MS Bike is bringing its fundraising cycling series to four BC locations this summer. Each two-day event will combine different ride-distance options with the opportunity to enjoy the best of each region’s attractions.
All four stops open up different opportunities to end your day: on the shores of a lake, in front of mountain views or in a relaxing park. You’ll have the chance enjoy one of the many local wineries, breweries, cideries and restaurants along the route and after the finish line.
For 2019, the MS Bike B.C. tour will have rides in the West Kootenay, the Fraser Valley, the Okanagan Valley and Vancouver Island’s Cowichan Valley. Each of these four family-friendly events will help raise much-needed funds for MS research and services for people affected by the disease.
MS Bike – West Kootenay – July 6–7
MS Bike – West Kootenay offers a memorable backcountry experience to riders of all fitness levels. Throughout two days, the route covers 130 km through the southern Rockies surrounding Nelson, B.C. Known as the Interior B.C.’s “Queen City,” Nelson’s many surviving heritage sites let cyclists pass through history as they roll through the forests and mountain vistas surrounding the mountain town.
MS Bike – Fraser Valley – July 13–14
Just a short drive from the City of Vancouver, MS Bike – Fraser Valley transports cyclists to the vineyards and quiet roads outside the town of Langley. Riders will have several route options leaving from Thunderbird Show Park on both days of the tour. These scenic routes range in length from 30 km to 105 km, stopping at local favourite spots for food, wine and craft beer.
Visit Krause Berry Farm for fresh fruit pie baked daily. Sip some of the quality wine from Chaberton Estate Winery and Bistro. You can also grab a pint at the Raven’s Brewing. Riders can sample the food or drink at these venues and have any purchases delivered free to the Thunderbird Show Park to pick up at the end of the day. The Fraser Valley weekend includes a themed dinner to celebrate finishing the first day of riding, and to prepare riders for the next day’s adventure.
MS Bike – Cowichan Valley – July 20 – 21
Setting sail from the B.C. mainland to Vancouver Island, the Cowichan Valley event centres on the shores of Shawnigan Lake. Both day’s routes depart from Shawnigan Lake School, and range in distance from 30 km to 100 km, including a trip across the historic Kinsol Trestle.
Along with taking in the landscapes of southern Vancouver Island, cyclists will have the opportunity to stop in at the vineyards, cideries and small farms. Sample local produce and spirits at Blue Grouse Estate Winery and Vineyard, Cherry Point Estate Wines and island favourite Merridale Cidery and Distillery, then have any purchases waiting for you when you return to Shawnigan Lake School at the day’s end.
MS Bike – Okanagan – September 7–8
The final MS Bike tour is in Kelowna, in B.C.’s most well-known wine region. Roll through the Okanagan hills with stops at your choice of the long list of award-winning wineries along the way. Apart from wineries, the Okanagan routes offer a range of places to stop for mid-ride meals while enjoying views of the lake below and hills above. Riders will gather together for a dinner celebration, with a silent auction, entertainment and more.
For those inclined, Summer Hill Winery, Tantalus Vineyards, Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery, Volcanic Hills Estate Winery, Rollingdale Winery, The View Winery, Vibrant Vines, St Hubertus and Oak Bay Estate Winery, and Kitsch Wines all fall along the MS Bike – Okanagan route and will be open for riders to try free samples. As with other events, any purchases will be delivered free to the end point of that day’s ride.
MS Bike
MS Bike is a fundraising cycling series bringing together cyclists of all fitness and ability levels to help end MS. Twenty family-friendly MS Bike events take place across Canada. Each stop is open to riders as young as 10 years old.
For more information or to register for MS Bike, visit msbike.ca
