On April 16 – 17, cyclists from across the country and the world will make the annual trek from Houston to Austin for the 27th Annual BP MS 150, supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Lone Star.
BP MS 150 – Planning is under way for the 27th Annual BP MS 150 Bike Ride, scheduled for April 16-17.
The ride will connect an estimated 13,000 riders, in addition to thousands of volunteers and supporters, as they embark on a shared journey to drive awareness and raise $17 million for MS.
Since its inaugural ride in 1985, the BP MS 150 has remained focused on providing a culture of safety for cyclists at every experience level. Each year, there are between 5,000 and 7,000 new ride participants, which results in a variation of skill levels as riders hit the road in preparation for event weekend.
To educate new riders about safety and reinforce initiatives for 2011, the society hosted the first-ever Safety Awareness Week, a week-long online campaign that communicated information on education, equipment and experience needed to promote safe cycling behavior.
“The BP MS 150 inspires thousands of people who are connected to the cause each year, and it’s poignant to see the enduring, collective support as we progress in the movement to create a world free of MS,” explained Mark Neagli, Regional Executive Vice President of the National MS Society. “Together, we can drive change and carry on a culture of safety and awareness, supporting each and every person involved along the way.”
The BP MS 150 is the top fundraising ride for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society nationwide, generating more than $16 million in 2010 to fund research and programs for MS. Nearly 12,000 cyclists took part in last year’s event, and organizers of the ride expect another substantial turnout to help meet the 2011 fundraising goal. Like the 2010 BP MS 150, registration has been limited to 13,000 cyclists on the road to maintain safety as its top priority and to preserve the integrity of the ride.
Cyclists will begin the ride in Houston on Saturday, April 16 and finish in downtown Austin near the State Capitol on Sunday, April 17, following an overnight celebration in La Grange. Cyclists have the option to start at one of three starting points: Tully Stadium, Rhodes Stadium in Katy and Waller High School Stadium in Waller. On day two, riders can choose from two routes out of La Grange as they make their way to Austin.
The BP MS 150 is one of five fundraising rides hosted by the National MS Society in Texas. Other rides include the Bike MS: SAM’S CLUB Frisco to Fort Worth in May, Bike MS: BP Wild West Ride in the Texas Panhandle in June, Bike MS: Cactus and Crude Ride in West Texas in July and Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River in San Antonio in October.
These rides are regarded by cyclists as the premier rides in the state, with experienced management, well-coordinated routes, and special attention to rider safety and comfort.
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