Charity Rides

I just got back from California on Monday and wanted to post on my "weekend ride." It was the MS 150 Bike Tour - Santa Barbara. I'm a recent "convert" to Idaho, so I still have a good group of bike buddies in California, with whom I'll ride annually at least in this or another California MS Ride. By the way, I ride for my Mom, who's been diagnosed with MS for a little over six years.

The ride started in Woodland Hills, with a few ups and downs, but no major climbs. There were about 600 riders registered, but I'm sure there were fewer who rode on day one, as there were a couple of options. Four of our team did the century ride on day one, leaving 12 of us to do the 75-mile option. It was "chilly" by SoCal standards, but a brisk morning ride and really got the blood flowing.

After lunch, at about mile 60, we began what was the biggest climb of the day, up to Lake Casitas. I gotta say, it burned me, but I did make it. What was my motivation? On the way up I passed a woman who was most likely 150 pounds overweight with ONE arm doing the climb. The MS Society had posted signs along the way to inspire as well. One in particular stood out: Hope quits when you do. Enough said. I pedaled on.

Another sign on the way up said "what goes up must come down." That is true, and the downhill reached speeds of about 40mph (not bad for my Trek Pilot), and the wind rushing through my helmet vents was welcome.

At the end of the day, Santa Barbara Body Works, a local massage therapy school, came and donated time for a post-ride massage. It goes without saying that I was in that line post haste.

After a good long night's rest, we saddled up for day two, another 75-mile ride which, for the first 40, was the reverse of the prior day's route. That meant climbing where we descended, and descending where we climbed. Day two beat me up, but I made it through. 150 miles later, I discovered a neck muscle and a knee ligament that I'd forgotten. The pain is now gone, and I'm left with some great memories.

Final thoughts: One of our team riders has MS. Riding hand-in-hand with her as we crossed the finish line was a special moment. It's been four years since I met anyone actually doing the ride that has MS. She was strong. She's inspirational. Also, nothing makes cycling more fun than a supportive team of folks who just love to ride...regardless of your skill level, speed, etc. They support you. I highly recommend that you find and cultivate friendships with this sort of person. It makes this "hobby" we all do so much more enjoyable.

I'm sure there's an MS Ride here...I've seen the painted stencils on Seaman's Gulch (Dump) Road. When is it, amigos?