'Bike MS' Kicks Off With 3,000 Cyclists
WESTMINSTER, Colo. (CBS4)- Bike MS kicked off in Westminster Saturday morning. Three thousand bicyclists hit the road for the two day event, which raises money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis.
The cyclists will travel through many cities including Erie, Berthoud and Fort Collins. They will ride 72 miles on Saturday and then 73 miles back on Sunday, ending at Front Range Community College in Westminster.
Teams include riders who are world class cyclists and those who have MS.
"While it can be a challenging disease, we're here to show that MS doesn't have to define a person," said professional cyclist Julie Guthrie.
Guthrie is an elite cyclist with Team NOW and Novartis for MS, which stands for No Opportunity Wasted. The team was formed by the host of the Amazing Race.
Top women cyclists, like Guthrie, travel to different Bike MS events across the country and ride with someone who has MS.
"It means so much, it's an adventure. It's a celebration. It's made me so happy, " said MS rider Kathy Goodhew.
Goodhew was a pediatric nurse who can no longer work because of MS. The race is her new passion.
"I'm a people person, so I need to be doing something with people, that helps them. This is one way to help by raising awareness," said Goodhew.
Nineteen riders are on the CBS4 cycling team, including Jim Benemann and Karen Leigh.
Hundreds of volunteers help make Bike MS possible. They staff the rest stops along the way which give the riders fuel to keep pedaling. 
"Nearly everyone of my volunteers are here because they have family members or friends who have MS . This is their way to help make a difference and help find a cure," said Bike MS volunteer Brian Howell.
