Lewis and Clark Looks Back on a Decade with Bike MS 42nd Annual Gateway Getaway Ride Takes Off This Weekend 

GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College will host the Bike MS: Gateway Getaway Ride for the last time, Sept. 26-27, 2026, before the event moves on to its next location.

As they have since 2015, hundreds of cyclists from across Missouri and Illinois will gather at the college’s Godfrey Campus, raising critical funds to support people living with multiple sclerosis and fuel research aimed at ending the disease. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), this year's ride has a fundraising goal of $1.2 million.

“Bike MS moves the event every 10 years or so to keep the routes fresh and exciting for riders,” said Vice President of Strategic Engagement Lori Artis. “We hope they’ve enjoyed exploring the River Bend over the past decade as much as we’ve enjoyed having them. We’ve been so fortunate to have been able to partner with this wonderful organization as a host site and are proud to have become a part of its legacy.”

This is the 42nd year overall that the St. Louis community has supported the NMSS through the event, which has been held at multiple locations across the region. The next location will be announced soon.

Every year, the Bike MS: Gateway Getaway Ride raises funds and awareness to help advance critical MS research, improve treatments, and ultimately find a cure for a disease that an estimated 1 million people live with in the United States, including more than 50,000 people in Missouri and Illinois.

With route support, rest stops, meals and a welcoming event atmosphere, Bike MS: Gateway Getaway brings together riders of all skill levels, including people living with MS, colleagues, friends, family members and community supporters.

“Every rider who participates in Bike MS: Gateway Getaway is helping move us closer to a world free of MS," said Marisa Cook, Executive Director of the National MS Society's Gateway Chapter. "This event brings together cyclists, volunteers and supporters from across our region to make a real difference for people living with multiple sclerosis. We are grateful to the St. Louis cycling community for always showing up for folks living with MS, and to Lewis and Clark Community College for hosting our starting line for 12 fantastic years. This is a great ride for a great cause – and it's not too late to sign up!"

Routes will open at 7:15 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, departing from LC’s Godfrey Campus. Options include 25 miles, 50 miles, 75 miles, and 100 miles.

About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. There is currently no cure for MS. Symptoms vary from person to person and range from numbness and tingling to mobility challenges, blindness, and paralysis. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 and it affects women three times more than men.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National MS Society, founded in 1946, funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalMSsociety.org, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube or 1-800-344-4867.

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