MS150 Bike Ride

San Antonio Texas

October 13-14, 2012

A couple of months ago, my husband, Randall, decided that he wanted to get back into shape, and pulled out his road bicycle, that he had not really rode in quite a few years.  Well, after we went to find some new bike shoes (he couldn’t find his old ones), he came across a brochure for the MS150 Bike Ride in San Antonio. It was about two months away, and he decided that he wanted to ride in it.  Let me make sure you understand that the 150 in MS150 is for the number of miles that he would be riding in two days.

Well, he had to raise $300 also to ride.  He still has a little bit to go, so he is still looking for donations.  Anyways, we had to get him a new pair of bike shorts, and new shoes, and then he had to get his bike tuned up.  Well, this was becoming an expensive ride.

We both worked longer days the week of the ride, so we could have time off on Friday to drive to San Antonio (about 4 1/2 hours away).  We had to get down there and pick up his packed, and number.  We stayed at a hotel in San Antonio for the night to make sure that he got a good rest before starting out Saturday.

Saturday morning the ride started at 8am, well on the way from the Hotel to the AT&T Center, we got a little off track, and got their as the riders were already on the way out.  He jump on his bike, and off he went.  He had decided that he wanted to do the ‘Century’ loop, which, means instead of riding around 70 miles the first day, he rode a total of 100 miles.  He left San Antonio around 8:15, and got to New Braunfels, Texas around 6pm.  Not too bad.  I had decided that I was not going to ride, so I was volunteering to help while he was riding.  It was pretty slow at first in New Braufels, but I got to meet a lot of really nice people.  I meet a couple of gentleman that were volunteering to take team pictures, they enjoy taking pictures as a hobby.   We got talking, because I was walking around taking some personal pictures for Randy.    Very interesting talking about different bike rides around the US.

I ended up sitting at a booth, where the riders could vote on their favorite rest stop for the day.  It was very interesting. I got to meet a couple of very nice ladies who have MS.  One had on a shirt that said “I’m not drunk, I have MS”.  She was so nice, her son was riding for her.  The heat was bothering her, so she left after a little while, once her son got there.   She lives in New Braunfels, so they headed home for the night.   The next lady that I meet was also very nice, she had her service dog with her, who was acting just like Harley would.  He was so sweet, and you could tell who the boss was.  They had forgot to bring his leash with them, and his treat bag was almost empty.  They found a rope to use as a leash, and got some more treats from their car.  He was nice.  She asked me why I was there, and she asked if I had any questions about MS.  She was very happy to explain the illness to me.  I really didn’t have a very good idea of what it is, but that it affected the muscles, and that there is no cure.  She told me that it affects everyone different, so no two people have the same illness.  It affects the lining of the nerves, as the body attacks itself.   She told me about different ways that I could get a little of an idea of how MS affects her.  It was really eye opening, and I really loved the time we got to talk together.  She finally left, as the heat was starting to bother her.   One of the most common things that they all suffer from is how the heat affects them.

Well, back to Randy, he finally got to New Braunfels, and was tired, and ready to rest.  We had rented a minivan, and were sleeping in it Saturday night.  They had been calling for rain, and we didn’t want to get caught outside in it.    It was not bad sleeping, except for all the lights at the Fair grounds, but we got some good sleep.

Saturday morning, we got up, took showers and got ready.  They provided breakfast for the riders and volunteers.  After breakfast, we got his bike from the “bike coral” and he got ready.  The ride was to start at 7am this time, so we were standing in line waiting about 7:45.  At almost 7, someone told us that they were going to postpone the ride due to bad weather heading our way.  Well, at 7, they announced over the speaker system, that a rain storm was heading our way, not bad, would be out in about 30 minutes, but they were more concerned about the storm that was behind it.  It had been reported to have pea size hail, and lighting.  So they told us that they were delaying the ride for about an hour.  They wanted everyone in shelter.  We decided that we would go back to the van and Randy was going to take a nap.  We set our phones for an hour.  About 8:30 we got up, and heard over the speaker system that they were getting ready for everyone to start to ride.

Well, it had rained really heavy, but fortunately the second storm broke apart, and we didn’t get any hail or lightening.  There was a lot of rain, and part of the road that they were suppose to start out on, was flooded, so they had to change the trail a little bit.  We were just glad that it was getting started.  Randy was hoping to get back to the AT&T building by 2pm, so we could get home quickly, because we both had to go back to work in Monday morning.

