Courtesy: event press release

The BP MS 150 Bike Tour, the largest non-profit sporting event in Houston, is preparing to mark another first in its 20-year history.

The annual cycling event will be joined this year by triathletes who will swim, bike and run in conjunction with the BP MS 150. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Lone Star Chapter has recognized the support of the Ironclub Triathlon, which will raise funds for research and programs for people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

The 20th Anniversary BP MS 150 is a 180-mile journey from Houston to Austin on April 17 and 18, 2004. The BP MS 150 is the largest MS 150 in the United States, the largest bike event in Texas and the largest U.S. fundraising event for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In 2003, more than 10,000 cyclists and 3,000 volunteers raised more than $7 million to aid in the fight to end the devastating effects of MS.

The Ironclub Triathlon is open to up to 24 aspiring or currently active triathletes. It begins with a timed, 2.4-mile swim in Houston at 5 a.m. on Saturday, April 17. The athletes will then ride 100 miles, joining the BP MS 150 in progress to its overnight resting area in La Grange.

On Sunday morning, April 18, the Ironclub team continues cycling another 80 miles to cross the finish line at the state capitol building in Austin. The triathlon concludes with a 26.2-mile marathon around the Capitol and Austin's Town Lake.

The Ironclub organization is a USA Triathlon (USAT) recognized tri-sport club in Houston. Its participants are dedicated, active members of both USAT and the U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) organization. For the 2004 BP MS 150 Bike Tour, each athlete is committed to raising a minimum of $1,000.

The BP MS 150 Houston-to-Austin Bike Tour is one of three fundraising rides that the National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Lone Star Chapter hosts in Texas, including the Texas-to- Oklahoma MS 150 Red River Challenge on May 1-2 and the HEB MS 150 Bike to the Beach from San Antonio to Corpus Christi in October. Riders and teams from across the United States participate in the annual events. All three are regarded by cycling enthusiasts as the premier rides in Texas, with experienced management, well-coordinated routes, and special attention to riders' safety and comfort.

In 2003, more than 15,000 riders and 5,000 volunteers participated statewide in the three MS 150 Bike Tours, raising more than $8.5 million. Out of the funds raised, 83 cents of every dollar benefits local programs and MS research.

Chartered in 1955, the Lone Star Chapter serves more than 14,000 individuals in 141 Texas counties who are affected by MS. Services include information and referrals; equipment loans; education, clinical, peer support, and caring and wellness programs; financial assistance; self-help groups; and research updates. The Chapter works closely with the medical community to enhance MS knowledge and treatment.

More information about the Ironclub Triathlon is available on the organization's Web site at www.ironclub.org. Anyone interested in participating can also contact Ironclub Team Captain Tom King at [email protected] or by phone at (866) 866-5464.