Time to put the pedal to the metal for the 2016 West Kootenay Glacier Challenge
By The Nelson Daily Sports
It’s back to the basics for West Kootenay Glacier Challenge organizers as annual ride to fight MS (Multiple sclerosis) is returning to its original route August 20-21.
After a shortened route in 2015 due to paving of Highway 6 in the Slocan Valley, organizers are pleased to once again offer the traditional route around Kokanee Glacier from New Denver to Nelson to Kaslo and back to New Denver.
“It is our fifth annual tour and we are back to our original route that starts and finishes in New Denver with an overnight in Nelson,” said Leona Dimock, West Kootenay Glacier Challenge Bike Tour Coordinator.
“(Ride of) 222 kilometers over two days with great food with more than 100 volunteers to help make it a memorable weekend and Fundraiser for the MS Society.”
All participants must raise a minimum of $350 to participate in the event.
Dimock said if the minimum has not been achieved by event weekend participants will be asked to cover the difference in order to participate.
“Of note the average fundraising total for participants in the West Kootenay Glacier Challenge is $1100,” Dimock said.
Proceeds from MS Bike fund vital MS research and programs & services that enable those affected by MS. To participate, all you need is a bike and a passion to end MS.
Multiple sclerosis (MS), also known as disseminated sclerosis or encephalomyelitis disseminata, is an inflammatory disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a wide range of signs and symptoms, including physical, mental, and sometimes psychiatric problems
Dimock said this tour is run by the West Kootenay Chapter of the MS Society and the money raised supports the programs and services we offer in the West Kootenay and Boundary areas to people living with MS and their caregivers.
The top fundraiser in the West Kootenay Glacier Challenge receives a gift certificate for dinner at their favourite Heritage City restaurant compliments The Nelson Daily.
Currently there are 76 cyclists and 14 teams entered.
In 2015 59 riders busted the $60,000 mark to help the fight against MS.
For more information on the MS Bike Tour — West Kootenay Glacier Challenge go to webite link or contact Leona Dimock at 1-866-352-3997 or email leona.dimock@mssociety.ca
