Thursday, August 8, 2013

Riders with a cause



One of the things I like most about blogging is that I can draw attention to persons, places, and things that deserve all the attention they can get. One such thing is Bike MS, an annual function of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

In five weeks about a hundred people, including my wife, Cheryl, will participate in one of Bike MS's regional events. The cyclists will ride across northern Idaho to raise money to fight MS, an autoimmune disease that affects 400,000 Americans and 2.5 million people worldwide.

Cheryl raised more than two thousand dollars last year and hopes to double that total in 2013. Participants nationally have raised more than 600 million dollars for support programs, services, and research since 1980.

The Idaho cyclists will ride 150 miles in two days on the world-famous Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes. They will pass a number of scenic and historic sites, including the mining town of Wallace, the setting for my upcoming novel, The Fire.

Those who wish to contribute to this worthy cause can do so by going to Cheryl's Bike MS page or giving directly to the national organization.