Keystone Branch Plans Bike MS Event

The 24th annual Bike MS: Glimcher Keystone Country Ride is expected to host at least 400 cyclists from Pennsylvania and surrounding states for a two-day event that will take place Saturday and Sunday, July 20 and 21.

The registration fee is on the website mspakeystone.org or call 814-696-1017 for a discount code.

Cyclists will check in Saturday morning at the Hollidaysburg Senior High School from 6 to 7 a.m. and then begin a 150-mile trek to raise money to help fund research and support for people affected with Multiple Sclerosis. This year’s goal is $430,000. Throughout the ride, safety personnel and support vehicles will be readily available. Bicycle support will be provided by Pedal Power and Spokes N Skis of Blair County as well as The Bicycle Shop of State College.

Saturday’s route will take cyclists through Roaring Spring, Martinsburg, Williamsburg and Spruce Creek to Centre County. Lunch will be provided both days and rest stops with snacks, drinks, and restrooms will be available every 15 miles along the route, the most notable being the “Cookie Rest Stop” where cyclists can enjoy homemade cookies and fruit.

The first day’s ride will end at the Penn Stater in State College.

A dinner for the cyclists emceed by Evan Hinkley, WTAJ TV State College Bureau reporter, will be held Saturday evening at the Penn Stater.

On Sunday at 7 a.m., cyclists will gather at the Penn Stater and begin the return journey. The third rest stop will feature snow cones courtesy of Link Computer. After the cyclists arrive back at the Hollidaysburg Senior High School, a celebration with food, beverages and entertainment will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event was recently renamed the “Bike MS: Glimcher Keystone Country Ride,” to honor Robert Glimcher, a long-time supporter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Glimcher, who is involved with numerous charitable and civic organizations, began riding in 2009 as part of “Lou’s Crew” and has since raised more than $1 million for Bike MS.

Committed to increasing public awareness of Multiple Sclerosis, he has challenged all team captains and their cyclists to recruit new teams and meet the minimum fundraising pledge of $300.