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A long, hot ride to a cure for MS

Keep an eye out for cyclists on the roads: the West Kootenay Glacier Challenge is underway this weekend.
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A cyclist enters Lakeside Park on Saturday at the end of the first stage of the Scotiabank MS West Kootenay Challenge.

Sometimes it's not enough to just raise money for a good cause — you have to sweat for it, too.

Sixteen teams made up of 98 cyclists are on the highways and city streets for the West Kootenay Glacier Challenge this weekend.

The 222-kilometre ride began in New Denver, looped through the Junction for an overnight pitstop in Nelson and continued Sunday back to New Denver via Kaslo. Cyclists had to contend with high temperatures and construction as paving continues along sections of Highway 3A.

The annual event is held to raise money for multiple sclerosis research. Canada has the highest rate of MS in the world, according to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, with an estimated 100,000 people currently suffering from the autoimmune disease of the central nervous system.

Nearly $112,000 was raised by participants, easily surpassing the organizer's goal of $90,000.



Tyler Harper

About the Author: Tyler Harper

I’m editor-reporter at the Nelson Star, where I’ve worked since 2015.
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