4,000 Cyclists Ride to Ocean City to Raise Money for MS

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society held its 44th annual City to Shore bike ride fundraising event on Saturday, raising millions of dollars in the process.  

Over 4,000 bikers hit the road to raise money to help people battling Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, is potentially disabling, and currently has no known cure.

The event featured options of a 75- and 100-mile ride from Cherry Hill, a 40-mile ride from Hammonton, and a 25-mile ride from Mays Landing. All routes concluded at the finish line in Ocean City at Fifth Street and the Boardwalk.  

Cyclists reported that although it was a humid, muggy ride with scattered rain throughout, spirits amongst riders remained high.  

“It was a little overcast, but that makes for good riding,” said Angela Alston-Roberts, who rode 27.2 miles from Mays Landing on a tandem bike with her friend.

“There was a lot of camaraderie, a lot of support. It was a fantastic ride,” Alston-Roberts added.

    Angela Alston-Roberts, left, who made the ride from Mays Landing, celebrates with fellow cyclists.
  

Police officers blocked traffic to ensure a clear path for cyclists’ routes, and there were numerous rest stops where supporters offered beverages and applause.  

“The cops were really helpful in blocking off traffic and waving us through rest stops, which were all bumping with music and keeping the spirit alive,” said Alan Trotty, a rider who participated in the 40-mile ride from Hammonton. “It was great seeing the community come out even in the rainy weather, cheering us on and fundraising for MS.”  

Angela Chhour, development manager for Bike MS, said the 4,000 participating cyclists is an increase from last year, and working back up towards the pre COVID-19 pandemic average of 7,000 riders.

She noted that fundraising has largely been successful this year, and they are nearing their goal of $4.5 million.  

“We’re aiming for $4.5 million, and we’re pacing on par,” Chhour said. “We have a little bit further to go right now. We’re at about $3.5 million but still have until around Thanksgiving.”  

Money raised is used both for MS treatment and efforts towards finding a cure for the condition, Chhour said.  

    "Team Ox," founded by Jesse Oxman, at left, is one of the event's top fundraising teams.
  

“Team Ox” is one of Bike MS’s top fundraising teams, raising over $1.2 million since they started in 2008. This year, their 116 members have raised over $140,000.

Jesse Oxman, who started Team Ox, pointed out that some people, like him, prepare and fundraise for Bike MS all year round, making the event particularly special.  

“For me, it’s like Christmas Day,” Oxman said after his 75-mile ride from Cherry Hill. “I work on our team year-round, so this is like a great reward for our hard work.”  

Oxman said the connections he’s made and seeing the impact of fundraising has been a meaningful and gratifying experience.  

“Through our involvement we’ve met so many people, I can't even count how many people I know that are affected or impacted by MS,” he said. “I’m glad we can do what we do.”  

    Diane Difolio, in orange, who has volunteered for the MS City to Shore ride for 37 years, is joined by Carol Henkle.
  

Following the ride, a celebration was held at the parking lot by the Ocean City Sports and Civic Center between Fifth and Sixth streets. Food, T-shirts and space to commemorate with friends and family were available for cyclists.  

Diane Difolio was diagnosed with MS 40 years ago and has volunteered for the City to Shore bike ride for the past 37 years. She said in addition to fundraising, the event can be beneficial for community-building and emotional support.  

“I encourage newly diagnosed people to come out to these events,” Difolio said. “As an advocate for the MS Society of Delaware Valley Chapter, I talk to a lot of newly diagnosed persons, and finding community and being positive will help get them through it.”  

Jesse Rudgunes from the “Off the Back Cycling” team, said his team participates in the fundraiser out of support for him.  

“I have multiple sclerosis, so everybody else here is riding for me,” Rudgunes said while enjoying time with friends following his 75-mile cycle. “In some respects, the least I could do is do it myself as long as I’m able.”  

Redgunes describes the community of Bike MS riders as a driven, one-of-a-kind group who are hugely supportive of one another.  

“Everyone here decided to wake up probably around four o'clock in the morning and drive to the start in the rain, all to support other people,” Rudgunes said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity and it really gives you faith and humanity.”

    Spectators watch the riders roll into Ocean City.