He's put in 3 decades of biking to fight MS

Warwick’s Andrew Gallonio is set to cycle 150 miles through Rhode Island this weekend as part of Bike MS: Ride the Rhode, the second largest Bike MS event in New England. But his is no ordinary ride; it’s the event’s 30th year, and Gallonio has ridden in every single one.

Bike MS, hosted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, is the “premier fundraising cycling series in the U.S. for anyone seeking a personal challenge, an amazing experience, and a world free of multiple sclerosis,” explains a press release from the Society. Each year, the event attracts nearly 100,000 participants nationwide in more than 80 rides. To date, cyclists, volunteers, sponsors and donors have raised more than $1 billion through Bike MS so that “people affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what's been lost, and end MS forever.”

Gallonio, who lives and works in Warwick as an accountant and financial planner, said he saw the flyer for the first event 30 years ago at the East Providence Cycle bike shop. His sister, Janice Gallonio O’ Healey, had recently been diagnosed with MS, and he thought participating would be a good way to raise money and awareness of the cause. He began to solicit his client base, friends, and family for donations, and the support has never ended.

“They helped every year,” he said.

Over the years, Gallonio and his team have raised an impressive $200,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. His sister passed away in 2014 from causes unrelated to MS, so he now rides in honor of her memory. His team also commemorates the lives of John Lennon (“not the Beatle!,” Gallonio clarifies), who had ridden on his team before and Celeste Fishlock, a client of his whose daughter Lisa is now a part of his team.

Gallonio said that Bike MS cyclists ride for everyone afflicted by MS, and that “Every team always has somebody that we’re riding for.”

Gallonio jokes that he’s not as in shape as he used to be and that the team will be taking it slow, but calls the long distances cycling “mind over matter.” He described what it takes to be adequately trained, a process which takes about 5 weeks. An average training would be 15-20 mile rides twice a week and on weekends, one 35-50 mile ride. Gallonio said the Bike MS ride isn’t “overly burdensome” with hills, a fact for which he is glad.

Gallonio also noted that the support for the event, be it food, water, lunch, or rest stops is “phenomenal.” He recommends it particularly to young people who’ve just gotten out of college, and said the event is a great way to continue supporting the fight against MS.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the event is supported nationally by premier National Sponsors including Primal and Bicycling Magazine. Local supporting sponsors include FedEx, Dupuis, Harpoon Brewery, AAA Northeast, Stonyfield Yogurt, Fireworks Catering, Whole Foods Market and Platypus Web Design. Local supporting bike shops include NBX, Your Bike Shop Bicycles Sales & Service, W.E. Stedman Co., Victory Cycles, Velofix and Ten Speed Spokes.

Gallonio said that he, his team, and fellow cyclists will start their two days of riding around 6 a.m. on June 10. It begins at the Newport Casino and ends at University of Rhode Island Kingston campus. Cyclists will travel “across the Newport and Jamestown Bridges on a journey along the scenic coast and through the winding country roads of Rhode Island.” The National Multiple Sclerosis Society expects more than 500 cyclists to participate and that $500,000 will be raised.