Bikers get ready to pedal...Reserve HRDC seeks MS bike-a-thon participants

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Donna T. Jeffries
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Calling all cyclists from beginners to experienced. The 514th Air Mobility Wing Human Resource Development Council is forming a team to participate in the annual Bike MS: City to Shore bike-a-thon in support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Starting Sep. 25, the bike-a-thon is a two day, 150-mile tour beginning and ending in Cherry Hill, N.J; with an overnight in Ocean City, N.J. Proceeds raised go to the National MS Society to help in the organization's fight against multiple sclerosis.

Anyone can become a member of the team to include all Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst military, civilian and family members. Participants can choose from one of three areas to support this fundraising event; they include cycling, being a volunteer or being a virtual volunteer.

For those interested in cycling, "I can't stress enough that the bike-a-thon is a ride not a race and it's open to all ages, all levels of fitness and you can ride any type of bike," said Maj. Blane Howell , team captain for the 514th AMW.

The National MS Society requires each cyclist to raise a minimum of $300 in tax deductible donations.

"Early registration is recommended as the event fills up quickly," said Major Howell. "Team jerseys and T-Shirts are also available for purchase."

Cost of registration is $25 through April 22; $35 through June 24; $45 through Aug. 26; $50 through Sep. 17 and $60 on the day of the ride.

Volunteer duties entail helping riders at rest stops, passing out food and drinks and giving encouragement. As a volunteer there are no registration fees and no obligation to fundraise.

While virtual participants do fundraise for the team, they are not assessed a registration fee nor do they have a minimum amount to raise.

Cyclists can choose to do either one or both days, riding as little as 25 miles up to as many as 100 miles per day.

"Weather permitting, training for the 514th AMW team will begin in March with group rides on both the A and B unit training assembly weekends," said Major Howell. "We will meet at the JB MDL Fitness Center parking lot at 11:00 a.m."

The National MS Society also provides free Training Peaks, an online training tool to help cyclists prepare for the event available at http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=1325&pg=entry.

As added encouragement to participate, Major Howell cites, the Bike MS: City to Shore ride is known as the "the best cycling getaway in New Jersey," according to reports published in Bicycling Magazine.

For more information about the bike-a-thon contact Major Howell at (609) 754-5145. To register, donate or volunteer contact Maj. John Koenig, 514AMW team volunteer coordinator at john.koenig2@mcguire.af.mil or visit the following Website: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=13251&team_id=181295.