CONNEAUT — Belt-tightening caused by the nation’s sour economy hasn’t put a dent in the Multiple Sclerosis Bike Tour, an annual, two-day event that will bring hundreds of bicyclists to Conneaut this weekend, organizers said.
Despite layoffs, plant closings and reduced hours in the region, National MS Society Western Pennsylvania Chapter expects to meet its $1 million goal, said Kim Trohaugh, the society’s director of special events.
To ride, participants must raise a minimum of $250, Trohaugh said.
“It’s a challenge (for some people) to do fund-raising on their own,” she said. “Some are uncomfortable asking friends and family (for money). But everyone is pulling together.”
More than 1,500 people are signed up to ride in this 24th version of the event, and the vast majority will end their journey at Conneaut Township Park, the destination since 1993.
There’s a few changes in the 2009 itinerary. Instead of the Pittsburgh suburb of Cranberry Township, Saturday’s starting point will be Moraine State Park near Slippery Rock, Pa. The riders will spend Saturday night at Edinboro State University in Edinboro, Pa., then head out for Conneaut Sunday morning.
The previous overnight stop was Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa.
“We hadn’t modified our routes for many years,” Trohaugh said. “It was time to throw in some new things.”
Riders may also choose to start and finish their journey in Edinboro, a loop popular with people wary of the 150-mile Moraine-to-Conneaut journey.
This weekend’s lineup features cyclists ranging in age from 12 years (the minimum) to the mid-70s, Trohaugh said. The bulk of them hail from western Pennsylvania, but many come from Ohio — as well as a few from Arizona, California and New York, she said.
Organizers count on volunteers to make the tour a success, Trohaugh said. Up to 275 people, including amateur radio and motorcycle clubs, will donate their time to the cause, Trohaugh said. On the Conneaut end, officials are grateful to the local Dairy Queen restaurant for its donation of ice cream treats, and Dave Dickson, Township Park superintendent, for his cooperation, she said.
City residents are also welcome to visit the park and greet the arrivals. “Come out and cheer them on,” Trohaugh said.
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