CA – RRT Helps at June 13 Multiple Sclerosis Bikeathon in Calgary AB

On June 13 2015, RRT arrived at the Johnson MS Bike Tour Event as the bikers were arriving and checking in. Approximately 600 cyclists were participating in this 2 day, 100 mile, round-trip bike ride from Airdrie to Olds. As the 63 teams of bikers made their way over the start line, it was great to see so many supporting the fight to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. MS is more prevalent in Canada than in any other country in the world. An estimated 100,000 Canadians have this debilitating auto-immune disease, an incidence rate 28% higher than average around the world.

The luggage station near the check-in area began to fill up as bikers dropped off their bags. RRT volunteers assisted in loading a five ton truck with these bags, while trying to keep everything organized so the participants could easily find their belongings at the College that night.

Cyclists Riding for the Cure!

After the bikers were well on their way, the Event Coordinator was notified that the truck with lunch had arrived at the half-way mark (in Carstairs, Alberta). RRT volunteers set off to help unload the food and set up the tents for lunch to be served in.

Back at the finish line, rooms were set up and organized for dinner that night. As the bikers began to arrive, they were served a well-earned meal, while the Borderline Band played some rhythm and blues music. Massage services and beers gardens were also provided for the deserving riders. The participants then parked their bikes in the storage hanger, picked up their bags and made their way to the college dorms or onsite camping grounds where they would spend the night. The following day they would begin the bike ride back to the starting point in Airdrie, AB.

Overall the event was very successful, raising over $693,000.00 for the MS research. RRT looks forward to helping out at the 2016 Johnson MS Bike Tour!