Bike MS

Bike MS (formerly MS Bike Tour or MS 150) refers to any of a series of charity bicycle rides organized by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in various locations around the United States. Similar events are organized by other MS associations in Canada and Australia.

Bike MS originated as one ride in 1980 in Minnesota and is now the largest organized charity bicycling event series in the United States, according to the National MS Society. In 2007, more than 100,000 cyclists participated in 100 rides throughout the country, raising more than $77 million. In total, Bike MS cyclists have raised more than $600 million.

The purpose of the rides is to raise money for multiple sclerosis research and other services supported by the National MS Society. The rides typically take place over the course of two days and are generally around 150 miles long, though they can be as short as 3 miles (for a family fun ride) or as long as 250 over five days. Bike MS events aim to pull the whole community together by gathering support from local businesses, elected officials, residents and people living with MS. In 2008 the Society created a special website so riders can select a ride based on dates, length, location or difficulty.

The events are organized by chapters and thus each has a distinct local flavor.