Now that the summer bike season is coming to a close, and with Thanksgiving in the rear-view, it seems like a decent time to reflect on a cause that is dear to me: the Multiple Sclerosis Bike Tour.

I don’t think charity holds the same meaning for everyone. Whether you look forward to buying those two-sleeves worth of vanilla and chocolate girl-scout cookies at work or handing over a dozen beer bottles to kids going door-to-door for their hockey teams, the ability to give of yourself is valuable to the community at large.

Personally? Up until my first tour, I certainly made it a point to donate towards any causes my friends supported, but didn’t necessarily educate myself or form more than a passing connection with them. Money is important to all non-profit organizations and events like the bike tour rely on the time and efforts of countless volunteers. Each one has a story of how they have been touched by the disease. Many have devoted a significant part of their lives to support loved ones and have experienced first-hand the services provided by the society.

This was my 5th year on the tour, and each summer I gain a deeper appreciation of the great works we accomplish. Our team grew from 7 to 18 members, and our fund-raising topped the $20,000 mark. It’s certainly something to be proud of, but between the nagging for donations and the Facebook updates, it’s the event itself to which I look forward many months in advance. Besides a grueling 47-kilometre bike ride through back-road communities, rolling cornfields, orchards and vineyards, it’s also a huge social event where for one weekend of the year, hundreds of riders, MS Society staff and volunteers converge for a common cause.

One of our team traditions is after the banquet Saturday night, we gather and go around the circle to formally introduce ourselves to the rest of the group. We talk about how we are affected by the disease, how we came to be on the team and why we ride. It’s a humbling experience to say the least; tales where heartbreak and hope are part of every plot and are the most familiar of bedfellows. The bond formed during these sessions is tough to duplicate anywhere else.

So to me, charity is giving of yourself, without condition; no quid-pro-quo or reward is expected or desired (granted, cookies are nice). All collective efforts and subsequent proceeds are committed to the cause. Check that, the reward here is becoming part of a close-knit community that leaves nobody behind on the trail or in life. I am honored to help grow and strengthen this community for as long as I am able.

It’s early to be planning for 2016. That said, if you have a bike buried in the shed somewhere, take it for a spin before it gets too cold and rediscover the simplicity of pedaling two wheels along a shoreline or through the woods. I’ll be hitting the trails next spring and would be delighted to have you with me.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, employer or affiliation.