Published: June 10, 2009 06:34 pm      

Belle Rive resident taking part in MS awareness ride

By ALICIA SHELDON

Register-News

BELLE RIVE — Each year, thousands of cyclists come together in Michigan, not only building muscle and endurance, but also building awareness about the disease of Multiple Sclerosis.

Among those thousands of cyclists are Marian Kiefer of Belle Rive and her brother and sister, Larry Unfried and Pauline Unfried as well as her daughter Kaela Kiefer. This will be the second year for Marian Kiefer. Kiefer’s siblings have both been a part of the ride for over 10 years, 2009 being Pauline’s 17th year and Larry’s 11th. Though the family has not been personally affected by MS, they continue to show support and inform others about the disease.

“There is no personal connection as far as family, it’s just something we feel that would be a hard thing for us to comprehend and to have,” Kiefer said.

The ride, called the MS 150, is a 150-mile ride across Michigan held each June and is a part of the Bike MS movement that holds 100 rides across the country each year. The ride will get underway on June 13 and 14 in Holland, Mich., according to information from the National MS Society.

“The program is organized really well as far as the conveniences. They have stops every 10 to 15 miles,” Kiefer explained.

During the ride, Kiefer and her family will be cycling along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The route length is 30, 50, 75 or 100 miles Saturday and/or Sunday. Kiefer, who is originally from Michigan, goes back home for the event, although another ride is available in Illinois the same weekend at DeKalb.

As with many programs, not everyone understands the purpose the ride serves.

“You always get the belligerent drivers. It’s frustrating, but you always let it roll off your back,” Kiefer said. “For the most part, people are supportive of it.”

Over 2,000 people ride in the MS 150, but the ride is only half of the program. Fund-raising is a large part of Bike MS, and each group must meet a certain goal before the ride can take place. Money raised here in Illinois will benefit those affected by MS in Illinois, Kiefer said.

“It’s rewarding to think that you’re helping,” Kiefer added.

For those interested in donating, checks may be made out to Multiple Sclerosis and sent to PO Box 136 in Dahlgren, IL 62828.

For more information on the Bike MS or other MS programs, visit www.na-tionalmssociety.org.