Keep on Living Bike MS

Team CSX was among 2,300 cyclists and more than 300 volunteers from North Florida who participated in the September 20 ride from St. Augustine and Daytona, Florida. Each cyclist raised a minimum of $200 to help heighten awareness and contribute toward research to cure multiple sclerosis.

More than 45 CSX cyclists turned out in force for North Florida Bike MS ride.

The CSX team was one of the largest, and it rode with some hefty support. CSX's Public Safety and Environment department under Skip Elliott and CSXT Sales and Marketing under Clarence Gooden were major sponsors of the team. The three co-chairmen of this year's event were Terry Allen, Rich Howell and Gerald Grady, who was last year's chief fundraiser among the CSX team members.

Not only did the team members complete a difficult ride on rain-soaked streets Sept. 20 between St. Augustine and Daytona, Fla., but also looked great doing it. All sported colorful cycling jerseys designed to carry the CSX 'green' message.

"Our theme this year is 'going green,'" said Grady. "Did you know that CSX blue and yellow blend to make environmental green? Shipping by rail is a green alternative to trucks; likewise, riding a bicycle is a green alternative to driving a car."

Of course, being CSX, the team carried a major safety message as well. They had friends from Operation Lifesaver post banners at railroad crossings along the Bike MS route.

People Make the Difference at CSX — if you would like to participate on the CSX cycling team in the 2009 Bike MS, contact Gerald Grady or Jerry Hinton.