The first riders out were “Team America”, and then the other teams, and then finally the single riders.  So it was a little while before Randy was actually able to head out.  He was glad to get going.  I had decided that I would meet him at the lunch break, and visit with him for a while.  As I started out to the lunch stop, I decided that I would stop at the rest stops to visit with him.  I skipped the first stop, because it was so busy by the time I headed out.  I had passed him on the way, and waived to him.  I got to the second rest stop, and since I had quite a while to wait, I decided I would help.  I helped direct the riders into the rest stop, and make sure that the traffic was stopped.  I again got time to talk with a nice lady that has MS.  She has three friends that were riding for her.  She was dressed up in a holla-skirt, and was so energetic.  She was thanking all the rides as they arrived at the rest stop.  When Randy arrived, I went and talked with him, and helped him get water, and Poweraide for the next distance.

So off he went, and the next stop was lunch, at a church, and they were so nice, the fed the riders and was helping hold their bikes while they ate, if the bike racks were full.  There were so many bikes at the lunch stop, it was amazing how organized the church was.  They had everything under control, and there was sandwiches, crackers, pudding, jello and fruit to eat.  It was a nice time to take a break out of the sun and enjoy a little friendship.  Since we were on a schedule, Randy didn’t want to spend to much time at the stops, so he could get finished and we could get home.

When Randy headed out, I needed to get gas, so I stopped, and when I went inside, I found some Mountain Dew Code Red, and got one for Randy, he had been asking for one all weekend.  So as I drove by him, I showed it to him and told him I would see him at rest stop 3.     When he arrived at Stop 3, you could tell he was tired.  He was happy for the caffeine, and then headed back out.  I told him since rest stop 4 was about 2 miles from the AT&T center, I would see him at there instead.

I got to the AT&T center, and went to the finish line to wait for Randy to finish.  It was so neat, as the rides crossed the line, they would hold hands, our a team would line up, so they could all cross the line at the same time.   It was great.

I finally saw Randy coming, and I was so proud, in just two short months, he had gone from not working out, to riding 157 miles in two days.   We ate dinner and talked while he rested before we headed out.   As the other riders would finish (which was by where we were eating) we would cheer for them.  They loved it.  Everyone was cheering each other on, and helping as needed.

Team America

Well, then they announced that ‘Team America’ was coming, and everyone stopped what they were doing, and went to the finish line and clapped and cheered as they crossed the line in true Military fashion.

Let me tell you about ‘Team America’, they were Military personnel including Wounded warriors.  There were amputees, one gentleman who lost both legs, and rode the entire way using his arms to ride.  Another one had lost one arm, a couple rode traditional bikes with artificial limbs.  Every time I saw them as I was driving the route, it would almost bring tears to my eyes.  These men and women had sacrificed so much for us, so that we had the opportunity to ride in the MS150, and to have the freedom that we enjoy everyday.

         

Seeing them, helped me see how proud I am of my boys.  Michael (Army), Robert (Navy), Randall & Wife Stephanie (Air Force) and William (Army basic training).  I am so proud of my children, and I am so proud that there are other men and women who will risk so much for our freedom.  Our military gives so much for us, and we should remember to thank them whenever we are given a chance, especially those who are wounded or the families of those who lose loved ones in conflict.  I am so blessed that my sons have not been harmed and are safe.  I thank God everyday for that, and ask God to keep them all safe.

Well, as we headed back to home, Randy went to sleep for a while, and I got to thank God that we had a great time, and it was well worth it, and we would do it more often if we could find people to sponsor Randy on his rides.

Next Year

The next MS150 that Randy wants to participate in, is in Midland, Texas, the Hotter than Hell MS150 Bike Ride.  The ride is in West Texas in July, the hottest time of the year!  Well, next July, God willing, we will be headed to Midland Texas.  Which this brings to mind the other lady that I meet, she was dressed all in Orange and was cheering the riders and having a great time! She also has MS.  She says she drove from Midland to have fun in San Antonio, since in Midland she is always working the ride, and doesn’t get to have fun!  Well, I think when we head out, I will find someway to dress up and have fun too!  Why not, who actually will know me way out there!

I hope you enjoyed our Fun Weekend, and the pictures!  It was hard to pick out just a few to put on the blog.

Lisa