Staff Writer

Miss Union, Jessica Beam, says she isn't a bike rider, but she was willing to do her part to assist a group of cyclists riding for a cause that is important to her.

Miss Beam set up a rest stop on the Jerusalem Road for bikers in a ride to benefit the National MS Society on Sept. 27 and 28. Miss Beam was diagnosed with MS in December of 2007 and promotes “Multiple Sclerosis Awareness” as her platform.

Food Lion provided enough Graham crackers and peanut butter for the cyclists and Miss Beam put the two together for a protein snack for the cyclists - around 500 who came through the area that day.

“I had fun,” said Miss Beam, a freshman at Newberry College majoring in early childhood education. “I got to meet a lot of bikers and some people who were riding who have MS,” she said.

Around 1,000 cyclists participated in the ride and raised $1 million. Opening ceremonies were held at Winthrop University in Rock Hill. Closing ceremonies were held at Fluor field in Greenville. The ride covered 325 miles.

One of those cyclists posted a message about Miss Beam on the ride's Internet site.

“She is a true testament that with perseverance and the right attitude you can accomplish anything,” the cyclist wrote.

Miss Beam also is selling MS bracelets for $1, with proceeds benefiting the National MS Society. For more information, call Sight and Sound at 427-3262 or go by the studio on East Main St.