The MS City to Shore Ride Returns to Ocean City This Weekend
Thousands of cyclists will descend on Ocean City this weekend for the MS City to Shore Ride. This beloved fall tradition draws participants from across the nation to raise funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The event raises millions of dollars each year to support research and provide services to thousands of people living with multiple sclerosis.
The annual bicycle trek will begin early on Saturday, Sept. 27, with the main starting point at the PATCO Woodcrest Station in Cherry Hill. Riders will embark on a scenic journey through the heart of South Jersey. The route takes cyclists through breathtaking rural landscapes, including the picturesque blueberry fields near Hammonton and the vast, serene expanses of the Pinelands National Reserve. As riders make their way to the shore this weekend, motorists should be prepared for potential delays along the route. In Ocean City, you can expect delays on the 34th Street Causeway and along West Ave from 34th Street to Fifth Street.
The ride offers various route options to accommodate all skill levels, including one-day routes of 25, 40, 75, and a challenging 100 miles. The culmination of the ride is the triumphant arrival in “America’s Greatest Family Resort,” where cyclists cross the finish line at the Ocean City Civic Center, located at Fifth Street and the Boardwalk. For those seeking an even greater feat, a two-day option is available, with riders completing the journey to Ocean City on Saturday and cycling back to Cherry Hill on Sunday. The MS City to Shore Ride has been named one of USA TODAY’s 10 best road cycling events on the East Coast.
The MS City to Shore Ride has a rich and storied history, dating back to its humble origins. The event was founded in the early 1980s by a small group of passionate individuals, including Judy Cohen, an official with the National MS Society, and Larry Kane, a former Philadelphia news anchor. The inaugural ride, then known as the “MS150,” saw just 78 cyclists pedal from Philadelphia to Ocean City and back. What began as a small-scale fundraiser has grown into a massive movement.
For complete information, including details on all routes and how to get involved, visit bikems.org.