So I spent this weekend mostly riding my bike (56 miles yesterday and 50 miles today) as we’re quickly approaching this year’s MS Coast the Coast ride. I’ve got two more long training rides next weekend (though on Sunday and Monday) and then a bit of a taper as the ride is on May 16 & 17.
This will be my third year doing this ride, it’s a two-day event riding about 85-88 miles each day, basically along the coast of NJ from Long Branch down to the tip in Cape May.
The training is hard, at times painful (saddle sores, strained back) and time consuming (I let my self go to pot over the winter, so these rides last upwards of four hours). Yet, it can be beautiful, especially now that the trees are in full bloom, fun (you would be shocked at some of the conversations you may have while riding long hours on a bicycle), and rewarding (and I’m not just talking about all the extra Weight Watchers activity points you earn).
But as I got a bit tired about 25 miles into today’s ride, and a bit discouraged, I have to remind myself why I do this. You see besides the sense of accomplishment I get, and the fun I have with my teammates (our team name is As the Wheels Turn … because there’s always drama!), I’m trying to now focus on the fact that I’m doing this ride because there are millions of people out there who can’t. Each day they wake not knowing if they will have a good or bad day. Will they be be able to get out of bed? Feel their fingers? Move their legs? See?
So yes, while I complain about my saddle sore and my back, it’s nothing compared to what these people deal with. But my riding doesn’t help them at all, unless you help me.
You see the point is to raise money. The more I raise, the more that can go to research and supportive services for those with this debilitating disease. The point is to raise enough money so that we can one day have a world free of MS.
So here’s the ask. You can click this link, or the Bike MS logo above or the link in the sidebar and you’ll arrive at my fundraising page. Don’t be afraid to donate even if it’s just a few dollars. Every bit helps. But don’t be afraid to donate a lot either! No donation is too big or too small.
Thank you.
