Wilton Man's Bike Team Raises $34,000 for Multiple Sclerosis Research

Nearly 5,000 bikes and hand cycles converged on the West Side Highway recently to start Bike MS NYC 2013. 

Among the riders was John Schiaroli, 37, of Wilton, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 23.

Hosted by the New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Bike MS NYC 2013 offered riders three routes to choose from — a traffic-free 30 mile route circling Manhattan, or a traffic-free ride through the Holland Tunnel, and experiencing the 55 or 100 mile routes that went through New Jersey and Rockland County before finishing back in Manhattan.

Schiaroli, a manager at PepsiCo, rode with his 50-member team, the Pepsi Rollas, who raised $34,000, making them a top 10 fundraising team.

Actively involved with the chapter for 14 years, Schiaroli was instrumental in the formation of PepsiCo New York’s first Bike MS NYC team.

Not letting his diagnosis define who he is, Schiaroli credits his family, close friends and even people he meets while exercising as his support base. He has participated in Walk and Bike MS since 1999, and joined the Race to Stop MS team to race in the NYC Triathlon last year and NYC Marathon this year.

“MS has caused me to look at myself in a much more holistic way,” Schiaroli said in a release from National Multiple Sclerosis Society's New York City - Southern NY Chapter. “I know my limitations.”

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder.  Nearly three times as many women have MS as men. Money raised will also support critical research for the cause, treatment and a cure of MS.

It is possible to donate to the Bike MS New York City 2013 online through Nov. 8.