Group Health Cooperative expects up to 2,000 cyclists to come to Skagit County Saturday and Sundy for the Group Health MS Ride, based at the Skagit Valley Fairgrounds.
The fundraising bike ride benefits multiple sclerosis research and programs.
The National MS Society of Greater Washington moved the event from La Conner to Mount Vernon this year because of its growth over the last four years. In 2004 the event had 300 riders, and last year it drew 1,800, raising $1.5 million.
The even hopes to bring in 2,000 riders and $1.63 million in contributions.
The two-day ride includes a variety of routes ranging from 50 to 175 miles, winding through Skagit, Island and Whatcom counties.
The Pacific Northwest has one of the highest incidence rates of MS, a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that afflicts an estimated 400,000 people nationwide. The disease usually strikes people between the ages of 20 and 50 with varied and unpredictable symptoms, including fatigue, numbness, loss of balance, vision problems and paralysis.
For more information on the event, or to register or volunteer, visit http://www.MSwashington.org and click on the Bike MS Ride logo, or call 1-800-344-4867 and press option 2.
