Monday morning, more than 1,000 bicyclists are expected to ride into Austin as part of the 300-mile MS TRAM, Multiple Sclerosis Ride Across Minnesota.

According to Holly LaVallie, executive director of the Austin Convention and Visitor's Bureau, about 1,300 riders and 500 supporters are expected to stop in Austin and spend the night at Todd Park and local hotels.

This is the first year of its 13-year history that the MS Tram has come to Austin.

"As I understand it, in the past, the Tram has always run west to east across Minnesota. This year, the MS Society decided to do something different and have the route go through southeastern Minnesota, through the bluff country and the beautiful, scenic countryside," LaVallie said.

The bicyclists will start in Faribault on Sunday and will begin to reach Austin at about 11 a.m. Monday via the bike path behind Watts' Cookin' which will take them to Todd Park. LaVallie encouraged local residents to go to Todd Park to welcome the bicyclists as they come into town Monday.

Live, local entertainment will perform in the afternoon and the evening and there will be contests and food vendors as well. Austin Chamber of Commerce President Sandy Forstner, who worked on the entertainment committee says "all residents are encouraged to go to the park for the entertainment," because all the acts are open to the public as well as the TRAM participants.

The MS TRAM participants also will be able to take two shuttle buses to shopping areas, restaurants, tourist attractions and other businesses in Austin from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

"It's really going to be a neat thing," LaVallie said. "We encourage people and businesses to make welcome signs or do anything to make (the bicyclists) feel welcome."

"We want people to welcome them and accommodate them. It's a very good cause," Forstner said. "Basically these people are taking a week to bike across Minnesota and raise money for MS. It sounds to me like it's a huge picnic and it's a good opportunity for Austin to showcase itself."

"We feel fortunate to host such an important event in our community and we'd like to thank all the local people who have donated their money, contributions and time in support of people with MS," LaVallie said. "Austin is very fortunate to have such giving people."

After an overnight stop in Austin, the TRAM will continue to Lanesboro, Wabasha, River Falls, Wis. and will end Friday in Lake Elmo. Last year, the TRAM raised more than $850,000 and the MS Society hopes to exceed that amount this year.

Amanda L. Rohde can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:amanda.rohde@austindailyherald.com