The premier cycling event in the First State attracts more than 1,600 riders, who come from all walks of life, practicing all spring and summer to cycle a 17-, 45-, 75-, 100-, or 150-mile route from Dover to Rehoboth and back over two days in October, and all to raise money and awareness of the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis.
And they need help to do it.
The Delaware Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society needs volunteers to help organize and run the 2009 Bike MS: NRG Energy Indian River Power Plant Bike to the Bay in association with Bank of America. Taking place on October 3–4 this year, the annual event attracts more than 1,600 cyclists who ride across Kent and Sussex counties over two days. To ensure a safe and enjoyable event, the entire course needs to be monitored by support-and-gear vehicles and bike mechanics, and rest stops are set up every 10 to 12 miles and stocked with beverages, fruit, and high-energy bars. To make this happen, more than 200 volunteers are needed.
“Volunteers are the backbone of all our events,” notes the chapter’s president, Kate Cowperthwait. “To raise the funds we need to support Delawareans with MS and their families, people need to support our effort by volunteering at our events.
“Right now, we need about 200 volunteers for Bike to the Bay,” continues Cowperthwait, who rides every year with her team, 50 Exquisite Women. “We need help registering cyclists, setting up rest stops and manning them throughout the ride weekend, monitoring the route, cleaning up, and cheering the cyclists across the finish line.”
“We also need people to help us hand out rider numbers and T-shirts,” adds the chapter’s volunteer coordinator, Jenna Wagner, “to load and unload the equipment truck, hand out goodies to the cyclists, prepare and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, distribute information packets, direct traffic, and provide logistical and clerical support at every step of the way.”
“There is a need for everyone’s skills and talents,” emphasizes Cowperthwait. “Just call us, and tell us how you would like to help. Not only will you have my everlasting gratitude, but you will also sleep sound at night knowing that you have done something to help move us closer to a world free of MS.”
To volunteer for Bike to the Bay, contact the volunteer coordinator, Jenna Wagner, at 302-655-5610, or email jenna.wagner@MSdelaware.org.
