According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MS “involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system.” It’s a complicated disease that results in a lot of different symptoms and side effects; however, these symptoms may not be obvious to casual observers.
MS symptoms vary from person to person, which can make diagnosis and treatment difficult. On top of that, symptoms can wax and wane over the course of a patient’s life, including primary, secondary and tertiary symptoms. MS is also a somewhat invisible disease, which means that it’s not easily
recognizable to most of us; as such, those suffering from it often feel alone and misunderstood.
That’s where the MS bike comes in. Both the bike and its corresponding campaign have been created to gain support for the MS Melbourne Cycle in 2016, which will be the event’s 10th anniversary. The bike, which was designed by a team of experts headed by Paralympic gold medalist Carol Cooke, will actually be ridden in the race, taking awareness raising to the next level. The symptoms mimicked by the bike make it hard and uncomfortable to ride, although it doesn’t look that way to an outsider. It’s the perfect metaphor for what those with MS go through every day. Some of the mechanics of the
bike include a heavy front wheel; a saddle-back seat made for BMX racing, limiting comfort; gears with broken teeth that hinder a rider’s control of the bike; a frame with an off centre of balance; and handle-bars with small ball bearings attached beneath their tape that vibrate while you ride.
To see the full details of how the bike is designed and how it mirrors the symptoms of those living with MS, and to help sponsor the campaign, visit the official This Bike Has MS at thisbikehasms.com.
