6,000 Cyclists Descend on La Grange

They Raised $8.1 Million for National MS Society

About 6,000 cyclists descended on La Grange for the Texas MS 150 over the weekend.

The ride, which raises money to fight multiple sclerosis, last took place in 2019. Organizers canceled the 2020 ride due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Texas Bike MS organization announced big changes to the ride in 2021. Before, riders left from the Houston area, camped overnight in La Grange, and ended the ride in Austin. Instead, the 2021 plans called for groups of riders to leave from Austin and Houston, meet in La Grange for the overnight stay, and finish the ride at Kyle Field in College Station.

Torrential rainfall and flooding forced another cancellation in 2021.

But it came back this year with the new routes to College Station.

Linda Bates, South Central President of the National MS Society, said about 12,000 to 15,000 people were in La Grange Saturday for the ride, in addition to the cyclists.

“Many of the riders bring one or two people with them, and then all the volunteers and support staff,” Bates said. “We have about 3,500 volunteers who work on this year round. Many of them are dedicated. It’s a part time job to make it happen.”

Bates estimated that this year’s ride will raise $8.1 million for the National MS Society.

Look for more in Friday’s paper about some medical breakthroughs made possibly by research funded by Bike MS.