A cycling event to raise money for people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) is coming to Chilliwack for the first time.
About 90 cyclists will ride through the city for MS Bike - Chilliwack, a fundraiser event on July 12 and 13 which will start and finish at Chilliwack Heritage Park. It is one of 11 MS Bike events happening over a four-month period across Canada. The only other MS Bike fundraiser in B.C. is in Cowichan in August.
The brand-new Chilliwack location features a route that takes riders along scenic mountain views, the Vedder River, flat farmlands and beautiful country roads.
"MS Bike is an energizing, supportive, and safe environment that fosters meaningful community connections," reads a press release.
Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with more than 90,000 Canadians living with it. Every two hours, someone in Canada is diagnosed with MS.
"Funds raised through MS Bike help improve the lives of people living with MS across Canada, no matter where they live, through a variety of support programs, research breakthroughs, and advocacy work."
MS Bike - Chilliwack has a local fundraising goal of $130,000, with more than $80,000 raised as of July 3.
The route lengths are 30 kilometres, 60 kilometres and 100 kilometres on Saturday, July 12, and 40 kilometres on Sunday, July 13. Cyclists ride at their own pace. To register for the event, go to .
From MS Canada: MS is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Since that includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve, MS can affect vision, memory, balance and mobility. It is considered an episodic disability meaning that the severity and duration of illness and disability can vary and are often followed by periods of wellness. It can also be progressive.
