15th HEB MS 150 Bike to the Beach Speeds to 1,000 Rider Mark in Record Time.

SAN ANTONIO -- Registration for Oct. 2 - 3 event is 88 percent ahead of last year; 2004 ride expected to be largest in 15-year history

One of the largest non-profit sporting events in South Texas is off to a speedy start.

Registration for the 15th Anniversary HEB MS 150 Bike to the Beach, presented by Toyota and Valero Energy Corporation, officially topped 1,000 riders Monday, marking an incredible 88 percent increase over registration at this time last year. By comparison, in 2003, rider registration did not reach the 1,000 mark until Aug. 27.

In 2003, nearly 2,500 cyclists -- ranging in age from 10 to 70 -- and nearly 1,000 volunteers participated, raising close to $1 million to help end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis (MS). With exactly 82 days now remaining until the October 2004 event, ride officials expect more than 3,500 cyclists to ultimately join the 15th Anniversary Tour.

The 2004 HEB MS 150 Bike to the Beach Bike Tour is a two-day, 143-mile ride from San Antonio to Corpus Christi. It begins at sunrise on Saturday, Oct. 2, from San Antonio's Brooks City-Base. After an overnight celebration and stay at the Coastal Bend College in Beeville, cyclists head out on Sunday morning, Oct. 3, on the final leg of their journey. The second day takes riders into Corpus Christi and across the finish line at the Texas State Aquarium for a beach party like no other.

The 15th Anniversary HEB MS 150 Bike to the Beach Bike Tour is hosted by the Lone Star Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Chartered in 1955, the Lone Star Chapter serves more than 14,000 individuals in 141 Texas counties who are affected by multiple sclerosis. Services include information and referrals, equipment loans, education programs, caring and wellness programs, emergency financial assistance, self-help groups, MS research updates, and clinical and peer support programs. The chapter works closely with the medical community to enhance MS knowledge and treatment. All funds are privately raised and 83 cents of every dollar are used to benefit people affected by multiple sclerosis.

The San Antonio-to-Corpus Christi Bike Tour wraps up the 2004 Texas MS 150 season. It is one of three annual fundraising rides that the National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Lone Star Chapter hosts in Texas, including the BP MS 150 from Houston to Austin in April and the Dallas-to-Oklahoma MS 150 Red River Challenge, presented by Toyota, in May. All three are regarded by cycling enthusiasts as the premier rides in Texas, with an experienced management team, well-coordinated routes, and special attention to all riders' safety and comfort.

Online registration, donation and information: It's fast, easy and secure. Log on to www.ms150.org

TEXAS MS 150 Bike Tours - A LONE STAR TRI-CYCLING TRADITION

             Dallas         Houston           San Antonio