Tommy Bahama x Bike MS: Riding for a Good Cause

Living the Island Life is a state of mind for us—but it also means embracing and supporting our communities through philanthropic efforts. That's why we're proud to celebrate our 11th year of participating in the annual Bike MS: Deception Pass Classic ride, an event that’s close to our hearts.

More than just a ride, Bike MS is a fundraising series that aims to help advance multiple sclerosis (MS) research and treatment. Every year, our team of riders fundraise in the months leading up to the ride in early September, with donations going to the National MS Society. Thanks to the dedication of our riders and generosity of our supporters, along with funding from Tommy Bahama and Oxford, we've raised over $500,000 as of 2024—and we're just getting started.

The Starting Line

Our participation with Bike MS dates back to 2014, when one of our employees was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Executive Vice President of Resorts, Restaurants, and Bars, Rob Goldberg, then Head of Marketing, witnessed how it affected her firsthand.

“I watched her health decline really rapidly, so much so that she had to start taking time off work. She eventually said, ‘I can’t work here anymore. I have to leave,’” Rob recalls. “She was a mom and pregnant with another child, and I asked, ‘What can I do?’”

Knowing Rob was an avid cyclist, she told him about Bike MS, prompting him to reach out to the MS Society to learn more.

"I sat down with them and started a team in honor of her," says Rob.

That first team was relatively small, with around 10 team members riding for Tommy Bahama. Since then, it's grown to roughly 35 employees riding through Deception Pass in Washington state and raising approximately $50,000 every year.

Our partnership with Bike MS has also grown over the years. We’ve been local presenting sponsors since 2023, and Rob was on the local board of the MS Society. Today, Tommy Bahama CEO Doug Wood serves in that position.

The Joy of Giving Back

Being part of Bike MS over the years has opened Rob’s eyes to the extent and impact of multiple sclerosis.

“Millions of people are affected by these autoimmune diseases, and you learn how disruptive they are to people's lives and families and health,” Rob says. “At the same time, so much progress has been made with treatments and therapies, especially for early onset MS.

“It's encouraging to see that what we're doing actually has some impact and gives you some hope that there will be a cure.”

Every year, the Bike MS event starts with a special ride for participants affected by MS, and who are able to take part. This moment is one of the most powerful and inspiring parts of the entire ride for Rob.

“It's amazing that you get to see that direct impact right there,” Rob reflects. “It’s literally where the rubber meets the road.”

The experience also leaves a lasting impression on our riders. Take Kyle Zitek, our Senior Marketing Manager, who first participated in 2018. Every time he crosses the finish line, he feels a deep sense of purpose knowing he’s helped raise awareness and funds for a good cause.

“There is something inspiring about seeing so many people come together in the community for the cause.” Kyle says.

Art Department Manager Megan Dowling also found the ride to be incredibly rewarding when she first participated last year. In fact, our 2024 team jersey design was engineered by her, as she found the perfect tropical print from our archives. According to her, she wanted “a piece of art that would stand out and represent the spirit of the ride and Tommy Bahama.”

“We received many compliments on our jerseys during the ride,” Megan says. “There was a real sense of pride in creating something that would be seen and worn by others in support of such a meaningful cause.”

A Sense of Community

Bike MS and its mission continue to inspire many of us at Tommy Bahama, with the event bringing together people from all corners of the company. For Rob, that camaraderie—including connecting with people he wouldn’t see in the day to day—is one of his favorite parts of the experience.

“I love it when we all go out as a team to the starting line, and they announce us. There's cheering and a certain zeal as we all set off. I love that feeling of starting the day fresh. It's beautiful,” Rob says.

The 100-mile ride is thoughtfully designed to be inclusive of riders of all skill levels, with multiple shorter routes within the ride available. Lunch is provided after a certain distance, and you’re never too far from a mechanic or a water station.

But for Rob, there’s another special highlight: Deception Pass itself. The state park in Washington features an iconic bridge that connects Whidbey and Fidalgo islands. This Bike MS ride is one of the few times of year where the bridge is closed to the public so the riders can safely cross it and take in the scenery.

“I've ridden my bike all over the Pacific Northwest, and this is by far one of the prettiest rides here. It takes you all through these beautiful tulip fields to oceanfront cliffs and across Deception Pass,” Rob says. “It is really a spectacular ride.”

Team Tommy Bahama will be at the starting line on September 6 this year, ready to ride for the 11th year in support of the National MS Society! If you would like to learn more about Bike MS, you can visit their website for details.

Photos courtesy of Bike MS Deception Pass.