Thousands of cyclists made DeKalb their temporary home this weekend, booking rooms in the area’s hotels and the Stevenson residence hall.

The cyclists were part of the 31st annual Bike MS: Tour de Farms event. Elle Ullum, director of Bike MS and special events for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said the Tour de Farms event raises money to help people living with multiple sclerosis in Illinois. Ullum said in the last three years, the number of riders has increased from 1,600 to 2,400.

Along with the riders, friends of people living with MS were also at the event, like Clare Tuchscherer, of Chicago.

“My friend’s mom and sister are a part of the MS community,” Tuchscherer said. “It’s great to see a lot of people out here supporting the cause and having a good time.”

Money raised at the event goes to a number of projects.

“We have support groups and programs we offer, like water aerobics and athletic classes,” Ullum said. “We also use the money to help renovate houses when people are diagnosed, if they need a wheelchair ramp put in.”

The national bike ride events have raised about $90 million for the MS Society, the Illinois chapter alone raising $8 million, Ullum said.

“We fund fellowships at local universities specifically for MS,” Ullum said. “We have research programs at schools like UIC and Northwestern.”

Ullum said word is spread about the event by word of mouth, TV and radio ads and people who have done the event in the past.

“The experience of everything is what’s bringing people back,” Ullum said. “Whether it’s getting to know people here, or knowing that your team has a tent set up for you when you get back  — it’s really an unforgettable experience.”

One of the teams that participated in the event is the Cheesy Riders. Team member Doug Barge said most of the Illinois team members come from Oak Park.

“I’ve been doing Bike MS rides for about 20 years,” Barge said. “Even when I lived in California, I was still able to participate.”

Karin Evans is also a part of the Cheesy Riders. She said the team aspect drew her to the event.

“It’s a good ride, it’s well-supported, well-organized and it’s for a good foundation,” she said. “It’s more fun being on a team to cheer each other on, get people interested, and push each other to new riding levels.”