Students looking for a reason to get out this summer can do so for a special cause and a small price by registering for “Bike MS: Cruise the Cornfields,” a bike ride hosted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Upper Midwest Chapter.

The bike ride will start June 24 and end the next day. Registration for the ride will be $20 to register by April 1. After that, it will increase to $30. On top of the registration cost, cyclists must raise a minimum of $200. Registration on June 23 is allowed, with a $230 upfront payment.

The ride will start in Ankeny at the Des Moines Area Community College location and end in Ames at the Scheman Building. The event marks the first time it will end in Ames instead of Marshalltown.

Bike MS is a two-day, 150-mile event, which now has two options for the riders. Riders are able to choose from a shorter route of 35 to 40 miles, or the longer route, which is 75 to 80 miles.

The cyclists will be able to utilize the High Trestle Trail, the 25-mile trail that opened last April.

The money will go toward raising funds for research, programs and services for multiple sclerosis.

“We work to create a world free of MS,” said Andria Battaglia, development manager for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Upper Midwest Chapter.

Multiple sclerosis, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s website, is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. The symptoms of MS may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or can be severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. Women are more likely to be diagnosed than men.

They also state that in the U.S, there are approximately 400,000 people with MS, with 200 more people diagnosed every week. Worldwide, MS is thought to affect more than 2.1 million people.

With no cure for the disease, Bike MS is one of many ways the National Multiple Sclerosis Society uses to develop funds, awareness, financial support, scholarships and more for individuals with MS.

Battaglia encourages everyone in the Ames and ISU community to take part in Bike MS.

“It’s such a fun event,” Battaglia said. “I love being a part of it.”

If cycling is not something of interest, the event is still a great atmosphere, and the upper Midwest chapter is looking for volunteers for the June 2012 event.

“If you’re not riding, we are always in need of volunteers, cheerleaders and people enjoying the event,” Battaglia said.

At the finish line, there will be local DJ, DJ Click n Play, entertainer Rudy York, food from Sports Pub and Grill and more.

The event will be a large social affair, and the Ames community was thought about for a reason.

“Ames and ISU is an overall great atmosphere,” Battaglia said. Battaglia is also an ISU alum. “Every year, we have a lot of Iowa State students and alum who participate.”

Another reason for participating in Bike MS, other than the cause, is for training for other cycling events such as RAGBRAI.

Battaglia encouraged that registration happen earlier than later.

“Getting registered earlier gives people an advantage to start raising the minimum of $200 or more, which would be fantastic,” she said.

This year’s goal for Bike MS: Cruise the Cornfields is $105,000. The goal for amount of registered riders is 350, with the usual registration number of around 300.

“Our highest amount raised has been $110,000,” Battaglia said. “We’ve had a top fundraiser of $10,000 themselves.”

She said the event is also great as a team with family, friends, club members, greek houses, co-workers, majors and other organizations.

“Teams can be up to four people,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun as a team. They sep up tents at stopping points, pick fun team names and enjoy each other’s company. It’s like a tailgate.”

To secure the safety of the bikers, there will be services if individuals become tired, injured and need to be picked up. There will also be rest stops every 10 miles with snacks and support. If bikes break down, the services of Barr Bike and Fitness will come to the rescue for those problems.

The event is such a fun two days that ISU alumni and Bike MS committee member Kendal Colvin is on his 10th year.

“I first signed up because I had family friends diagnosed with MS,” Colvin said.

Colvin was not a big cyclist then, but said he now enjoys the time he has spent on a bike.

“Physically, I jumped into it. Since then, I’ve also done RAGBRAI,” he said. “But Bike MS is the best support ride. They take care of you with food, rest stops and entertainment.”

As an ISU graduate, Colvin said he is glad the stop is in Ames.

“Ames is awesome, it’s going to be a great finish line,” Colvin said. “They are being so welcoming, even opening up dorm rooms and Lied Rec for us to use.”

Being his 10th year with Bike MS, Colvin had nothing but good things to say about the event and everyone involved.

“It’s a great ride for a great cause,” he said. “We raise awareness, it’s well supported and with a rock star staff.”

To register, give donations, and learn more about Bike MS: Cruise the Cornfields, students are encouraged to visit the MS Bike ride website.