The 2024 Bike MS event at Kuipers Farm was a huge success. The two-day event started and ended at Kuipers Farm in Maple Park, IL.
Ball Horticultural Co.'s own team of "Petal Pushers" ready to ride in the Tour de Farms.
Over two days, June 22nd and 23rd, riders could choose from a variety of bike routes: Day 1 offered 25m, 62m, 100m and Day 2 offered 25m and 62m.
Nearly 50,000 cyclists with more than 5,000 teams, including Ball Horticultural Company’s own “Petal Pushers” team participated, which was led by Todd Frauendorfer and supported by the Beacon Impatiens team. Along with PanAmerican Seed, Beacon Impatiens has partnered with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as its 2024 charity. More specifically, Beacon has chosen to support the Greater Illinois Chapter of the MS Society.
(Left): Todd Frauendorfer led the Petal Pushers team from Kuipers Farm. (Right): Sarah Makiejus and her daughter take a break to visit the Wave Van.
Bike MS is the largest fundraising cycling series in the world. According to Todd Frauendorfer, “Riders braved the heat and wind on Saturday with temperatures reaching upper 80’s and winds in the 20-25 mph range by afternoon. Sunday proved to be better weather for riding.”
At the Ball Horticultural Co.-hosted rest stop: Caes Boonman, Mary Mouw, Matt Mouw, John Speck, Mike Klopmeyer, Lindsey Pietras, Bridget Dong, Ella Dong, Todd Frauendorfer, and Brenda Morales.
“The Petal Pushers team had over 30 riders and another six that volunteered at the second rest stop of the day, which was at a farm in DeKalb,” he added. “The Ball Horticultural Co. rest stop featured some great flowers, refreshments and the Wave Van. Rest stops are key for those striving to ride the longer distances of 70 or 100 miles. Petal Pusher fundraising for the MS Society also went well with the team being the top fundraiser!”
The Petal Pushers bike team ready to ride from Kuipers Farm.