United by Design Gets Rolling Toward a Cure

Lance Armstrong's Tour de France may be pretty well over. But the St. Louis design and construction community is just getting rolling on a "bigger than us" story that revolves around bicycles.

In a year when project pickings, construction unemployment is sky high and labor discord is making headlines some members of the design community decided to form "United by Design," a cycling team based in the design professions, but crossing disciplines and firm lines.

"In an effort to bring the St. Louis Design Community together for a cause, a group of architects and sales representatives have set out to create a team for the annual Bike MS Gateway Getaway (MS 150) charity ride like none other; a team that is united by design. We are coming together to raise awareness and funds for the Gateway Area Chapter of the National MS Society to help move towards a world free of multiple sclerosis. Our goal is to put aside competition among one another and have fun while making new connections and supporting the MS Society," Tom Bahr of the Lawrence Group, co-captain of the team, wrote on the team blog www.unitedbydesignstl.com

Team sponsors are:
• Atlas Carpet Mills
• Cambria
• CORE10 Architecture
• Custom Blueprint & Supply, Inc.
• Helmkamp Construction Co.
• Lawrence Group
• Lighting Associates, Inc.
• Niche - Furnishing + Design

Arturis, HOK, and Christner, Inc., which field their own MS 150 teams, have affiliated with United by Design.

The ride, officially the Express Scripts Gateway Getaway Ride 2010 will be held Sept. 11 and 12. Riders are given the option of riding 40, 75, or 100 miles each day. Each rider is responsible for raising a minimum of $250. All funds raised go toward research to find a career for MS.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, potentially disabling disease that attaches the central nervous system. It's symptoms range from difficulty walking and double vision to paralysis and blindness. Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the disease. As a team, we are riding to raise awareness; as a team, we are riding to find a cure.

"The United by Design team is open to anyone related to the design industry, be it architects, interior designers, planners, engineers, contractors, or sales representatives," the team website states. "Family, friends, and all ages & skill levels are welcome! Individuals as well as companies are welcome to join too. If you are not a bike rider, don't worry - you can still help! United by Design is open to silent riders joining who can donate their time and/or funds to support the team."

For more information visit the website or email Bahr at .

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