The annual Bike MS: West Michigan 2026 is set for Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7 in Holland. Shelby resident and avid biker Pete Roskam will once again be riding in it and raising money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS).
“Every year I wonder if this is my last year riding in it,” Roskam said. “But this year my daughter is flying in to ride with me. It’s not about the ride. It’s about raising awareness of MS and raising funds to cure it.”
Roskam continues to set high fundraising goals for himself, and with the support of the Oceana community, often exceeds those goals. This year his personal fundraising goal is $7,500, with $6,000 raised thus far. The Bike MS West Michigan team has set an overall goal of $300,000, and as of May 25, had raised over $211,000.
“I started biking in college. I had hip problems, and walking was tiring. Biking made it much easier to get around,” Roskam shared. “Later a college friend invited me to do the MS ride. It was a challenge to ride 150 miles in two days, but I had a great time for a great cause.”
Since his first MS fundraiser ride, Roskam has taken part in over 20 rides and raised over $25,000 for the NMSS. The organization's focus is funding research for new medications to slow the progression of MS and developing programs to help those living with the condition.
Roskam rides in memory of his mother, who was diagnosed with MS in the 1970s, back when there was little knowledge about the disease, let alone treatment. He recently started riding in honor of two cousins with MS who live in the Netherlands, whom he met last year. To prepare for events such as Bike MS, Roskam logs thousands of miles throughout Oceana County, the state and the nation, riding for pleasure as well as in other events, such as the Hart Hills Gravel Road Race and the RAGBRAI (The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa).
“Exercise is important for people with MS. It helps the body respond better - so biking for a cure makes sense,” Roskam said. “New research and development is helping. I can’t thank the community enough for their support.”
Anyone interested in supporting Roskam’s 2026 ride may contact him directly at 231-638-1035 or roskam24@gmail.com. Checks should be made out to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Attention Peter Roskam, and mailed to Roskam at P.O. Box 364, Shelby, Michigan 49455.
More information and support can be found by visiting www.nationalmssociety.org.
