Come September, Suzanne and John Olson, Suzanne’s daughter Lola Pederson and her boyfriend Brandon Banducci will saddle up for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s two-day, 150-mile bike trek.

This year they’ve spiced up the fundraising with an Aug. 27 backyard croquet tourney, moose burger barbecue, and a smoking hot chili cookoff featuring four local chefs: Everett Brooks of Fire; Bill Patterson of Chimayo; Mia Kartiganer of Mia’s; and Lisa Crowe of The Lower Tavern. Attendees are invited to enter the cookoff – call 376-8007 to sign up.

The ride is a big endeavor: each cyclist is asked to raise at least $250, plus a $65 registration fee, to help fund MS research. Orcas Islanders are already lending a hand in a big way.

“I’m so impressed with the amount of in-kind support we are receiving,” said Olson, who has lived with MS for more than 20 years. “It speaks volumes about this community and what we can do when we pull together – even in a tough economy.”

While crock pots of chili flamenco the afternoon away, a competitive croquet match will be afoot.  Kid-friendly activities include a boat play structure, a wood chip pile with Tonka trucks and lawn bowling. The Kitchen, Maple Rock Farm, Roses Bakery and Chappy’s Septic Service have also lent support. The cookoff and tourney will start at 3 p.m. at 105 Harper Road. Carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking. The suggested donation is $10.

Suzanne and Pederson rode for the first time in 2009.

“It’s such a treat to come in on the finish line and see all these volunteers, including people with MS who can’t ride themselves, clapping and cheering and saying ‘thank you’,” she said. “It’s really genuine. It’s a very beautiful expression of gratitude and appreciation … There’s a sense of, ‘We’re all in this together’.”

To donate, visit www.nationalmssociety.org/raceMap.aspx or send a check to P.O. Box 1722, Eastsound.