On October 3rd, hundreds of cyclists will gather to ride Bike MS 2009 in Ventura, California. Organized by the Southern California Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the goal of this two-day, epic event is to raise $1.26 million. The money raised will fund programs and services for 14,500 people diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and their families in Southern and Central California (this includes support groups, newly-diagnosed programs, crisis counseling, equipment loans and much more), as well as fund vital research for better treatments and a cure for the disease.
As cyclists, there are many ways we can support this worthwhile cause, but the best way possible is to put our pedaling power to use by joining a team and riding Bike MS. Speaking from past experience, I can assure you that this event will be both moving and unforgettable. I rode with the Rockin’ Jalapenos back in 2005 and 2006, and, due to my many generous sponsors, was able to raise valuable funds for the cause. Along the way, I faced new challenges, met personal goals and made friends for a lifetime. .jpg)
Recently, I interviewed my friend, fellow cyclist and Captain of the Rockin’ Jalapenos, Arvin Torio. Aware of the team's longstanding dedication to the cause, I was curious to hear in his words how the Rockin' Jalapenos formed and what has kept them together all these years.
LA Cycling Examiner: How many years have you been Captain of the Rockin’ Jalapenos?
Arvin Torio: We've been around 13 years, and I've been Captain for eight of those years.
Are you the founder of the team? Are there members in your family who are inflicted with MS?
Yes, my friend (Vladimir) and I founded the team. At that point, we just wanted to ride our bike in an organized ride. We just happened to end up [registered] with the Southern California Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The route [at that time] was from Ontario to Palm Springs. I have no connection to MS and none of my family members are inflicted with MS. I guess that's why I keep coming back; I want to keep it that way.
Who came up with the name "Rockin’ Jalapenos," and is there a story behind the name?
Now that's a million dollar question, isn't it? We never told the story behind the name. Why start now?
Why is riding for this cause important to you personally?
In the first couple of years that the Rockin' Jalapenos existed, it wasn't personal. We just wanted to ride, and it seemed that this event was organized by caring people. We truly appreciated the accommodations and the friendly atmosphere. As we educated ourselves over the years about MS, our reasons for riding became more apparent, and we've come to realize the things we took for granted. We've met friends with MS and heard the stories of their struggles. Several of our team riders either have MS or have loved ones with MS. This is when it got personal. Although advanced medication exists, there is still no slam-dunk cure for MS. We still don't know what causes the disease. This is why we can't stop. Our fight must continue.
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Anything else you’d like to say about the cause, the ride and/or your team?
We need to keep fighting until we find out what causes and cures MS. Come out and join us on the ride. Meet the people with MS and listen to their stories. Many times they've come to us and tell us how grateful they are that we're doing what we do. What they don't realize is that they’re the ones who inspire us!
If you’d like to participate in this epic charity event, please consider registering with an existing team, one seeking members. Or, perhaps you’d like to form your own team with a personal fundraising goal? There is still plenty of time to raise the minimum pledge of $350, and most riders find it easy to go far above and beyond the fundraising minimum. Last but not least, the Southern California Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is always looking for good volunteers.
- To Ride: Click Here to sign up online or call 310.479.4456 (Registration is easy !)
- To Volunteer: Call 310.479.4456 and ask for the volunteer coordinator or click here to sign up online
- To Donate: Click here– you can sponsor a specific cyclist or team, or make a general donation
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