On June 13, Chris Ramsey will test the limits of multiple sclerosis by attempting the solo 925-mile Race Across the West. He will be the first known athlete diagnosed with MS to attempt this feat.

Everybody is welcome to participate in this group ride, which will be one of Chris’ final training sessions capping nearly 12,000 miles of training. We’ll do our best to keep the group together at a pace of ~2.5w/kg and finish with a last lap mini race from the sprint banner to the finish banner. Please add (RAWvsMS) to your ride name to provide awareness for riders and the cause. Zwift Vintage orange kit will be auto-selected; all bikes/equipment and PowerUps allowed.

Chris has dedicated himself to a career in physical therapy, empowering the injured to return to activity that defines them - sports, work, family time, or simply enjoying a healthy life. During a 20 year triathlon career he qualified 9 times for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. But in 2008, he was confronted by the unforeseen challenges of MS. In just a few weeks, weakness, numbness, and fatigue brought into question his entire future – a walk to get the mail suddenly required a nap. From these ashes came a fire to return to competition. “The higher the bar is kept, the further it has to fall.” Using that mantra, he returned to compete at the Ironman World Championships in 2009, 2011, and 2013. Along the way, he motivated others to find the joy of exercise and raised over $20,000 to support MS patients and research. “MS versus MS - My Sport, My Strength, My Story versus Multiple Sclerosis” - that’s Chris’ defiant battle cry. He believes for his patients and himself that through dedication and persistence, physical challenges and limitations can be redefined.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most widespread disabling neurological condition of young adults around the world – striking people in the prime of their lives, typically ages 20 to 50. More than 2.5 million people worldwide are affected with 400,000 in the US alone.

Follow Chris’ RAW attempt and if inspired, donate to the cause:
http://www.facebook.com/RAWvsMS/Opens a new window
http://bit.ly/RAWvsMSOpens a new window (donate to National MS Society, matching gift available)
http://www.gofundme.com/ramsey-ms-vs-msOpens a new window (donate to help cover Chris’ RAW expenses)
http://www.strava.com/athletes/637972Opens a new window