Westwood Resident Cycles 150 miles to Help People with Multiple Sclerosis

The Bike MS: Cape Cod Getaway (CCG) is a 150-mile, 2-day bicycle ride from Boston to Provincetown with 2,000 riders, who raise funds on behalf of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, according to a press statement.

This year, Westwood resident David Young-Hong embarks on his third Cape Cod Getaway, June 27 and 28. Eight other Westwood residents are participating in the ride. Fundraising from the ride goes directly to the National MS Society, which helps people with MS live their best lives through education about the disease and available treatments, emotional support, public policy advocacy, direct services, and financial assistance. At the same time, the Society funds cutting-edge research to stop disease progression, restore lost function, and end MS forever.

“I’m not really a cyclist. I had to borrow a bike from my brother and start doing training rides,” said Young-Hong, who happens to be the Associate Vice President of Clinical Programs and Direct Services at the National MS Society, Greater New England Chapter. I joined a team of experienced riders that helped me prepare. On a personal level, CCG gave me an athletic goal. But, on a daily basis, I witness first-hand how the Society provides resources and supports for individuals living with MS in our communities.”

Bike MS: Cape Cod Getaway is June 27 and 28. The ride starts at UMass Boston Saturday morning and follows a 75-mile route (with a 100 mile option) to overnight at the Mass Maritime Academy on the Cape Cod Canal. Sunday, riders cross the Bourne Bridge in the early morning and ride another 75 miles to the VFW Post in Provincetown. There are one-day options for riders, too. The ride is fully supported with enthusiastic volunteers and bike mechanics. The route is well-marked and has scheduled rest stops every 12-15 miles stocked with food, liquids, mechanics, and first aid. After a shower and a bite to eat, riders return to UMass by ferry across the Cape Cod Bay, or by coach bus. Bicycles and luggage are transported by truck and are waiting on their return. For more details, or to register to ride the Cape Cod Getaway, or one of the other 100 Bike MS events around the country, visit bikeMS.org, or call 1-800-344-4867.

Challenge yourself on a two-day or one-day Bike MS ride in MA, ME, NH, RI, or VT. Find them all at bikeMSgne.org.