Locals Meet to Prep for 40th Annual Bikeathon, Which Will Bring Expected 5,700 Cyclists to Town

Law enforcement and emergency management personnel met March 11 in La Grange to discuss the annual MS 150 ride that traverses across several area counties. The 40th annual MS 150 will have starts in Houston and Austin with all riders ending up in La Grange at the Fayette County Fairgrounds for the first night. The ride is scheduled for April 27-28, 2024.

“This ride used to be from Houston to Austin, with an overnight stop in La Grange. For Austin riders, that meant they had to travel to Houston for the start of the ride, then, if they left their cars there, had to return to Houston. Logistically it became a headache when coupled with the construction in the Austin area. Three years ago, the route was changed so that Austin riders start in Austin, Houston riders start in Houston and everyone meets in La Grange for the Saturday night stay. Sunday, we continue the ride into Kyle Stadium in College Station,” said Gary Metcalf, president of Cadence Sports which organizes the ride for the MS Society.

The ride organizers provide medical teams and law enforcement throughout the ride and coordinate with local emergency services and first responders to ensure the riders’ and the public’s safety.

“This ride has been coming through Fayette County and stopping in La Grange since it started. The riders say it’s one of the best parts of the ride. I think it’s great how the community comes out to support them. The organizers hold a ‘town hall’ meeting about six weeks before the ride with local emergency services and law enforcement to ensure everyone is on the same page. They do their best to be responsible for all necessary services so local providers don’t get overtaxed,” said Angela Hahn, Fayette County emergency management coordinator.

“We met on March 11 and had representatives from Bastrop, Washington, Burleson and Brazos counties offices of emergency management as well as Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, La Grange Police, the city of La Grange, Fayette County EMS, TxDOT, the MS Society – pretty much all the players,” she said. “They are expecting approximately 5,700 riders, which is down from the early years due to the pandemic and natural disasters. They do see the numbers rising again.”

Rides are held all across the nation, with the Texas ride being one of the biggest. The goal is to raise funds for research into multiple sclerosis which affects over one million people in the United States.

“This is a very worthwhile cause and I’m proud of the part Fayette County plays in raising funds for the MS Society. I hope everyone has a safe ride and remember, share the road,” said Fayette County Judge Dan Mueller.