Thousands of cyclists return to Minnesota this week for the annual MS 150 bike ride which has raised more than $1 billion for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The two-day ride, which historically has taken riders from Duluth to White Bear Lake, features a new route this year including the day one, 75-mile route starting and ending in St. Peter. Day two takes riders from St. Peter to the finish line at Buck Hill Ski Resort in Burnsville.
"I for many years rode on a large team and of course we grew that team," said Mark Meier, who has been on every ride in Minnesota since 2007. "The ride itself has been in a variety of places, with the Duluth to the Twin Cities route being the most recognizable route. There have been a couple of years where we've had changes, especially around the pandemic time. This year we're very excited for the whole new route that's been planned out."
Like many MS 150 riders, Meier has personal connections to individuals impacted by Multiple Sclerosis.
"It's hard not to want to do something to help," Meier said. "After doing it for a long time, people want to do it with me as well."
The ride itself is meaningful for not only the riders, but the communities where thousands of bicycles pass through during the two-day stretch.
"The small towns, farms, and businesses have never seen thousands of bikers come through with smiles on their faces and having a good time. It tends to be contagious. There's a lot of good feelings going on and the riders try to make that happen. We are all in this together."
With a number of rest stops and other support along the way, Meier says it's easy to want to come back each year based on the community-like feeling.
"You really only need to have the clothes on your back and your bike to get from place to place. If you have a tire that needs more air, a lift to the next rest stop, or if you need something adjusted on your bike, everyone at the rest stops is there to help. You'd have to try to not have a good time on this ride."
