by SUZANNE OLSON

Special to the Sounder

A group of Orcas Islanders will ride as many as 150 miles on Sept. 6-7 to benefit multiple sclerosis research through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Deception Pass Classic.

The local riders are Axel Greening, Adia Dolan, Suzanne Olson, Kevin O’Brien and his son Keenan O’Brien.

Kevin has been riding for MS since 2007 when his wife Nancy was diagnosed with the disease. Suzanne, who has lived with MS since 1988, was inspired to ride with a little push from her daughter in 2009.

Adia and Axel are joining the ride this year to support Suzanne; Keenan is making this ride and greater MS awareness his senior project.

The two-day ride starts and finishes at the Mt. Vernon Fairgrounds. The first day’s route takes riders across the LaConnor, Tommy Thompson and Deception Pass bridges with an optional loop through Whidbey Island. Day two climbs Bow Hill and up to Larabee State Park, returning along Padilla Bay and through the Skagit flats. The ride is well supported with MS Society volunteers and the fairgrounds become a happening festival site for riders and their supporters.

Riders raise money to support MS research, programs and services dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals affected by MS. Each rider must raise at least $250 to support the cause. All donations are tax-deductible.

The Orcas team is hosting the “Second Ever Chili Cook-off and Ping-Pong Tournament” on Sept. 21. To support these riders in their Bike for MS ride, go to: http://bikewas.nationalmssociety.org. You can look up each rider by name and make a donation.