The 2025 Ride Across Minnesota with Bike MS (multiple sclerosis) took off from the Red Baron Arena early Monday morning, with nearly 300 bikers embarking on a five-day trek across southwest Minnesota covering 250 miles. Participants came from all over the state, and the ride includes overnight stops in Granite Falls and Willmar.

In its 36th year of the initiative, the National MS Society hosts rides all across the U.S. throughout the year, with participants raising money for resources for those fighting MS. The autoimmune condition affects the central nervous system, disrupting communication between the brain and body.

There was a brief delay in opening the route on Monday due to rain, but bikers still embraced smiles as they left the arena and began their journey.

The fundraiser had already surpassed its $450,000 goal by the time of take-off on Monday, which goes back to MS research and resources.

Photos by Samantha Davis.