Bike the US for MS to stop in Pittsburg, increase awareness
BY PRESTON FRAZIER
HOMETOWN GIRARD
▸▸ When a pack of 35 cross-country cyclists rolls into Pittsburg on July 9th, their multiple-state journey will momentarily pause. But for a devoted crew of local volunteers, the real work is only just beginning.
A group of cyclists is riding from Virginia to San Francisco in the Bike the US for MS. The goal is to raise funds, promote understanding, and increase awareness of multiple sclerosis, a disease that has affected many people throughout the country. As with any major undertaking of this magnitude, a team is in place to ensure the cyclists are supported and cared for at each stop.
Gina Peak is helping lead the support crew as they arrive at the final rest stop at the Missouri-Kansas state line, before their final trek into Pittsburg. Her goal is to greet them with a warm welcome. “I love to meet the riders as they arrive at this rest stop,” she said. “We have ice pops to help them cool off before riding the final few miles to Pittsburg.” Peak added, “This is their welcome to Kansas, complete with cowbells and cheers.”
Peak’s group is dedicated to the cause, arriving early in the morning on the first day and working to provide good food, comfortable sleeping quarters, and the pleasantries of air conditioning in the heat of July. “Many of the stops, they are camping in city parks or fire stations. We provide all of the meals,” Peak said.
One might think that after the grueling miles the cyclists travel across the country, they would want to spend their few days here resting, relaxing, and recuperating. While they do some of that as well, they also support local residents with multiple sclerosis through various projects that they can help with. “This year, they will be helping a gentleman with MS to organize his belongings after a move from the East Coast. They often will do yard work, wash windows, or do small handyman tasks,” Peak explained. While Peak typically tries to plan these projects prior to their arrival, she is still looking for a couple more projects for the group to help with.
Supporting this ride is special for Peak in multiple ways, including a personal one. “I have personally lived with multiple sclerosis for over 20 years,” Peak revealed. “I am blessed to be able to go about my day somewhat unaffected by the disease.”
She learned about Bike the US for MS in 2009 through a basic internet search and has supported the ride ever since, after meeting the riders and cooking them a meal. In 2009, it was just the second year the group of riders made a stop in Pittsburg. Ever since that encounter, Peak has rallied volunteers to provide a meaningful experience for the riders and locals. “Since that year, I have worked to provide not just a meal, but everything that they need. The volunteer group is mostly my family, friends, and local people with a connection to MS.”
When the riders come through town, she notifies her group, and they begin their ‘all hands on deck’ approach. “Each year, I just let them know the days that the riders are in town, and we just get to work. My group is so dedicated that many ask me months in advance so they don’t miss the riders,” Peak said.
As Bike the US for MS quickly approaches, there will be a reception open to the public on Friday July 10th at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Colgan Fieldhouse. The location is 285 East 10th Street in Pittsburg. At this reception, community members will have the opportunity to connect with the riders and volunteers. In addition, if you know of anyone with multiple sclerosis who may need a helping hand while they are here, you can reach out to Peak at 620-762-3733.
