The Iron Maidens & The Band of Brothers MS Motorcycle Ride team revved up with hundreds of other bikers Aug. 3, for the eighth annual National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter MS Motorcycle Ride at Cadillac Ranch in Southington. The team also revved up its fundraising efforts, more than doubling that raised by the team in 2007. Kevin Hogan, of WFSB Eyewitness News Channel 3, served as the grand marshal.

"The support from our friends and family has been amazing," said Karen Butler, Iron Maidens team captain and also vice president of communications at the Connecticut Chapter. "Initially, our goal was to double the $3,000 we raised last year. We are delighted to have exceeded our original goal by thousands. Believe it or not, we're still receiving contributions even though the ride has since past. We all truly feel like we're making a difference in the fight against MS. And that feels very good."

The annual benefit ride, moved this year from Ellington to Southington, attracted bikers from as far away as Fairfield in southern Connecticut and Windham in northern Connecticut. Some rode for loved ones affected by multiple sclerosis, and others diagnosed with MS rode to be a part of the cure.

Lawrence "Chip" Slater, a resident of Windham, participated in the Aug. 3 ride. Although just in his 20s, Slater has been living with the effects of multiple sclerosis for a few years. "There are several medications on the market that actually slow progression of the disease," said Slater, in an interview the day of the ride. "But there's no actual cure yet. Researchers are working on it. So that's why we're here today - to keep research moving forward."

The 20-member Iron Maidens & Band of Brothers MS Motorcycle Ride team kicked off its fundraising efforts in May hosting the first Iron Maidens' HOG Wild Pig Roast. The event raised more than $2,000. Since that time individual team members have urged family and friends to contribute.

Next year's National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter MS Motorcycle Ride will be again held in August. For more information, visit the Web site www.ctfightsMS.org. To learn more about the Iron Maidens & The Band of Brothers MS Motorcycle Ride team, please contact Karen Butler at kbutler@ctfightsMS.org.