July 23/20 12:53 pm - Victoria Athletes Everesting for MS (B.C.)

Posted by Editoress on 07/23/20
 

Two Pacific Cycling Centre athletes have announced they will be taking on a charity challenge for the MS Society of Canada. Alex Amiri and Caleb Bender will be Everesting for MS on August 1st as part of the Virtual MS Bike.

Amiri and Bender will ride a hill multiple times until they reach an elevation gain of 8,848 metres, which is the height of Mount Everest. They will climb a 1.3 kilometre portion of road (average of 9%) on Vancouver Island, south of the Cowichan Valley on Goldstream Heights Drive, 73 times in order to reach the target elevation.

Both have been personally affected by MS. Amiri's mom has had the disease for over 20 years, and Bender, who has ridden for MS Bike before, had a family member diagnosed 10 years ago.

"This year I haven't been able to spend real quality time with my mom, and have been limited to window visits," said Amiri. "It's difficult to see her some days, and now I feel I can really make a difference, no matter how small or how large."

"I quickly realized how heavily my local community was impacted by MS when raising funds for my first tour," said Bender. "This disease can have a profound impact on families and communities, with Canadian MS rates being one of the highest in the world."

They are asking for donations to help continue to fight this debilitating disease and assist in funding leading-edge research and support programs. They are encouraging anyone in the area on August 1st to cheer them on in this challenge. They are hoping to start between 6 - 7 am, depending on the temperature.

"Our team will take the spirit of the Virtual MS Bike and strength of those we know living with MS with us, as we push our limits for a hard day in the saddle," they said.

To donate, visit:

Alex's personal page

Caleb's personal page

Everesting for MS team page