The Bike MS: Georgia Power Savannah Ride 2008 came and went with much fanfare on May 3rd & 4th. Along with an enormous sense of accomplishment, the staff of the National MS Society – Georgia Chapter is truly grateful to our riders, corporate sponsors and numerous volunteers for the support each selflessly provided.

Over 300 riders and 150 volunteers showed their support with countless friends, family, and co-workers joining together to create a world free of MS. There truly are not words in our vocabulary that adequately express the immense gratitude we have for each of you.

Together we have raised the bar and set new standards for excellence. As we continue our peddling towards the finish line, I hope we can count on you to continue your tireless efforts and to help us reach our Bike MS: Georgia Power Savannah Ride goal of $250,000 by June 4, 2008. I am confident that with your help we will not only reach that goal, but will blow it out of the water!

Once again, thank you and we’ll see you in 2009!

Roy A. Rangel, President
Georgia Chapter

What Is the Bike MS: Georgia Power Savannah Ride?

Formerly known as the Georgia Power MS 150 Savannah Challenge, the Bike MS: Georgia Power Savannah Ride is taking place on May 3 & 4, 2008. Endorsed by ardent cyclists and novices alike, the ride offers a two-day fundraising ride through the world-renowned city of Savannah, Georgia, steeped in history and beauty. Quickly becoming one of Georgia’s two-day cycling traditions, the Bike MS: Georgia Power Savannah Ride is a non-profit sporting event celebrating its third year in the fight against multiple sclerosis.

Like its sister bike ride the Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride, this event is reaching new heights in an effort to better the lives of all Georgians living with MS. By joining hundreds of riders, participants will be making a profound difference in the lives of people living with MS who are served by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Georgia Chapter. The Bike MS: Georgia Power Savannah Ride is one of two rides hosted by the National MS Society-Georgia Chapter that together will raise more than $1.4 million for client programs and research in 2008. Both tours are regarded by cycling enthusiasts as premier rides in Georgia, with experienced management, well-coordinated routes, and special attention to riders’ safety and comfort.

Proceeds from the tour will help support various programs that aid the 8,500 Georgians with MS and their families in all 159 counties of Georgia. The Bike MS: Georgia Power Savannah Ride also joins thousands of cyclists nationwide in raising $60 million in an effort to fund research and local client programs.

The Bike MS: Georgia Power Savannah Ride 2008 will once again highlight picturesque routes through Savannah’s Low Country and historical landmarks. It will also feature a figure 8 route, allowing for greater efficiency and fun at the Start, Finish and Overnight Celebration all headquartered at our host location, the Roundhouse Railroad Museum, a National Historic Landmark site that is the oldest and largest existing 19th century railroad operations complex in the nation. As part of their weekend experience, cyclists can tour the steam and diesel locomotives, rail cars, steam-powered machinery, and model railroads.

Ride History

The Bike MS: Georgia Power Savannah Ride began winding through the spectacular beauty of Georgia’s first city, Savannah, in 2006. In partnership with Georgia Power, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society recognized the benefits for a new and exciting event on the coast of Georgia. With timing on our side, Georgia Power was evaluating the merger with Savannah Electric. The creation of the Bike MS: Georgia Power Savannah Ride was a natural way for the company to help demonstrate its community commitment to Savannah, and a three-year commitment was agreed upon to help build the newest Bike MS ride, the Georgia Power Savannah Ride. Lending its name and resources, Georgia Power has helped increase awareness and participation within our communities. Coastal region employees at Georgia Power have embraced the National MS Society and the event. In its first year, 2006, the ride raised $40,000 with 65 registered riders.

In 2007, the ride increased 275% by raising more than $150,000 with 244 registered riders. With your help and pledges, in 2008 we will gain new ground in the mission to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis.