Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — For the past three years, Steamboat Springs resident Lee Cox has waged a battle against multiple sclerosis from the seat of her Trek roadbike during the annual M.S.-150 bike tour event.

Now, she's trying to encourage other local cyclists to join her and form "Team Boat."

While pedaling the 150-mile course is a thrilling challenge, Cox said the real reason for her dedication is raising pledges and feeling like she has done her part to help battle this life-changing disease.

"The fact that my fund-raising total has gone up every year is kind of my reward," Cox said. "There are a lot of giving people in this community and they really support you."

Cox said she was drawn to the ride by a friend whose stepmother was battling M.S. Her friend, too, still takes part in the annual ride.

"It's a great bike ride and I just love to ride my bike," Cox said.

The bicycle ride will take place on July 8 and 9 with the proceeds going to help M.S. research.

Each rider must raise at least $175 in pledges to take part in the two-day event. Cox said she had been able to do this each of her three years with relative ease.

The first year, she collected $300, the second, $500, and last year, she helped raise $750 for the cause.

These days, Cox would like to help raise more money by encouraging other local riders to take part in the event.

"There are a lot of people in Steamboat who ride their bikes and I would just like to encourage those people to ride for a good cause," she said.

The course will take riders from South Denver to Colorado Springs on the first day. On the second day, participants will make their way from Colorado Springs over the Royal Gorge bridge eventually ending up in Canon City.

Cox is trying to form group of local riders for "Team Boat" to ride in the event. If you would like to join the team, or just take part in the ride contact Cox at 846-8007. There are also brochures about the event in most local bike shops.

M.S. is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms my be mild such as numbness in the limbs or severe paralysis or loss of vision.

One of every 800 people in the state of Colorado has M.S. Seventy-three percent are women. Most people with M.S. are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.

To reach John F. Russell call 8712-4209 or e-mail jrussell@amigo.net