Our Denver team has been prepping their bikes and making their way to Westminster, CO for their annual tradition of participating in Bike MS: Colorado.
In late June, the Perficient Peddlers, as they call themselves, participated in a two-day ride throughout the foothills of Colorado. While doing so, they were raising money for a great cause. Benjamin Lieberman, Patrick Stapleton, and Bob Dattilio raised $3,100 so far while riding nearly 400 miles as a team.
What Is Bike MS?
Bike MS is the largest fundraising cycling series in the world. Each year, nearly 75,000 cyclists and more than 600 teams ride together to change the world for people with multiple sclerosis. Bike routes vary from 15 to 150 miles, with some rides being one or multi-days. Bike MS has 68 rides across the United States – one of those being in Westminster, Colorado.
Meet the Perficient Peddler Participants
I asked our Bike MS: Colorado participants about their overall experience, why they joined, and the significance of joining. While all three are passionate about this cause (and biking), here’s what they had to say:
Overall Experience: This is my 5th year riding on the MS150, it is a wonderful opportunity to join what I call “1500+ bicycle wielding lunatics.” This ride is equal parts joy, effort, and comradery. This year I chose to ride the “Century” (103 total miles) which was quite the challenge, but everyone along the route cheering you on keeps the pedals turning.
Why I Joined: When I first joined Perficient, Bob Dattilio approached me to join the team. Given that one of my best friends has MS and with my understanding of the disease mechanic, I wanted to take part in Perficient’s team efforts. We all have a reason for riding for the cure and I enjoy joining a group of like-minded people.
Significance: For those who know about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) understand just how awful this disease can be. There is currently no cure and it is a progressive disease that often hits early in life. I have personally seen how devastating it can be to friends and family and I am willing to do whatever I can to help eradicate this scourge.
– Benjamin Lieberman, Director CDDO
Overall Experience: This is my second year riding, my first year doing the back-to-back days of riding, and absolutely love the course and event MS Society puts on. Most importantly, it is a ‘ride’ not a ‘race’. All abilities are out on the course and it’s a great way to see a great portion of our beautiful state. Staying overnight on campus reminded me of summer camp.
Why I Joined: Bob found out I had just purchased a road bike and convinced me to ride! Unfortunately, COVID hit so I had to wait a year to actually participate. Initially, it was an excuse to get out and exercise but now it’s much more than that and something I look forward to every year.
Significance: I actually do not have any direct ties to MS and didn’t really even know much about the disease before joining. Through the donation process, I reached out to friends and family and discovered how many people around me were actually impacted. I proudly ride for the people who are impacted by the disease and it’s a great feeling to be able to selflessly contribute to the cause.
– Patrick Stapleton, Senior Technical Consultant
Overall Experience: I started the Perficient Peddlers team about 7 years ago to both engage our Denver Philanthropy team in an event I am personally passionate about and to support the MS Society because of my family and friends battles with the disease.
Why I Joined: My favorite aspect of the group is how over the years we’ve come together as a team within our business unit to support the Bike MS ride either by riding and raising money or by volunteering. Everyone who has participated in the past has really enjoyed the weekend. We’ve built amazing friendships within our team as well as with other participants. It is an amazing event supported by an amazing local MS organization. I contend it is the best-supported ride in the country!
Significance: Many people ride in the event because they enjoy a well-supported, fun bike ride. Many people for friends and relatives afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis. As I have done in past rides, I’ll ride with several names on my jersey — my mother, my aunt, my wife’s close college friend, and many other friends and their families.
– Bob Dattilio, Director Denver Consulting
It’s clear that the ride has a special place in the participant’s hearts. Bob, who started the Perficient Peddlers, hopes to get Perficient colleagues across the country involved in all the locations that have a Bike MS ride. It’s no secret that Perficient colleagues are committed to giving back to their community. So much even that we’ve created our very own employee resource group (ERG), called Perficient Giving.
The Peddlers will continue to raise funds until August 2022. If you’d like to donate to this dedicated cause, learn more here. Looking to get involved with Bike MS and find your ride? Click here.
