If you were on the highways in the West Kootenay this weekend you may have noticed the white signs with the red capital letters “MS”. This was to alert drivers of the cyclists riding the scenic loop from New Denver — travelling through the Slocan Valley, Nelson and Kaslo — as a fundraiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
It’s the third year for this challenging route known as the West Kootenay Glacier Challenge.
Various volunteers supported the riders on their 222 km ride with refueling and hydration stations along the way.
As of press time the 2014 West Kootenay Glacier Challenge has raised $83,100 surpassing the 2013 fund-raising efforts by over $2,000.
Nelson resident and physician Jim Noiles was the top fundraiser for the third year running with a total of $11,500 this year and he said it’s not to late to donate.
He said the riding conditions were amazing on Sunday with temperatures in the low 20s, no wind, no rain, and no mishaps. Everyone was healthy and all the riders finished in New Denver by 4:30 p.m.
Noiles said this year’s ride was “one of the best. It was fantastic. It was a wet morning Saturday but it cleared up.”
“It was so well organized and some of the newcomers were really impressed.”
To view the first batch of photos for inspiration to participate in next year’s ride, or to donate, go to westkootenayglacierchallenge.ca.