Bike MS Event Returns to Callaway for Ninth Year

Pine Mountain, GA, is preparing for the impact of having more than 1,000 cyclists ride into town as part of a fund raiser for multiple sclerosis.

Cyclists will be in and around town from Sept. 19-21, 2014, for the Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride at Callaway Gardens. Returning for the ninth year, participants will ride in this annual, long-distance cycling event that benefits the Georgia chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society. This year’s fundraising goal is $1.2 million to help find a cure for this devastating disease and to support those in Georgia living with MS and their families.

The area is calling for volunteers to assist, and is encouraging businesses to roll out the welcome mat for the cyclists. In addition, hotels will be encouraging overnight stays by offering special rates. An overnight stay at Callaway Gardens’ Mountain Creek Inn, Southern Pine Cottages or Mountain Creek Villaswill result in a donation to the Bike MS event from Callaway Gardens; in fact, the more rooms reserved, the higher the percentage of the donation.

About The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Georgia Chapter:The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Georgia Chapter serves individuals with MS and their families in 159 counties statewide, and along with hundreds of volunteers, raises more than $2 million annually from events such as the Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride and nine Walk MS events throughout the state. Seventy-eight cents of every dollar raised goes directly to support local programs and research for a cure. Visit www.MSgeorgia.orgfor information on programs and services.

About Callaway Gardens:For more than 60 years, Callaway Gardens has provided “a place of relaxation, inspiration and a better understanding of the living world” for millions of visitors. Owned and operated by the non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, Callaway Gardens includes a garden, resort, preserve and residential community on 6,500 acres in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Highlights include a butterfly conservatory, horticultural center, discovery center, chapel, inland beach, nature trails, a zip line/obstacle course and special events throughout the year.

In addition, Callaway Gardens offers nearly 80,000 square feet of meeting space, 689 guest rooms, restaurants, shops, golf, tennis, fishing and more.

Five unique, close-knit residential communities — with custom home sites, lakefront properties and cottages on the golf course — offer an ideal home away from home or full-time residence.

Callaway Gardens is home to a forest preserve which is under conservation easement. This conserved, sustainably-managed land is used for biological studies and environmental education programs.

Callaway Gardens is in Pine Mountain, GA, 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus, GA. For additional information, call (800) 463-6990 or visit www.callawaygardens.com.