Forza Bike Drawing Rescheduled

We have had a slight change in plans and will be drawing for the Forza bike NEXT WEEK. We had planned to do it on September 1, after the pledge deadline, but I had to be out of the office unexpectedly and we also need to get the money that was turned in for the deadline entered so we can accurately track who gets how many entries.

So, the drawing will be next week (probably Wednesday or Thursday, once the data entry has been done) and I will send out an email at that time letting you know who the winner is.

Hope you have a great Labor Day weekend and thanks for ALL your fundraising efforts. Those living with MS in our area are truly appreciative and truly do benefit from your hard work.

Win this bike!

Don't forget about the Forza stationary bike give-a-way courtesy of our friends at The Ground Cafe.

A drawing for the bike will be held September 1st. You'll receive one entry for every $500 you raise! Even if you've already met your $200 pledge minimum, considering making the push to get to $500. It's a tough year for everyone and especially those living with one of the most expensive diseases--MS.

Bike MS 2009 Photos are up!

http://photos1.walmart.com/share/p=994131250192422429/l=339738001/g=7045821/cobrandOid=1011/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

This is the link to a collection of photos from volunteers, staff and cyclists. If you can't click on the link, copy and paste it into your browser. You may order photos from the site or right click on the photo and save it to your computer. If there's a specific file you'd like e-mailed to you, just let me know which one. If you have any photos to share, email them to april.brownlee@nmss.org and I'll add them to the album.

Also, please don't forget prize forms are due August 31. If you have turned in more money than is shown on the form it is probably because money turned in after 7/26/09 has not yet been deposited, but will be soon. Just fill in the correct amount and return the form if you're due a prize. If you're not due a prize, you may disregard. Prizes will be ordered after the pledge deadline. It generally takes 12 to 14 weeks for us to receive the prizes, so they will likely be in around late November-early December.

Thanks for riding! We're already looking ahead to 2010 and would love to hear any feedback, comments, suggestions, requests, etc. Sometimes resources and rules or regulations prevent us from doing certain things, but we'll consider pretty much anything. We're always looking to enhance the ride and make it bigger and better.

Watch your in-box, our website and the Bike MS blog for a 2010 registration special in December and January. It will be a one-time offer you won't want to miss.

Coolness from You Tube

Copy and paste this into your browser...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn29DvMITu4

Upcoming Bike MS Events!

Monday, June 22
Cookout @ Gander Mountain following the Monday night Windbreaker's ride (ride starts at 6:30)

Thursday, June 25
Bicycle Maintenance and Repair Clinic
6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Bicycle Depot, 34th & Georgia
Pizza & Drinks Provided

Wednesday, July 8
Ice Cream Social @ Gander Mountain following Windbreaker's Wednesday night ride (ride begins at 6:30)

Saturday, July 11
"Ham in a Day" amateur radio training class
Call April at 468-8005, ext 26 for more info

Tuesday, July 14
CPR Certification Class
6pm to 10 pm
Call April at 468-8005, ext 26 for more info

Monday, July 20
Early Packet Pick up
5:30 pm to 7 pm
NMSS Office

Also, if you TURN IN $500 or more by July 15, you'll receive your prize jersey prior to the Bike MS ride!

Order Your Veteran Jersey

If you've ridden BP Bike MS-The Wild West Ride for three or more years, you qualify for a veteran jersey. Jersey's are $45 each and may be ordered by emailing april.brownlee@nmss.org. Just specify your size. You may send a check, pay with a credit card or pay at registration/check-in prior to the event. Orders are due by August 15.

Take A Stand Against MS

You (or your kiddos!) are invited to take a Stand Against MS on Saturday, June 27. Here's how it works:

· Set up a lemonade stand on Saturday, June 27
· You may host your stand any time of day
· Stands can be in front of your home, at your church or office, even a business (please ask for their approval)
· Accept donations for the lemonade rather than setting a price, with all proceeds benefitting the Panhandle Office of the National MS Society
· All supplies are provided by the person/group hosting stand
· Great opportunity for any person of any age or even a group to help bring us closer to a world free of MS.
· May be used as a fundraiser for Bike MS