MS 150 Success

Leaving Boise

It was another successful MS150 this year.  The weather was beautiful and cooperated for the full event.  Even the wind stayed away.  Temperatures were chilly in the morning, 35 to 40 degrees, then heated up to a perfect bike riding temperature.  About 75 degrees or so.  The ride this year started in the town of McCall, went north along Payette Lake, then deep into the mountains.  I was very impressed with the organization of the event.  Rest stops were perfectly spaced out for the riders and were stocked with friendly people and lots of goodies to keep their energy up. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second day’s route again started in McCall.  This time they headed east then south.  Riding more through open meadows on this day, they travelled on roads that tested their endurance, up and down rolling hills, wearing on already weary legs.  They travelled past Cascade Lake to Tamarack Resort, located back in the mountains, a beautiful location. 

 

The two routes definitely forced the riders to earn their keep this year.  Lots of long, steep climbs kept the whole pack questioning why they do this each year.  But, they quickly remember.  The reason is MS.  They ride for those who can’t.  They are willing to abuse their bodies, endure leg cramping, skin chaffing miles of rough road to try and raise awareness for this devastating disease.  Some do it for the cause, others do it for loved ones who were stricken with the illness.  Whatever their reason, these riders are the true champions.  Heroes, in my mind.  They aren’t selfish when it comes to doing whatever it takes to raise awareness and funds. 

I was there to support my wife, Sarah, who rode in the event.  She lost her father in 2000 to MS.  Though his fight is done, hers is not.  The disease has not been conquered yet.

 

 

 

 

The Reason

 

 

I drove along as a S.A.G. vehicle.  I had it easy, being able to drive, but I wanted to be there for her.  What most people don’t know about my wife is, in 2002, she suffered a motorcycle accident that permanently damaged her back.  Sitting in the saddle of a road bike in the cramped position that you are forced to endure, is absolute agony for her.  This year she wasn’t even able to train for the ride.  The last time she took her road bike back down off the wall was for last year’s ride.  Talk about tough.  I kept asking her to not ride after the first day, I didn’t want her doing serious damage to herself.  Her just being there was enough, but those who do know my wife, know she is stubborn.  J  She refused to quit and stuck it out.  The last half of the day she had to stop every 4 miles and stretch out her back, but she did it.

The Finish

I was blessed this year to have my kids with me for the event.  They enjoyed cheering on the other riders, whooping and hollering, clapping in encouragement as the riders rode by.  They did a great job and they had a good time.  They were honored to be included in supporting this ride.  I wish more kids would get involved.  There were about a dozen kids total over the weekend, but I think more could be encouraged to partake.  For me, I know it works, because I saw the smiles that lit up the riders faces as they heard my two trying to encourage them.  To me that spells success.

The kids

The ride is over for this year, but the fight continues on.  I’m challenging each and every one of you to help in this fight.  It can be cured, but it will take a tremendous amount of support from many people.  Until the last one is cured, the battle is not done.

The SAG Mobile

For more pictures from the 2008 MS 150 ride, go to my MySpace account.  www.myspace.com/258748595

Vegas

Alright, so I’m fresh off a weeks trip to Vegas.  My thoughts??  It’s a nice place, I guess, but in order to enjoy it fully, you need like a gazillion dollars.  (Yes, there is such a thing as a gazillion.  How do I know?  Because I put it in my blog.)

They want to charge you for just about everything.  Push a crosswalk button, $5.  Public restroom, $2.  You get the point.

I really believe it’s more expensive than going to D-Land or World.  Hotel prices are crazy, food prices are out of this world and even drinks, like water, are double the price.

There were just two of us and I cringe to think what a family would run people.  In the Paris there is an elevator to the observation deck.  $10/person for a trip up for two-three minutes of scenery.  $5/person if you happen to stay there.  Don’t think it is worth it. 

In the Mirage is the Secret Garden of Siegfried and Roy.  $15/person to see a couple dolphins, some Alpaca’s and of course the White Tigers.  It’s cool, but 20 minutes is about all you spend there.  It’s not very big.  Another negative, you spend that money to look at them sleeping.  It’s outside and so hot, 109 the day we went, the animals are sleeping in the shade.  It closes at 7, so there are not very many chances to see the animals up and about.   

MGM had a free exhibit for their Lions.  That was cool.  They were in air conditioning so they were more active and the trainers were playing with them, so we spent a lot of time watching.  That was worth it.

I’d love to take a helicopter tour of the city and then of the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam.  That would be cool.  I fly airplanes and would love to fly helicopters.  Another life long dream of mine.  I could be happy flying and writing for the rest of my life.  Oh well.  Obviously not in the cards.    All you need is money to make some of those type of dreams come true.

Overall, Vegas was ok.  I enjoy other things more.  I like to be active and doing stuff.  People watching, although very interesting in Vegas, gets old after a while.

Also, I made no time to write so that ended up a bust as well. 

I guess there is always next week.