Cyclists raise more than $1M for Multiple Sclerosis research and support

NEW BERN, Craven County — Cyclists take to the road for the 33rd annual Bike MS ride. The ride raised money and awareness for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

There was about 1,200 rider along routes throughout the downtown New Bern area Sunday morning.

New Bern's Bike MS event was the 10th largest fundraising ride across the country, according to officials.

Organizers said the riders raised 1.17 Million Dollars for research and healthcare for people living with MS.

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Cyclists had the option to choose how many miles they would ride. Riders chose from 30, 50, 75, or 100-mile routes.

Jennifer Martin raised $500 and biked more than 100 miles over the weekend. She said she participated in the ride for her brother; this is her 4th Bike MS ride.

"He has had MS for about ten years. I do it for him. He's really an inspiration. He's a surfer, a father, a business owner. He really inspires me to do this," Martin shared.

The team village center point for the ride was at Union Point Park.

The weekend's Bike MS event was the first time the in-person event was held in New Bern since 2018. The Bike MS ride was canceled in 2019 due to Hurricane Dorian, and the ride was virtual in 2020.