I am currently fundraising for our local chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. I am doing so in order to hold up my end of a bargain with the Society. That bargain is that I will raise money for them and they will then let me ride my bike, care-free from here to Lake Erie.
Riding my bike is one of my favorite things to do. Usually a good road ride for me is somewhere between 25 and 40 miles. Much more than that requires too much planning and infrastructure. A two-day ride from here to Lake Erie with an overnight in Meadville takes a lot of planning. The beauty of the MS ride is that it doesn’t require me to do a lot of thinking. Bike MS makes all the plans, all I have to do is show up and ride.
The ride is completely organized, Bike MS has everything figured out; after 32 years, they have worked out most of the kinks.
Rest stops are set up every 15 miles or so that are completely stocked with water, Gatorade, power bars, pbj’s, bananas, first aid and a repair station, anything a cyclist might need. A number of Western PA Goldwing motorcycle clubs volunteer their time to monitor intersections and direct traffic to keep the cyclists safe. Lunch is provided on the first day and there is a welcome reception on the campus of Allegheny College at the end of the first day. Beer is supplied by Penn Brewery. And there is live music. Bikes are securely stored in the gymnasium.
Some riders stay on campus, others get a hotel room in Meadville. Team Bacon usually gets a team suite on campus and takes the shuttle bus into town for dinner at the Voodoo Brewery.
On the second day, on the shore of Lake Erie, there is a finish line party with a DJ and buffet lunch and the local Dairy Queen donates Dilly Bars. How great is that?
And, when it’s all over, there is a trailer truck to haul all the bikes back to the starting line at Moraine State Park and Trailways-type busses to haul our tired butts.
It’s a great experience that I recommend. Sure, it takes some effort and some training and some preparation, but it’s not really hard, not like climbing Mt. Everest or stalking Bigfoot.
And the satisfaction that you take away from it is amazing.
All this happens after the riders have done their part. It’s up to us to go out and fundraise. Bike MS gives us tools to use, but it is up to us to use them. Different people approach this task differently. Some riders accost strangers face to face, or sell raffle tickets or set up garage sales or bake sales. I generally prefer to beg via email. This website is an attempt to try something new. A different way to reach potential donors.
So, now that I have reached you, please, donate to my ride. Thanks!