Cyclists take part in the Multiple Sclerosis Bike Ride in 2009. This year's event is expected to bring about 600 riders on one of three loops starting and ending at Chandler. Tulsa World file
Nearly 600 cyclists will be hitting the highways of central Oklahoma this weekend for Bike MS: The Mother Road Ride.
The two-day ride is the biggest fundraising ride hosted by the National MS Society in Oklahoma.
One of those riders will be Mary Benes, a local woman who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis on Dec. 1, 2003.
"It's one of those days I'll never forget," she said. "I felt like I'd been hit by a ton of bricks."
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. MS can cause problems with vision, balance, coordination, speech, memory and concentration; tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue and paralysis.
After receiving support from the National MS Society in Oklahoma for a couple of years, Benes decided to volunteer at the 2006 Mother Road Ride.
It was there that she was inspired to regain enough strength in her leg and start riding a bicycle again. After a year of hard work including strength condition and yoga, she participated in the 2007 ride.
"It brings back childhood memories," she said. "A bicycle is your first form of transportation. You've got two wheels and the wind in your hair. I rode up and down the road on so many summer days."
The first time she participated in the ride she had to stop after about 50 miles. But the next year she rode 101 miles in two days.
"It's so emotional," she said. "I got off the bike after riding 71 miles, I hugged my friend and we were both in tears. It was good."
On Saturday morning cyclists will begin their two-day journey in Chandler and choose a 42-mile, 85-mile or 102-mile route along the highways and byways of central Oklahoma and end up back in Chandler for a celebration.
On Sunday cyclists will take a 61-mile loop along sections of historic Route 66.
The last five years the race had started in Tulsa and ended at the state Capitol with an overnight stay in Chandler. The new figure-8 style route was chosen based on logistics and feedback from the riders, said Ray Mack, vice president of development with the National MS Society in Oklahoma.
He added that the agency hopes to raise $450,000 from the event and that riders can register up to the day of the event.
Benes will ride only on Sunday because of knee problems but says she's still looking forward to the event.
"The camaraderie is just amazing," Benes said. "It's a lot of hard work but it's a lot fun too."
For more or to register: 918-488-0882 or go to
tulsaworld.com/bikems.
Bike MS: Mother Road Ride
What: Two-day bike ride in central Oklahoma raising funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis research and treatment
Where: Starts at the Agri Civic Center, 1179 W. 15th St. in Chandler
When: Begins at 8 a.m. Saturday
Cost: Registration is $50 for riders. Participants are also asked to raise $300 in donations and have until Oct. 22 to turn in pledges.
For more or to register: 918-488-0882 or go to
tulsaworld.com/bikems
Mike Averill 918-581-8489
mike.averill@tulsaworld.com
Original Print Headline: Let the biking begin again for MS
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