Summer has arrived and it’s time to plan family outings or that special girlfriends get away. The Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society has a variety of fun events to fill the bill – with the added benefit of supporting programs and research that benefit 88,000 people affected by MS in Colorado and Wyoming. Important to know – nearly 75 percent of all people diagnosed are women.

Enjoy cycling? Consider the Chapter’s Fort Collins Loop ride. Held on Saturday, June 30, this ride features 25- or 40-mile course options that wind through expansive open space and farmland near Fort Collins. The Fort Collins Loop is held in conjunction with the Chapter’s signature two-day, 150-mile Newmont Bike MS, presented by Great-West Life ride. Loop riders are invited to join Bike MS participants at CSU for an evening of food, music and the popular beer garden! Registration is just $35 and cyclists are required to raise a minimum of $400. Participants can register the day of the ride and submit funds raised to the Chapter by August 10. Cyclists must be 12 or older to participate. To register visit, www.bikeMScolorado.org.

Seeking a day of hiking in Colorado’s scenic high country? All ability levels are welcome at Hike MS Copper Mountain, which takes place on July 28 and features three well-supported hike routes ranging from two- to 10-miles over varying terrain and difficulty. Make a weekend of it and take advantage of the full schedule of resort activities, including mountain boarding, mini golf and bike rentals. On Friday night, check into lodging and join the Chapter for happy hour and live entertainment by Honey Don’t on the Burning Stones Plaza, followed by the family-friendly movie, “Dolphin Tale,” under the stars. Following Hike MS on Saturday, unwind and relax with more live music on the plaza by Rob Drabkin.

Hike MS Winter Park takes place on September 1 at Grand Park Properties, located just west of Winter Park town. This beautiful and spacious location also features three hike options. Registration for either hike is just $30 and includes a continental breakfast, a custom Hike MS T-shirt, snacks and rest stops along the route, and a post-hike BBQ lunch. Each hiker is required to raise a minimum $50 in donations. For more information or to register, visit www.hikeMScolorado.org.

Want to get out and play in the mud? MuckRuckus MS is a mud endurance event that will have participants sloshing, swinging and slipping through five miles of amazing ‘wipe out’ style obstacles on August 4 in Grand Park, located just outside of Winter Park. Muckruckus MS is open to all skill levels and features competitive and recreational categories for adults and teams, as well as a Kids Zone featuring pint-sized obstacles for children ages 5 – 11. Prizes, entertainment, refreshments and camaraderie top off the day!

Register by July 20 for $65. Registration tops out at $75 July 21 – Aug. 4 and all participants are required to raise a minimum of $100. To learn more or to register, visit www.MuckRuckusMS.org/colorado.

Guest blogger Jeanine Spellman is director of communications for uli Creative, LLC, a Denver-based public relations and marketing firm.

Don’t miss
Check out this video link showing the May 30 flash mob announcement of World MS day and the MuckRuckus MS Colorado http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAXqufdAGGs