Bicycling Magazine calls it the “Best Cycling Getaway in NJ.” Bill Booth, Tom Brill and other Booth Bay team members just call it a great experience for a great cause ― Multiple Sclerosis.

This year marks the 29th Annual Bike MS: City to Shore Ride with over 7,000 cyclists of all ages and cycling abilities. And this year the Booth Bay team goes all out by making the full 75 mile trek. Starting in Haddonfield, they travel to the lush fruit fields of Hammonton, where they meet up with more cyclists who’ve signed up for the 45-mile version of the ride.

“Last year Bill and I did 45-mile ride,” said Tom. “The whole experience had a very upbeat party-like atmosphere. You ride with a big group of people. There’s not a lot of traffic. People hold up signs, applaud, and cheer you on as you go.”

From Hammonton, everyone winds their way through the back roads of the South Jersey pine barrens all the way to the fresh seaside air of historic Ocean City.

Last year’s ride had a special importance for both Bill and Tom. Tom rode for his cousin. As for Bill, “I was coming off a kidney transplant and I used the ride to motivate me and to get my strength back. I took up biking in July, and let it rip for the event. I had no specific training program. I just jumped on my bike when I could.”

At end of trip there are two big bridges into OC. It’s kind of like their version of “the wall” in Manayunk. “You’re tired but you can see the end is near,” noted Tom. “At the end of 2nd bridge we stopped to look around.”

Bill echoed the feeling. “At the bridge it was really emotional. You’re standing high up on the bridge and looking at the bay on one side and ocean on other. For me it was like looking back at my disease and seeing that I had conquered it.”

“In Ocean City you finish to big crowds, with bands playing. Bill’s wife and daughter handed us flowers. We saw people with MS who inspired us throughout the trip. The whole experience was fantastic,” Tom added. “That’s why this year we’re doing the 75.”

And this year, it’s all about the cause. For Bill, “The reason that I like this is that I’m doing something for someone else through this activity, so this to me was really beneficial, because I can exercise, have fun in a sports challenge way, and contribute all at the same time.”

For Tom, “It’s amazing the number of people who are involved in this. The fundraising part was different for me. It’s a fun thing to do so you can watch your progress as you prepare for the event. Then, you get the added bonus and good feelings about supporting such a worthy cause.”

This year the Booth Bay crew went all out to make it a team event. They have at least six riders and their own jerseys. They’re even trying to motivate people to start riding to get ready for next year. As a team, Booth Bay Creative set a goal of $3500.00.

“In my request for donations, I understand it’s not a great time to be asking people for money,” said Bill. “But it’s not like I’m asking for myself. I’m asking for a cause that’s worth it. This is going to be an annual event that we’ll support and we’ll be looking for additional team members and sponsors to help this great cause.”

The MS Society website says that, “This ride is fully supported with catered rest stops, bike support, and SAG transportation. In addition, invite your family and friends to cheer as you cross the finish line and enjoy a wonderful evening stroll on the boardwalk. Cyclists must collect a minimum of $300 in donations to participate.”

We invite you to support the Booth Bay Creative team on their ride, October 3rd, 2009, with your donation.