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150 Miles 4 MS

The Ride | The Bike | The Rider | The Money $$ | The Log | The Gallery | The Afterthoughts
The Ride | The Bike | The Rider | The Money $$ | The Log | The Gallery | The Afterthoughts
The Ride | The Bike | The Rider | The Money $$ | The Log | The Gallery | The Afterthoughts
The Ride | The Bike | The Rider | The Money $$ | The Log | The Gallery | The Afterthoughts
The Ride | The Bike | The Rider | The Money $$ | The Log | The Gallery | The Afterthoughts
The Ride | The Bike | The Rider | The Money $$ | The Log | The Gallery | The Afterthoughts
The Ride | The Bike | The Rider | The Money $$ | The Log | The Gallery | The Afterthoughts
The Ride | The Bike | The Rider | The Money $$ | The Log | The Gallery | The Afterthoughts

This is why I ride...

photo by Taylor

...to give them a chance.

My first ride for the Multiple Sclerosis Society took place back in 1986 in the wonderful mountains of Utah. Back then, it was just an excuse to ride and a chance to ride in a big pack with a bunch of riders that I idolized (which somewhat changed - see the 1996 page for details - whenever I actually update it). I didn't ride again for many years. I took some time off for the Navy, family, and running marathons (one for the Leukemia Society).

I came back in 2004 when my knees started bothering me and I couldn't run anymore. My first ride was only a 1 day ride due to the hurricane mess we had that year. The second ride was going to be my last. Then, a month later, my nephew started showing symptoms and was later diagnosed with MS. I told him that (like it or not), I would ride and be a part of MS for as long as my body allows me too.

This is why I ride...

What it's all about...

Multiple Sclerosis Overiew (care of WebMD)

Multiple sclerosis affects the brain and spinal cord. Early symptoms of MS include weakness, tingling, numbness and blurred vision. Other possible warning signs are muscle stiffness, thinking problems and urinary problems. A MS diagnosis is made by the history of symptoms and a neurological exam, often with the help of tests such as an MRI or a spinal tap. No one's sure what causes MS, but it may be hereditary. There's no cure for MS, but treatment can relieve worsening of symptoms.

Updated 07/01/2010 - 2010 the year of SupportSo, unfortunately back problems and pain in the sciatic nerve of my left leg are going to prevent me from riding in this years MS150. I can't tell you how bad that makes me feel since I've been doing this so long and the vow I made myself to support the cause.

So, that's what this year is about, support. I will remain on the Baptist Flyers this year and give them all the help I can. I will also be looking to either support them at the end, support the MS team along the route, or maybe see if I can't tag along with my favorite bike store. Either way, I want to be a part of this great ride. Hopefully, I can loose the weight, strenghten my core to protect my back and next year, I'll be ready to go!

I'll put a link for my donation page (just because I'm riding doesn't mean I'm not collecting). And I'll try to update as much as I can on how this years ride is going (I've been slacking on the web page duties....too much XBOX).

Thank you all, and see you on the road towards a cure.

Updated 10/18/2009Well, this years ride is finally over. I reached my backup goal of $1000.00 so that I could get Top Banana benefits next year. Thank you everyone that donated. My total for the year was $1202, bringing my total contributions to date: $5435. I'll get pictures in the gallery soon. I didn't take as many this year. Maybe next year.

This year I had a problem that I hadn't had before. I got sun poinsoning on day 1. By the time I was done, I couldn't eat or drink anything without making me sick. I knew that if I couldn't replenish my calories, there was no way I would make day 2. I tried at dinner, but couldn't do it. So I asked my local bike shop to transport my bike back for me. When I went to put it in their truck in the morning, I noticed he was by himself and a swarm of cyclists came up for repairs and pumps. I spent an hour helping him out till everyone was goone. Mandy drove me back and I stayed at the finish line until my team crossed. It took a couple of days after that to recover, but I got better. Next year, better sun screen and more water.

Again, thank you all who donated this year. I will see you in 2010 (I've already signed up)

Updated 10/1/2009I changed my goal, when I found that $2000 wasn't going to be reachable, I at least wanted to make sure I at least got $1000 to be a Top Banana for next year. I just reupped my United Way contribution which also goes towards the North Florida MS Society. I also plan on volunteering for the MS Walk next year. I have already made contact and will get with the Society sometime after the Bike Ride is over. I'm looking forward to doing all I can to help.

The ride is in 2 days. I'm ready. Wish I could have collected more money. But I feel I'm doing my best. Thank you to all that donated to me and the cause.

Updated 9/2/2009Update some of the links on the left - MSRide FAQ and About ME. Put some information on my 1986 link (bike only - I'll get them updated eventually)

Training is going so-so, I'm up to 40 miles. Problem is, it's really easy to do long distance on my bike. Just not the speeds I want. I'd like to maintain 18 to stay with the pack but, oh well, the idea is to just finish.

Time for 2009!!It's that time again. 2009 bike ride is right around the corner. This year I decided to ride with the Hospital I work with. I still enjoy the time I had with the Fidelity riders. They treated me good even though I never worked with their company.

2009, they changed the dates, looks like we're riding in October now. Hopefully it's a tad bit cooler, with less rain. One can dream at least. Let's hope I can get off my butt and gets some miles in to make this a faster ride. I'm still riding the recumbent (it's just a fun bike, sorry, trike)

Web Page DevelopementThe page is slowly developing. The links at the top of the page don't go anywhere yet, and if you're using Internet Explorer, you may get a pop-up to run an ActiveX control. I promise I'm not doing anything maliciouse, it's just code for the buttons.

2008 TrainingTraining is going well. I'm up to 40+ miles. The new Catrike is making it very easy to go the distance. I hope to make this year a fun time when I actually get to keep up with the team.
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