OVERLAND PARK, KS — Teams of cyclists and individual riders raced against the clock on Feb. 26 to help individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease of the central nervous system. Pushing the pedals as fast as possible, more than 150 cyclists competed in the eighth annual Ride to Nowhere at the Athletic Club of Overland Park.

On the Saturday morning, high-energy music pumped through the gym as Julie Heitkamp, club manager, watched her indoor cycling students compete in the event. The majority of the competitors weren't members, and it was a fun way to promote fitness to the community, said Heitkamp, who won the advanced female category by spinning 20.97 miles in a half an hour. She participated in the event last year at 24 Hour Fitness and approached the MS Achievement Center about sponsoring the stationary bike race at her club this year.

Three teams of five and three individuals competed simultaneously from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. At the end of the day, prizes were awarded to the top finishers. Gloria Aguilar, event coordinator, says the Ride to Nowhere is an excellent opportunity for a health club to reach the community and allow cyclists to compete for a good cause.

The proceeds from the event benefited the Mid America MS Achievement Center, which was established in 1995 to provide therapeutic services for individuals with a progressive form of MS. For the complete race results, visit www.msachievement.org/race.html.

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