Pill Pedalers ride the West Kootenay Glacier Challenge to help in the fight against MS
By The Nelson Daily Sports
There are individuals participating in the West Kootenay Glacier Challenge ride to conquer MS (Multiple sclerosis) and there are teams.
The latter generally pools friends, co-workers and family together for encouragement during the long 154-kilometer journey, but also to raise funds necessary to allow research to find that elusive cure.
The Pill Pedalers is one such team, that also garners Mallard’s Source for sports Team of the Week status.
Most of the Pill Pedalers have never ridden road bikes before.
So overcoming the enormous distance, no matter if the trek is split up over two days is a daunting task to say the least.
However, the Pill Pedalers are all in for the August 22-23 test if it means one person may benefit from the funds raised.
“We thought it would be a fun opportunity to raise awareness of MS, while taking on a great physical challenge as a team,” said team spokesperson Ayla von Diebitsch
The team of Teressa Hodsall, von Diebitsch, Bill McDonnell, Jennifer McDonnell, Andrew Hoffert and the youngest team member, Lucas McDonnell-Hoffert, von Diebitsch said, was inspired by Dr. Jim Noiles, a local physician in Nelson.
Noiles is one of the major fundraisers for the West Kootenay Glacier Challenge.
“Every year he does an amazing job at fundraising and since we are beside him in the clinic, he easily inspires those around him,” von Diebitsch said.
The West Kootenay Glacier Challenge usually takes participants from New Denver to Nelson and Nelson to New Denver via Kaslo.
However, due to road construction on Highway 6, the route has been modified.
The new route means the ride begins in Nelson travels to Salmo before returning back to Rotary Lakeside Park for the traditional Save-On-Foods Celebration Dinner.
Sunday, riders leave Lakeside Park, head over the Big Orange Bridge on Highway 3A for Proctor and back to Nelson.
When the Pill Pedalers take to the road next week, they’ll have a special person in mind.
“Andrew’s father, Eugene, recently passed away after a 30-year fight against MS, so it is a cause that is close to our hearts,” von Diebitsch explains.
“As healthcare providers, we also want to ride to support our clients and others in our community struggling with MS.”
“The fight is always easier when you know you have people on your side,” she said.
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.
Proceeds from MS Bike fund vital MS research and programs and services that enable those affected by MS.
To participate, all you need is a bike and a passion to end MS.
“This tour is run by the West Kootenay Chapter of the MS Society and the money raised supports the programs and services offered in West Kootenay and Boundary areas to people living with MS and their caregivers,” said Leona Dimock, West Kootenay Glacier Challenge Bike Tour Coordinator.
von Diebitsch said the Pill Pedlars consist of co-worker, family and friends, some who have never ridden road bikes before.
“We are fortunate enough to be able to (ride),” von Diebitsch said.
“We are a team, at work, at home and in the fight to END MS!”
For more information on the MS Bike Tour — West Kootenay Glacier Challenge go to http://mssoc.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=3881&pg=entry or contact Leona Dimock at 1-866-352-3997 or email
[email protected]
