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Logan » Family and friends -- helpless to relieve the pain and discomfort of loved ones stricken with multiple sclerosis -- pushed themselves to their physical limits Saturday at the 23rd Bike MS: Harmons Best Dam Bike Ride.
Nearly 3,000 participants started at the Cache County Fairgrounds and rode up to 100 miles around the valley after securing approximately $1.85 million in donations, which they hope will help lead to a cure.
Becky Woolley, director of team fundraising and sponsorship, said the cyclists are as diverse as the bikes they ride -- some aged and a little worn out, and others over-the-top with price tags in excess of $10,000.
MS affects 400,000 people nationwide and more than 30,000 Utahns, according to Annette Royle, president of the Utah chapter of the national MS Society. For many cyclists who ride year after year, the event is a reunion -- sometimes bittersweet if an illness has progressed.
Kitty LeValley, of Sandy, was back for her 13th year with Team Jewels, named after her sister Julie. LeValley was also diagnosed with MS a few years ago, but the numbness and tingling in her fingers haven't taken her out of the race.
"Initially we rode for Julie. Now we ride for many people with MS. Thankfully, I'm still healthy enough to ride," she said.
Park City resident J. Greg Spencer has been married to Laurel Spencer for 31 years, and she has had MS for the last
"It is a great platform for my wife to demonstrate what really matters in life," Spencer said before starting the 100-mile ride at 7 a.m. "Good health is one of the easiest things to take for granted. When I get tired about 70 miles into the race, I realize how fortunate I am to be able to do it."
Traveling by car because MS affects her balance on a bike, Laurel Spencer followed her 2008 team, named FLH for "Faith, Love, Hope" and "For Laurel's Health."
In 2008, FLH donated the most money of the $1.4 million raised at the event, and so far in 2009, the team of 26 supporters has earned $55,000 with car washes, an art show featuring her children and donations.
"I have an amazing support group," she said.
For those who don't, Spencer said, the Utah chapter of the MS Society is a great benefit.
"They offer an unbelievable range of services," he said, "particularly for people without good support of their own -- the MS support groups, financial help, advocacy with insurance companies."
