Sedona AZ (May 15, 2013) – On Saturday, May 18, 2013, approximately 700 bike riders will travel through the City of Sedona as part of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Arizona Chapter’s Bike MS: Ride the Vortex- Sedona Verde Valley event. This event is the premier bike ride in the State of Arizona and is part of the country’s largest national cycling series supported by the Society. Bike MS: Ride the Vortex- Sedona Verde Valley is a two day catered cycling event hosted at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds on May 18th and May 19th from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on May 18th and May 19th. In addition to bike rides through parts of the Verde Valley, there will be a vendor exposition, DJ provided music and food provided to participants for free and spectators for a minimal donation.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Arizona Chapter has worked with the City of Sedona and Sedona Fire District staff to plan for the portion of the ride through Sedona. Ride participants will travel through Sedona on Saturday, May 18th between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Participants will enter the City along State Route 179 and exit the City via State Route 89A. Participants will be completing 60, 70 and 90 mile rides. Route markings will be placed at different locations throughout the City to direct participants on where to ride. Residents and visitors to the City on May 18th may see some riders traveling on other streets of the City as they complete their ride segments.
Two event rest stops for participants are planned in Sedona. The event rest stops are: 1) the parking lot of Christ Lutheran Church, Sedona, AZ 86336; and, 2) the parking lot at Verde Valley Medical Center, Sedona Campus, 3700 W. SR-89A Sedona, AZ 86336. The event rest stops will offer participants the opportunity to rest, drink and eat before proceeding with the rest of their rides.
Area residents and visitors may encounter traffic delays on Saturday, May 18th and are encouraged to plan traffic-related activities prior to 9:00 a.m. and after 3:00 p.m. The Sedona Police Department asks drivers to be on the lookout for bicyclists and to be cautious and courteous when driving near bicyclists.
For more information on the Bike MS: Ride the Vortex- Sedona Verde Valley, please contact Lisa Cleary, Event Coordinator, National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Arizona Chapter, 626-221-5333.
