Hinton’s RONA MS Bike Tour is set for Sept. 10 and 11 this year, and the donations are pouring in. 

Keltie Tichkowsky, bike tour manager for the Alberta and Northwest Territories division of the MS Society of Canada, said the goal for this year is $400,000. 

The 90-kilometre tour follows the trails surrounding Hinton. The riders do one lap on the Saturday, and return in the other direction the next day. 

“The area’s just gorgeous,” Tichkowsky said. 

The course has a checkstop every 10 to 15 kms, so that riders can refuel on Gatorade and trail mix before continuing on. 

So far 330 people are signed up to make the trek, and Tichkowsky is hoping for more in the coming days. Participants can sign up on the morning of the race, as long as they raise the minimum $275. The tour has attracted racers from all over Alberta, with many planning to attend from the Yellowhead region. 

“It’s just kind of neat to see everyone together,” Tichkowsky said of the province-wide participation. 

The Jasper Rockhoppers are once again fundraising in the Jasper area. The team is aiming to raise $50,000 – a leap from their result of $30,000 in 2010. In 2009, the Rockhoppers were the highest earning team, raking in over $68,000. 

Some riders choose to go it alone, or fund raise with teams, Tichkowsky said. The number of teams is currently at 330, and there is no cap to the amount of people. 

“We would definitely like to have 20 or 30 more people sign up in the next week,” Tichkowsky said. 

Fundraising can be done however the rider wants, from door knocking to organizing events. 

“They do whatever suits them,” Tichkowsky said of the riders. 

Many start fundraising about six months before the ride, but others continue all year round. 

“A lot of cyclists try to get to $1,000,” Tichkowsky said. A $1,000 donation earns each participant an MS jersey.

The all-for-fun ride is in its 13th year. Tichkowsky said they hope to earn $400,000 this year. The Saturday ride is followed by a dinner and dance to celebrate the riders and the many volunteers that help make the event a success. 

The RONA MS Bike Tour’s Hinton stop is the only mountain bike ride on the tour in Alberta. It welcomes novice and experienced riders. 

“It’s a really fun event,” Tichkowsky said. “It’s different from our other events in the province.”

For more information on the Hinton RONA MS Bike Tour, check out www.mssociety.ca