Why Bike MS: Colonial Crossroads is 'labor of love' for Team CBS 6

RICHMOND, Va. — The Bike MS: Colonial Crossroads 2023 ride to defeat multiple sclerosis is underway in Central Virginia this weekend.

Some riders traveled 75 or 100 miles Saturday morning from Varina High School in eastern Henrico to Williamsburg. Others turned around and did the same thing back to Richmond Sunday morning. Others enjoyed a 33-mile family ride in Williamsburg on Saturday.

But each rider will raise money for research into MS and to provide services for people in our community suffering from the disease.

The disease attacks the central nervous system and over time erodes the myelin sheath that covers nerve endings.

There is no cure but in the last five years, new therapies have vastly improved the quality of life for those with MS.

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There are nearly a dozen riders on Team CBS 6 this year.

Bill Fitzgerald, whose mother-in-law died of complications from multiple sclerosis, is taking part in his eleventh ride.

"It's events like these that raise money for that crucial research and to help people in our area who need those services," Fitzgerald said. "It's a labor of love."

Team CBS 6 was among the top fundraising team this year. Team RABA ranked first with more than $72,500, the Capital Ale House team was second with more than 44,700 and Team CBS 6 ranked third with more than $35,100 raised.

And Bill Fitzgerald was the race's top fundraiser this year, collecting more than $17,000.

If you would like to contribute, you can donate to the squad itself or to individual team members; either way, your donation will be put to use in helping people and researchers in our area.

• Donate to CBS 6
• Bill Fitzgerald
• Leland Pinder
• Tracy Sears
• Julie Watkins
• Stephen Hayes
• Katrina Tilbury
• Misti Davidson

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