We are now collecting donations to sponsor two cyclists for the 2010 Bike MS: Mid America benefit.

What is it?
The Bike MS event is a two-day, 100- to 150-mile bikeathon that is put on by the National MS Society to raise funds for multiple sclerosis research and assistance programs. Our overall fundraising goal for the Wichita Atheists team is $500.

Our Assistant Organizer and avid cyclist, Jamar, will be riding the 150-mile course, which will be split into 100 miles on Saturday, and another 50 on Sunday.

Update: I (Matt a.k.a. Stacey) have recovered well enough from my knee injury to be the second rider for the Wichita Atheists team. I'll be riding the 100-mile course (50 miles each day).

Day 1, Saturday: The ride starts at the Derby Rec Center on Saturday between 7AM and 8AM, then goes 50 miles to Banden Square in Winfield via Mulvane and Udall, finishing in time for lunch. Jamar will continue on to Dexter and back after lunch to get in his extra 50 miles.

Day 2, Sunday: We will stay overnight at the Winfield Rec Center, then take the same 50-mile path back to Derby starting at 8AM Sunday. We will get back to Derby in time for lunch, and anyone who would like to join us to celebrate is welcome to do so. Lunch at the Derby Rec Center will be from Hog Wild BBQ, and will be $5. (RSVP here.)

How to Help
Our fundraising goal is $500. The best way to help out is by contributing to that goal. We suggest contributions of $25, but any amount you can contribute will help. The easiest way to donate is online. To do that, visit Jamar's page or my page on the National MS Society website, and click the "Donate to Jamar/Matthew!" button. (Try to keep the donation totals between Jamar and me fairly even.) We can also accept cash, check and credit card donations in person. All donations are tax deductible.

There may also be event staff volunteer opportunities available. See this page for more information.

Why?
MS is a debilitating disease that affects 400,000 Americans, including my own mother, who has been unable to walk for over two decades due to its effects. There is no cure yet, but your donations will help fund research to find a cure, in addition to funding local programs to help patients deal with the disease on the meantime. This event is also a chance for Wichita Atheists to do some visible good works. We can prove that atheists are just as good as anyone else where the rubber meets the road.

Thank you for your help in fighting MS!

- Matt a.k.a. Stacey

Note: Only participating cyclists will be able to RSVP for this September 11 calendar item. People who wish to join us at the finish line for lunch on Sunday, September 12 may RSVP on that day's calendar item.