Photos courtesy of Amanda Clark

Chris Walker prepares to ride past a bison in Yellowstone National Park during last year's ride. Below: The group spent the Fourth of July in Pueblo, Colo., and rider Mason Cavell was among those watching the nightime the fireworks display. The cyclists set up a booth at the community's downtown celebration, across from the main performance stage.

Participants in the 2009 Bike the US for MS event — Leanna Pugliese, Becca Katz, Mason Cavell, Chris Walker, Dustin Bond, Kristen Scheller, Amanda Clark, Geoff Rosenberg and Daniella Cortese — pedal toward the California coastline.

On June 1, nearly 30 avid cyclists will depart from Yorktown and embark on a 3,800-mile, 60-day journey across the home of the brave.

Riders will enjoy scenery stretching from the coast of Virginia to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Bike the US for MS, a nonprofit organization promoting awareness for multiple sclerosis research, sponsors the tour. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous systems of an estimated 400,000 people.

In 2007, Don Fraser founded BTUSFMS in Blacksburg on the principles of serving others and having a productive effect in the community.

"Blacksburg has great riding for road and mountain bikers," Fraser said. "It's located on the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail, America's oldest and most popular cross-country cycling route. It's home to Virginia Tech, a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm.

"And last, but certainly not least, it's home to my mom, Nina Fraser."

Nina Fraser was diagnosed with MS 25 years ago. Watching the disease progress was and continues to be difficult for Fraser. He finds peace of mind with the support of family and friends.

"I've seen treatments develop over the years and strongly believe that grassroots support and funding for research make a difference," Fraser said. "Organizing this ride and volunteering for others is a satisfying way to give back."

The past three years have been spent promoting and fundraising organizational events. This summer's ride will be the organization's third cross-country trip.

Cyclists will travel the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail and the Western Express Bicycle Route, spending an average of five hours tackling an estimated 70 miles per day.

Aside from exercising, the cyclists will complete service projects and engage in activities, some of which include community cookouts and volunteering with church groups.

To participate, each cyclist is required to raise a minimum of $3,000. Roughly half of the amount will support each cyclist on the road for the two-month ride, and the rest will be given to the James Q. Miller Multiple Sclerosis Clinic in Charlottesville.

"[Cyclists] have shoveled driveways, raked leaves, had bake sales -- you name it, they've tried it," Fraser said.

This year's goal is to raise $100,000. Members are hopeful that continued support from community members will help draw corporate sponsorship. After an estimate of $30,000 in expenses, Fraser believes that a minimum of $42,000 will be awarded to the clinic.

Amanda Clark and Mason Cavell have been BTUSFMS members since its inception. They were prompted to join by Nina Fraser's diagnosis, and other reasons.

"I didn't think twice about signing on," said Cavell, a Blacksburg native. "Having seen the toll MS can take on an individual and his/her family, I wanted to do something to contribute, and I couldn't turn down the adventure of biking across the country."

Cavell participated in the 2007 and 2009 tours. Clark also participated in 2009. The prevalence of MS drives Clark's participation in the group.

"Many core members of BTUSFMS will attest that Nina has played a pivotal role in our desire to be a part of BTUSFMS, but she is not our only connection," she said. "Biking across the country allowed me to meet many more people affected by MS on a daily basis, and many of those people have become friends who stayed in touch with me."

Cavell looks forward to waking up in a new place each day and knowing he'll be riding somewhere he's never been before.

He will also enjoy eating as much as he wants of whatever he wants and getting away it. Cavell does, however, fear being able to persuade himself to "hop back on the saddle with a sore rear" at the start of a new day.

According to Fraser, the materials needed for the trip include: bike, tent, sleeping bag and pad -- and determination. Supplies are not provided by the organization; however, BTUSFMS affiliates can direct those in need to necessary sources.

It is also recommended that future riders condition 500 miles before the trip on the bike they intend to ride.

On June 6, the cyclists will stop in Blacksburg.

BTUSFMS is organizing a group ride with two options for local community members. A registration fee of $20 allows local cyclists to ride either the 50 miles from the Troutville town park or the 25 miles from the Catawba general store into Blacksburg.

Along with the ride, these participants will receive a T-shirt, a water bottle, and entry to the fundraising party to be held later that afternoon in Blacksburg.

BTUSFMS members are already mulling new plans.

The organization hopes to continue to expand the program to draw more participation. In 2011, additional routes will be added to encourage people to participate in a shorter ride.

"In 20 years, when they have found a cure for multiple sclerosis, I'd like to look back and think that we contributed in a small way," Fraser said.

As the organization's treasurer, Cavell searches for way to improve fundraising, publicity and participation.

"[We're] primarily looking at new ways to raise funds and get new and different types of people involved with volunteering or joining on future rides," he said. "We feel that more and more people are looking for an adventure like BTUSFMS, that also serves a good cause, so we're trying to figure out how to bring them on board."

Clark would like to see the organization offer multiple tours at once to allow more to participate while still facilitating smaller groups.

She also hopes the organization will expand activities during both the on- and off-seasons to include more volunteer projects.

"I think BTUSFMS will continue to grow," she said. "Don created a really important outlet for people seeking to make a difference when he mixed a great cause with a great adventure."

For information, visit www.biketheusforms.org.

Those wishing to donate to individual cyclists or the MS cause can also find information there.

"Seek and ye shall find," Clark said. "Make connections to local groups, and once you've made the connections you can continue to expand your efforts.

"I hope people realize the extent to which MS affects Americans and can then understand why finding a cure is so important. People can be proactive and make change happen, so I hope that others will be empowered by that realization."

Fraser adheres to the same philosophy that realization makes all things possible.

"The thought of biking 3,800 miles is intimidating, but when you take the challenge day-by-day and make small steps toward the overall goal, you will reach your destination," he said.

"The idea of curing MS is the same way. Never give up hope, stay optimistic, and one day, there will be a cure."