2007 MS MOTORCYCLE RIDE
PHOTO ATTACHED
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHINGTON, Conn. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter is revvin’ up to host the 8th annual MS Motorcycle Ride to be held Sunday, July 20. Last year more than 1,200 riders saddled up, uniting tires to pavement and hearts to a worthy cause. The 2008 ride, featuring boot scootin’ festivities, will start and finish at Cadillac Ranch in Southington, Conn.

"Finding a cure for MS is crucial," says Geizha Ahles, 31, who was diagnosed with MS in 2002 and who is a member of the Iron Maidens & The Band of Brothers MS Motorcycle Ride team. "My symptoms are unpredictable and vary from day to day and moment to moment. My disease threatens to prevent me from participating in everyday activities even from doing the things I love most. Without critically needed funding, we will not find a cure. Events such as this ride make sure scientific research continues and that soon very soon we have a world free of multiple sclerosis."

Multiple sclerosis is a potentially debilitating autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown and there currently is no cure. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, loss of mobility and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted. Funds raised through chapter events, such as the MS Motorcycle Ride, ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to more than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Ahles, diagnosed with MS.

The ride traverses a 50-mile route through Connecticut’s breathtaking countryside and quaint back roads. The ride features a down-home barbeque and finish-line activities that include live music, vendors, drawings for prizes and much more.

Pre-registration is $30 per biker and $20 per passenger. Registration the day of the event is $35 per riders and $25 per passenger. Registration fees include the finish line barbeque. The fee is just $10 per person for those who do not wish to ride but who would like to take part in the finish-line festivities to include the barbeque. Event-day registration begins at 9:30 a.m. The ride kick starts from Cadillac Ranch at 11 a.m. Cadillac Ranch is located at 45 Jude Lane in Southington. Learn more by visiting: http://www.caddyranch.com/.

The 2007 ride raised more than $42,000. This year’s ride is expected to raise about $50,000. Bikers are encouraged to form motorcycle teams and raise funds. Team Web pages can be created at http://www.ctfightsms.org/. For more details on the 2008 MS Motorcycle Ride, please tune to WFSB-TV Channel 3 Eyewitness News or got to http://www.ctfightsms.org/.

2/11/08

CUTLINE: Ron Salmon, a Rocky Hill resident, takes off from TSI Harley-Davidson/Buell in Ellington and heads for Hebron Lions Fairgrounds in the 2007 MS Motorcycle Ride. The 2007 event attracted 1,200 bikers and raised more than $40,000.

CUTLINE: Mansfield resident Peter Rich and Senator Edith Prague, 2007 MS Motorcycle Ride Co-Grand Marshal, prepare to lead the pack from TSI Harley-Davidson/Buell in Ellington and heads for Hebron Lions Fairgrounds in the 2007 MS Motorcycle Ride.