. With a corn roast, a refreshing ice cream station, live music and a silent auction all on the patio of Jet Set Pub, the atmosphere is set for an afternoon of summer socializing, and good times are sure to be had by all.

“The Ottawa and Cornwall Chapters have been able to work very effectively together and we have developed a strong partnership, making this event an even greater experience for the participants,” notes Ms. Anderson. “Our cyclists truly love staying at the NAV CENTRE and enjoy the very comfortable rooms, the Jet Set Pub & other amenities, the scenery, the great food, and the friendly service.”

Take Part in the Tour

Registration fees range from $50 to $95 depending on the tour selection and accommodation requirements. Cyclists can participate as an individual or as part of a team made up of friends, family and coworkers. Each cyclist must raise a minimum of $300 in pledges in order to participate.

The MS Bike Tour is an all inclusive event. There will be rest stops included every 15-20 km as well as support vehicles and first aid attendants available throughout the tour.

About the MS Bike Tour

Since 1989, cyclists of all ages and fitness levels cycle and fundraise together to help end multiple sclerosis (MS). Over 10,000 cyclists take part in the annual MS Bike Tour, which holds events from coast to coast across Canada. The MS Society chapters in Cornwall and Ottawa work together to plan the Ottawa-Cornwall event. Funds raised from the bike tour will assist the MS Society in its mission to provide services and support to residents and families living with MS, in addition to MS research.

For more information about the MS Bike Tour, visit the following websites:

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