I’m all for supporting charitable causes, but haven’t used my love of motorcycling to support one – until now. I learned about the annual MS5000 fundraiser for multiple sclerosis patient advocacy and support last year and – after vetting the event and the causes it supports – decided I’d be a participant for 2023.

The MS5000 is organized by Paul Pelland – also known as “Longhaulpaul” – who is on a mission to ride one million miles for MS. Paul has been living with multiple sclerosis for years and has teamed up with the nonprofit MS News and Views to help him bring the inspiring message of his riding project and educational programs to those suffering with MS across the country. 

Per the webpage for the MS5000 on Longhaulpaul’s website, the 2023 edition marks the 10th running of the project. As of this writing, I am one of about 50 riders registered to participate. The event starts at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow (Sept. 1) and runs through Oct. 20. During that 50-day time period, participants are credited 1 point for each mile ridden and 10 points for each dollar raised. To be classified as a finisher, a participant must raise at least $200 and have a total of at least 5,000 points.

I don’t have MS, but I met Paul years ago when he was one of the seminar speakers at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days and see him occasionally at motorcycle events I attend. He’s more than halfway to his goal of one million miles, and I’ve been delighted to see major motorcycle brands like Yamaha get behind his initiative.

According to the MS5000 webpage, Pelland has raised more than $200,000 through the MS5000 for MS charities. His website also states he began partnering with MS Views and News in 2018.

To help me raise at least $200 for MS patient advocacy and support, visit https://www.longhaulpaul.com/ms5000/ms5000-donations and select “Michael Marino” from the “Choose a Rider” dropdown menu.

To learn more about the MS5000, visit https://www.longhaulpaul.com/ms5000. 

To learn more about the organization the MS5000 supports, MS Views and News, visit https://www.msviews.org/msviewsandnews4/index.php.