Bike MS Team - The Big EL at ASCEND
(UPDATED on 3/31/22)
The Big EL @ ASCEND has raised nearly $200,000 for the National MS Society over the past three years! Join us in 2022 and help us fight MS!
What is Bike MS?
Bike MS is a program of the National MS Society that was created to help raise funds and awareness in support of the fight against Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that interrupts the flow of information between the brain and body. Millions of people are affected by MS and by the challenges of living with its unpredictable symptoms, which range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis.
The money that is donated from this ride goes to making life easier for people who have MS, through support groups, scooters, service dogs, cooling vests, and other assistance. It also supports crucial research for new treatments that slow or stop the progression of the disease. One day, we hope this research will lead to a cure and a world free of MS.
Who is the The Big EL at ASCEND?
We are a team of family, friends, and friends of friends who ride to fight MS. The Big EL got its start nearly 30 years ago, when Bob (the father of ASCEND Founder, Alex) started riding in the MS 150 (then, just 150 kilometers) in support of his wife, Ellie (aka Big EL ), who has had MS for more than 40 years. In 1999, his children, Katie and Alex, rode with him and the team was officially born. Eighteen years later, Katie and Alex are in charge of the team, the team has merged with the ASCEND Cycling Club, and we ride in honor of the many people we know who have MS. We are a mix of frequent bikers and once-a-year riders, and we are always open to new members!
What's happening this year (2022)?
The Bike MS: Escape to the Lake ride is a 2-day ride on June 4 + 5 that starts from Moraine State Park and ends at Lake Erie via Thiel College in Greenville, PA. You can ride either 1 or 2 days, it's your call! Check out this page for more ride specific details
What are the perks of joining The Big EL at ASCEND ?
All members of The Big EL at ASCEND get free team swag (usually a jersey, team shirt, team socks, etc.) and food and drink (and hopefully massages!) at our team tent at the end of day 1.
How much does it cost? What else do I need to know?
Registration costs will vary depending on when you actually register.
The ride itself is VERY well curated. Rest stops are every 10-15 miles. All turns are marked. Before you know it, you've riden a lot of miles, and you've had a lot of fun for a good cause.
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Any additional questions, please email [email protected].
Looking forward to riding with you!