Portland-Based Showers Pass Sponsors Bike MS to Fight Multiple Sclerosis

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Üma Kleppinger, GoLocalPDX Contributor

GLPDX-showerspassMS

By becoming an annual sponsor of Bike MS, the nation’s premier cycling fundraising series, Showers Pass brings together two of its greatest passions.

Showers Pass has announced that it has signed on as an annual sponsor of the nonprofit National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The compelling vision of the National MS Society is easy to get behind: a world free of multiple sclerosis. In addition to their good work, the National MS Society runs the premier fundraising cycling series in the nation, Bike MS.

Bike MS is for cyclists of all abilities and anyone seeking a personal challenge and a world free of multiple sclerosis. Nearly 110,000 people participate in Bike MS rides every year. Bike MS rider-supporters can choose from among more than 100 extraordinary rides around the United States—and enjoy them all the more because their cycling experience also helps save lives.

“This is a cause very close to my heart,” said Showers Pass president Kyle Ranson. “As a young man, I saw the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis firsthand as I watched a 20-year-old friend suffer from the disease. We’re thrilled to partner with the National MS Society and support critical research and resources for people affected by MS. And what better way than by going for a bike ride?”

Ranson has been a longtime supporter of the National MS Society, through involvement in the MS 150 in Houston, as a fundraiser for Bike MS in Portland, and as a board member of the Portland chapter of the National MS Society for several years.

“We couldn’t be more excited to announce our new partnership with Showers Pass,” says Gene Palumbo, the National MS Society’s vice president of Bike MS. “We are pleased to gain the support of such a reputable company to help attract new cyclists, expand Bike MS relationships in the cycling industry, and drive fundraising revenue to benefit people living with MS.”

The Oregon ride is scheduled between Friday, July 31 and Sunday, August 2 and will start and end at Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR. Ride route details are not yet available, but there will be several route options, ranging from 33-100 miles. The ride is fully supported, with camping Friday and Saturday nights.

Find out how to get involved at bikems.org or register online for the Oregon ride here.

Üma Kleppinger is a Portland-based copy writer, author and bike addict. A recovering sesquipedalian who blogs about life in the saddle and outdoor adventure, she is also the author of Bike Yoga, a flexibility and recovery program for cyclists. When not writing, she can be found throwing herself down the mountain on two wheels. If you have cycling-related news to share, events to promote, or deep thoughts about this or any that, shoot her a nice email. Follow: facebook | instagram | twitter

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