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MS Bike Tour Rolls into Cornwall this Saturday

July 11, 2017
By Bob Peters

Cornwall Ontario – Hundreds of cyclists will be rolling into Cornwall this Saturday.

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.

“’We are thrilled to assist the Ottawa Chapter in the MS Society of Canada’s largest event and because of us working as Chapter teams, we all benefit in the long run!’,” says Ms. Torrie-Racine. “Canada has the highest rate of MS in the world. This effort, along with the RuntoEndMS help raise dollars that support world-leading MS research happening right here in Canada – research that will bring us closer than ever to the first treatment for progressive MS and ultimately a cure for the disease..”

Locally, funds have gone towards client services such as home care. In the past five years, $125,000 has been rasied to help programs in Cornwall alone.

About the Route

Beginning at the Metcalfe Arena, participants will cycle along country roads and along the Long Sault Parkway until the reach Cornwall famout Watefront Trail which will take them to the NAV Centre. Along the way, rest stops with water, snacks, first aid, and mechanical support will be provided.

Upon arriving in Cornwall, the team will enjoy a massage, dinner and music to celebrate the completion of Day One!  After resting in the NAV Centre, Day Two starts with a full breakfast. Participants will then head north by cycling another 55 or 90km back to Metcalfe where they will enjoy a welcome by other participants, volunteers, and supporters and a BBQ lunch.

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.

“This is the 6th year that the Ottawa and Cornwall Chapters have been able to work very effectively together, making this event an even greater experience for the participants,” notes Ms. Torrie-Racine. “The cyclists truly love arriving in Cornwall, especially those staying at the NAV CENTRE and enjoying the scenery, the great food, and the friendly service.”

Take Part in the Tour

Registration fees range from $50 to $100 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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