By Sarah Klein

Cyclists ride in the 23rd annual Biking to the Viking MS Bike Tour on Saturday, August 25, 2012. (HANDOUT / FILE)
A group of 191 first-time riders are preparing to cycle in this weekend’s 26th annual Biking to the Viking MS Bike Tour.
The two-day tour on Saturday and Sunday takes riders on an 85-kilometre trip from Stonewall to Gimli and back, while raising funds for the MS Society of Canada, Manitoba division.
“Our returning riders tell very fond stories about their first year, and we know that this year’s rookie riders are going to have an amazing experience,” said says Darcey Hill, major events manager for the MS Society of Canada.
“Not only is overcoming the challenge of riding 170 kms over the course of two days an incredible achievement, but riders are raising funds to help end multiple sclerosis and support Manitobans living with this disease. There is no better feeling.”
Riders will depart Saturday from the Veterans Memorial Sports Complex in Stonewall at 8 a.m. Registration is at 6:30 a.m.
The fundraising goal for the 2015 Biking to the Viking is $500,000. The fundraising deadline is Tuesday, September 8.