Art Bike Tulsa

An exciting and unique art show is scheduled throughout the month of May to promote MS awareness and Bike MS 2013.

Each year the National MS Society Oklahoma hosts a variety of special fundraising events for the purpose of raising awareness about multiple sclerosis. Funds raised help support programs and services available to Oklahomans with this disease. Programs ­provide knowledge, recreation, family and social support, and awareness throughout the greater Tulsa community. The annual signature event of the National MS Society is Bike MS, and 2013 marks its 28th anniversary in Oklahoma.

    Bike MS is not “just a bike ride,” but an experience for all who participate in the event. It is one of the best supported cycling events in our state. The two-day Bike MS 2013 will commence September 21 from the Agri Civic Center in Chandler and finish there the next day. Nearly 1,000 riders will join forces to raise money. Although Bike MS is a challenging event, riders return year after year, supporting the movement to create a world free of MS.

    A unique awareness ­campaign began three years ago in Tulsa to inform residents about the disease, local ­fundraising efforts, and the ­annual Bike MS. This year will mark the third annual Art Bike Tulsa, which coincides with Tulsa International Mayfest in ­downtown Tulsa. Art Bike Tulsa will run May 1-31 at the YMCA of Greater Tulsa located at 418 S. Main. The event will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. throughout the entire month of May. Art Bike Tulsa will also be on display at Tulsa International Airport from June 1 through September 30. The presenting sponsor is SCFM Compression Systems.

    Art Bike Tulsa is an exciting, unusual, fun display of art made entirely of old bicycle parts. The unique explosion of creativeness is one that your entire family will enjoy. This year’s exhibit will include works of art from ­successful local artists and ­student artists from Union, Broken Arrow, and Booker T. Washington High Schools. Some of the featured Tulsa artists include Michael Christopher, Robin Green Tilly, Billie Sue Thompson and Jan McKay. Jan has been an MS volunteer for 23 years and has participated in Bike MS for 20 years. “I ride in honor of my good friend, Rhonda Fletcher, who was diagnosed with MS 23 years ago.” Jan loves ­riding for the cause and has been blessed with meeting many great people along Bike MS routes. “I wish no one had to endure MS,” says Jan. “I feel good aiding in fundraising efforts to assist ­others.”

    Rhonda Fletcher volunteers at the MS Society office once or twice a week. “I am appreciative of the riders who endure Bike MS each year for me and others who have been diagnosed with MS,” she said. When first diagnosed, Rhonda went into denial. “My good friend Jan literally bugged me for years to get involved with the organization.” When Rhonda finally did, she was impressed by every person she met and was touched that they were doing so much for her and others.

    For more information about the National MS Society Oklahoma, call (918) 488-0882.

For more information, contact

National MS Society Oklahoma

(918) 488-0882