MARSHALL — Bringing to southwest Minnesota an experience that participants and spectators can indulge in to support those fighting multiple sclerosis (MS), the 2025 National Bike MS: Ride Across Minnesota is taking place in Marshall this year.

The National MS Society hosts dozens of rides all across the U.S. throughout the year, with Minnesota’s taking place in July. The event fundraises money, by its bikers and teams, that go back to the society to raise efforts and resources for those fighting MS.

“If you’re out of state, there are so many different rides in so many different states,” longtime Bike MS participant Tom Caron of Marshall said. “There are a lot of them you can attend.”

MS is an autoimmune condition that affects the central nervous system, in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves.

The disease results in nerve damage that disrupts communication between the brain and body.

According to Bike MS, “Each year, nearly 40,000 cyclists and more than 4,000 teams participate around the country for people with MS … Bike MS has 50 rides across the US with experiences that are unique to each ride.”

The Ride Across Minnesota event is the only five-day event in the Bike MS series, and will take place next week Monday to Friday.

The startling line will open at 6:30 a.m. at the Red Baron Arena on Monday, and will return to Marshall throughout the day on Friday. Bikers will ride 45 to 60 miles each day.

Riders are not required to participate all five days, and can leisurely bike the amount they wish.

The route includes stops in Granite Falls and Willmar before returning back to Marshall.

“We’ll start in Marshall and we’ll go to Granite Falls (on Monday). Then from Granite, we’ll go to Willmar, and for Willmar, we’ll do a Willmar loop around the Green Lake and Spicer area (on Tuesday and Wednesday),” Caron said, detailing the ride. “From Willmar (on Thursday), we’ll go back to Granite, and then Granite on Friday morning we will go back to Marshall.”

Bikers will be in Willmar for two nights, Tuesday and Wednesday.

“You kind of camp out and do whatever you want to do,” Caron said. “If you want to camp, if you want to tent, if you want to do a hotel, you can do that.”

Bike MS has lodging options with local hotels that provide shuttle servicing, but participants are welcomed to stay where they please.

Each biker or team fundraises, with proceeds going to the National MS Society. Of the 270 participants for the Minnesota ride, over $320,000 has been donated, as of Tuesday, for the $450,000 goal.

Those interested in participating must be at least 12 years of age, and can register online with a fundraising goal of at least $300. The minimum must be met prior to starting the ride. Walk-up registrations are also welcomed.

Online registration closes on the final day of the ride, Friday, at noon.

There will be rest stops with hydration and snacks available every 8-18 miles, along with marked routes, medical support, ride marshals and bike mechanics. Helmets are also required for all riders.

Spectators are welcomed to support the bikers at the start and finish lines, along with the rest stops and in the overnight town stops.