The Ride Across Minnesota (TRAM) bike ride for Multiple Sclerosis doesn’t start until late July, but Austin is continually spreading the word.

Cheryl Corey, executive director of Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, has been busy coordinating local efforts to make TRAM a success. The ride, which starts in Rochester and travels through Owatonna, Austin, Lanesboro, Winona and back to Rochester, will carry anywhere from 900 to more than 1,000 bicyclists through each city over six days.

The largest TRAM ride had more than 1,300 riders. This year’s registration is open until June 30, so the field may grow. Riders will begin to descend on Austin around 10 a.m. on July 26, and a steady stream will follow all day.

Last month Corey and representatives from other cities attended a host city summit, where she gathered information on how to facilitate the slew of riders.

The summit suggested cities coordinate efforts so the same meals, entertainment and activities aren’t duplicated each night.

Corey and others want as many volunteers as they can get because roughly two thirds of the bikers will camp in Todd Park. Therefore, Austin needs vendors, entertainers, luggage handlers, sanitation workers, medical assistants, police escorts and more.

Corey said the event is a good way for Austin to boost the economy for a couple days or even host events such as a community chicken feed.

“I envision us being able to do things in a pretty grand scale,” she said.

Although the event is a good opportunity for Austin business, the main goal is to raise money and awareness for MS, a debilitating disease that affects nearly 400,000 people in the U.S, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. To enter, bikers must be 12 years of age or older, pay a $50 registration fee and pledge at least $300 toward MS.

“People are hearing about it and they want to help because of some connection to (MS),” Corey said. “We’re really encouraged by the response we’ve gotten so far.”

TRAM previously traveled through Austin in 2002. That year, some preparations were not as complete as they could have been. So this time Corey wants everything to be perfect.

“We’re planning accordingly,” she said.