Last Saturday and Sunday was the MS150-which they actually changed the name to Bike MS because we end up riding 167 miles. It was AWESOME. The first day was 80 something miles and the second 70 something (my bike computer crashed the first day so I don't have the actual mileage). It was amazing is all I can say. A teammate of mine has MS. I was so emotional for me but to see the experience through her eyes was just indescribable.
Highlights:
1. Passing 30 or so men on these long crazy hills (it was honestly like they were standing still) they were still talking about it at the finish line.
2. At the top of "Big Bertha" (incredibly heinous hill) still being able to pass people, but more importantly being able to encourage a woman who was literally in tears.
3. Riding with two men and when it was my turn to pull they weren't able to keep up:)
4. Crossing the finish line and seeing this beautiful woman who I had seen at registration, end of day 1, at rest stops, and being able to hold her crippled hand and tell her thank you for inspiring me.
5. Pulling 2 of my teammates at the end of day 1 when they just couldn't go any further.
6. Getting 2 texts from friends who I was missing on the ride very much. It was at the first rest stop that I stopped at. Then turning my shuffle on and the songs that remind me of both of them came on one after another.
7. On Day 2 mile 50 at a rest stop I mentally bonked. I felt fine physically but I just wanted to cry. Kristin wasn't there. I had lost all of my teammates. I was ALONE. And there he was. Big Dog. Rode with him on my first 60 miler. I didn't know if he remembered me but I remembered him and was elated to see him:) We talked (he did remember me) I cheered up. I found a 6ft6 (not Big Dog another huge cyclist) Texan rider to draft behind. And I was good to go.
Thanks to all who donated. These people with this disease are so strong but really need our help. And I needed your help. I couldn't have done this ride without the donations. It has been my goal for the last 6 months or so. It has been on my mind daily. I was so scared. Scared that my chronic fatigue would stop me from finishing. But I did it. My body and me accomplished something I wouldn't have even imagined I could do one year ago. One year ago 5 miles was extremely difficult for me. Yeah Val!