Image from events.nationalmssociety.org website.
The much-anticipated Bike MS: Ride Across Minnesota 2023 is set to commence from July 24 to 28, 2023, beginning and ending in Ottertail, Minnesota.
The event, spanning over five days, will feature scenic rides through the charming towns of Fergus Falls, Wadena, and Long Prairie.
Now in its 33rd year, the event has helped raise millions of dollars towards Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research and services since 1990, offering participants a unique way to explore the picturesque landscapes of Minnesota while contributing to a worthy cause.
Participants will convene at 93 Lake Ave, Ottertail, MN 56571, between 6:30 – 8AM, prepared to journey through various lengths each day, with options for riders to choose the number of days they want to partake in.
Cyclists who wish to only partake in certain days will need to arrange their own transportation.
To participate, each rider must meet a fundraising minimum of $300 and be aged 12 or above.
Your Bike MS packet contains important items including your rider bib, event details and sponsor giveaways.
In order to pick up your packet, you must meet the $300 fundraising minimum and have a completed waiver on file.
If you registered online, then you completed a waiver during the registration process. Please note: Riders under 18 will need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
Go to events.nationalmssociety.org to register.
Check-in and packet pick-up will be held from 3-5 pm on Sunday, July 23 at the Ottertail Fire Hall.
Camping areas and hotels are listed on the website.
Riders who raise over $1,000 will receive a prize jersey.
The ride kicks off on Monday, July 24, with a 59-mile route from Ottertail to Fergus Falls, with participants to be treated to a pancake breakfast before departure.
They’ll end the day at Kirkbride Park in Fergus Falls, a location rich in history, nestled in the campus of the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center, a former state hospital listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tuesday, July 25, sees the riders embarking on a 60-mile trek from Fergus Falls to Wadena, with food trucks and evening entertainment promised at Sunnybrook Park in Wadena.
A 43-mile loop around Wadena awaits riders on Wednesday, July 26, followed by a 51-mile journey to Long Prairie on Thursday, July 27.
The grand finale takes place on Friday, July 28, where cyclists will return to Ottertail, cycling a challenging 63 miles from Long Prairie.
A finish line meal, cheering crowds, and a commemorative finisher’s medal awaits them as a celebration of their achievement.
The Bike MS: Ride Across Minnesota 2023 promises not just an unforgettable ride through the diverse landscapes of Minnesota, but also a community-oriented atmosphere and a chance to help those affected by MS.
Riders are invited to participate in the spirit of camaraderie, raising funds for MS research, and embracing the spirit of adventure across the Land of 10,000 Lakes.