More than 600 cyclists showed up at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School on a sunny, breezy morning to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Boys' and Girls' Club.
Connie Teixeira used to coordinate a help group for people with multiple sclerosis on the Vineyard. She helped register riders on Friday night.
“It’s fun,” she said. “We get to spend time with friends.”
Ride the Vineyard is an annual cycling event organized by the New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society that takes place along three routes: a 15-mile ride, a 30-mile ride and a 60-mile ride. Event coordinators hoped to raise $500,000.
“We’re doing well with our fundraising,” said Liz Strawn, associate director of development for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “We’re on track to meet our goal.”
Susan Martin of Westwood has a mild form of multiple sclerosis. She raised more than $19,000 last year for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. On Saturday she was riding with her sister.
“I do it because I can,” Mrs. Martin said.
Frank DiVittorio, a police lieutenant from Hopedale and his team, Pep’s Peddlers, registered for the event Friday night at Sharky’s.
“I’ve done about a dozen rides over the last five years,” Mr. DiVittorio said.
Ben Zorfas participated in Ride the Vineyard for the first time in 2004. This year he completed the 60-mile route. He said he enjoyed the sights, especially the Gay Head Cliffs in Aquinnah.
“Besides the wind it was nice,” he said.
Comments
Comment policy »