2017 BP MS 150

WHO & WHAT The BP MS 150, is a two-day, fundraising bike ride from Houston to Austin taking place April 29-30, 2017. More than 12,000 cyclists are expected to raise $16 million to stop multiple sclerosis (MS) in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever. The BP MS 150 is the largest fundraising event for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the largest fundraiser for MS research in the world. Cyclists will start Saturday morning in Houston and follow scenic routes into Bellville for lunch with an overnight in La Grange. On Day 2 the journey continues with two route options out of the Fayette County Fairgrounds, taking riders into Austin for exciting festivities at the finish line and a one-of-a-kind view of the Texas State Capitol. There are more than 20 BP MS 150 recommended rides to help cyclists prepare for the event. Breakpoints are located every 8-12 miles along the route featuring snacks, sports drinks and water to keep you going. In addition, first aid stations, mechanical support, sunblock, and rest room facilities are provided to meet all your needs. Registration is available at BPMS150.net. The 2017 registration fee is $115 through Jan. 31, and will increase to $130 on Feb. 1. Each BP MS 150 cyclist is required to raise a minimum of $400 prior to picking a rider packet. Individuals, families and groups are also encouraged to volunteer along the route. Visit BPMS150.net, call 713-394-2921 or email bpms150@nmss.org to register as a cyclist, virtual rider or volunteer. Support a rider today by donating online. WHEN & WHERE The ride will begin in Houston on Saturday, April 29 and finish in downtown Austin in front of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum near the State Capitol on Sunday, April 30, following an overnight celebration at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in La Grange. Cyclists have the option to start at one of three starting points on Saturday: Saturday, April 29 – Day 1 Start Tully Stadium 1050 Dairy Ashford Rd. Houston, TX 77079 Rhodes Stadium 1733 Katy Fort Bend Rd. Katy, TX 77493 Waller Stadium 20735 Stokes Rd. Waller, TX 77484 On day two, riders will have two route options from the Fayette County Fairgrounds as they make their way to Austin. WHY The BP MS 150 is regarded by cyclists as a premier ride in the state, with experienced management, well-coordinated routes and special attention to rider safety and comfort. Multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system, interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 2.3 million worldwide. The Society mobilizes people and resources so that everyone affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. In 2014 alone, through our comprehensive nationwide network of programs and services, the Society devoted $122.2 million to connect more than one million individuals to the people, information and resources they needed. To move closer to a world free of MS, the Society also invested $50.2 million to support more than 380 new and ongoing research projects around the world. The Society is dedicated to achieving a world free of MS. Learn more at: www.nationalMSsociety.org. Over the past 10 years, BP has invested more than $90 billion in the U.S. – more than any other energy company. BP is a leading producer of oil and gas and produces enough energy annually to light nearly the entire country for a year. Employing about 16,000 people across the country, BP supports more than 170,000 additional jobs through all of its business activities. For more information, go to www.bp.com/us.