The Multiple Sclerosis Tour De Vine is an annual riding event, and will be held this year on June 12-13, 2010 in Charlottesville.  This is a great event for both avid riders and beginners, as there are different “tour” levels, based upon the length of ride you like.  Options are 25, 50, 75, and 100 miles, and every course is fully supported by rest and water stations, and is planned to include beautiful scenery and safety for all of it’s riders. This event is still a little ways out, but it is great to begin planning for it, and get yourself and your team registered for it now. This is one of the events that you’ll hear Charlottesville residents talking about for months after it’s over, so if you enjoy riding and have a little bit of riding skill, it is definitely worth checking out!

All of the ride options explore Virginia Wine Country and travel the Blue Ridge Mountains, and then when the ride is complete for the day, the Tour De Vine also includes several options for night entertainment and further building of your riding community.  Some of the nighttime activities include live music, wine tasting, and delicious local foods.  The MS Society website adds;

Did we mention that the Tour de Vine is an all-weekend party? Activities begin on Saturday at 11:00am and lasts until 9:00pm. There will be live bands, catered food, stretch classes, bike washes, activities for kids, plenty of beer, and award-winning vineyards on site for wine tastings. Plus, Saturday’s catered dinner features both high protein and high carbohydrate options to send you into Sunday’s ride well prepared! Saturday night sleepover options include camping in the Tour de Vine Tent City or you may choose to spend the night in one of the area’s fine hotels. Sunday’s finish line will be the best yet, with an outdoor barbeque, music and crowds to cheer your accomplishment.

This is such a wonderful way to expand your riding community in Charlottesville, meet new people from all over the country who travel here for the event, explore the Blue Ridge, and make new friends, all in an effort towards raising awareness about Multiple Sclerosis and fighting it locally.

The Tour De Vine has a registration fee of $40.00 for all individual participants, and each participant must raise $250.00.  Fees go directly to support MS in our area.

Has anyone participated in this event in the past?  I’d love some testimonials and photos!

Photo Credit: National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Blue Ridge Chapter