Cardio Express Ride comes to the Capital City

HARTFORD, Conn. – For the first time, the 2012 Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride will be held in Hartford at the Riverfront Boathouse in Riverside Park on Sunday, Sept. 9.

Cyclists will cross the river to ride 75-, 50-, or 25-miles into the scenic Connecticut countryside before returning to Hartford.

"We're extremely excited about the new venue," said Peter Rusconi, owner of Cardio Express Fitness Centers, who was diagnosed with MS in 2004. "We've always wanted to involve our capital city and to have the Boathouse step up as a venue is just tremendous.  We're looking forward to a very enjoyable ride."

More than 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Rusconi, are affected by multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown and, as a result, there is currently no cure for MS. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, loss of mobility and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.

This year marks the 17th anniversary of the Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride. In its history, more than 2,000 cyclists have pedaled over 200,000 miles to raise more than $1 million to support local chapter programs and services as well as scientific research to find a cure for multiple sclerosis. This year, organizers hope to raise $150,000.

Registration for this year's ride is $40 and the minimum fundraising amount per registered rider is $125. Cyclists will be able to register up to three people who have never participated before for free as part of the chapter's Ticket To Ride program. Participants must be at least 12 years old to ride.

The finish line party at the Boathouse will feature music from the Tumblin' Dice Rockin' Party Band, a barbeque, beer from the Olde Burnside Brewing Company, tastings by Peel Liqueurs, massages by Massage Envy,  vendors and more.

News 8 evening anchor and Madison resident Darren Kramer will serve as Grand Marshal. Kramer has a personal connection to multiple sclerosis, and has worked closely with the chapter since 2006, when he joined WTNH News 8.

"National MS Society events are especially important to me and my family because my mother-in-law battles the effects of multiple sclerosis," says Kramer. "News 8 is dedicated to helping different charities throughout Connecticut."

Community partners include WTNH News 8 and Clear Channel Radio Connecticut.

For more information or to register for the Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride, please visit ctfightsMS.org.