Having a hobby you really enjoy makes whatever spare time you have enjoyable.  Enjoying that hobby while raising money for a worthy cause makes it rewarding.

            Last Sunday, the 36th annual Bike MS Ride was held to raise money to drive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research "forward faster" and deliver services to those who face the challenges of MS every day. 

            Among the 7,000 or so riders participating in the Cherry Hill to Ocean City, N.J., ride was Upper Hanover resident Gary Gilbert, who participated in the event for the first time.

            Gary is an avid cyclist and has been riding a bike for fun most of his life.  He began taking spin classes at the Boyertown and Upper Perkiomen "Y" facilities as one of his fitness goals.  It was an enjoyable experience. Gary was quick to point out the great friends he met at both locations and the camaraderie they enjoy during the classes.

            Gary started road biking about three months ago, around the same time he purchased his 22 speed road-bike. He has been biking more than 125 miles per week since then, and was recruited by the 49 member "Team Pfizer" to bike in the annual 160-mile round trip across the Garden State. 

            Gilbert recruited local businesses and friends to sponsor him and was able to raise more than $2,700 toward the MS Bike Ride's goal of $6.5 million. His initial goal was to reach the "Platinum" fund-raiser level of $2,500. 

            Among the most memorable moments of the ride was the finish.

            "Thousands of people are lined up along the finish line, cheering you on," he said. 

            He even printed an eight-page follow up program to hand out to friends and sponsors, featuring photos and thanking to everyone who helped him reach his goal.

            In addition to dozens of individual donors to Gary's ride, local businesses contributing included Chapel Steel Co., Czarstar Security, JTG Trucking, Kriebel Security, Inc., Macoby Run Golf Course, Inc., Mann-Slonaker Funeral Home, Inc., Maple Springs Vineyard, Morgan Financial, Inc. Northfield Antiques, Perkiomen Animal Hospital, PLLC, Stephen Frederick Logistics, Inc., Tom Forsyth Chevrolet, Inc. and the Town and Country newspaper.