Kathleen's Journal

A Successful MS150

A Successful MS150
I feel very proud of John and me to have finished the “MS150.” The best part to feel good about is that neither of us walked our bikes at all. There was one hill about 10 miles from the Finish as we were coming into Austin that I did not think I was going to be able to climb (pedal) to the top. On our way down the previous hill, we had to “slow” for two vehicles that were squeezing past each other on the left side of the road. As they did, all the cyclists were forced to the narrow right and caused a slow-down. We lost all of our momentum and had very little speed to begin our ascent up this very big hill. I was so close to the Finish line, determined not to walk my bike, put the bike in the Granny gear, and just looked down at the road in front of my bike and pedaled, pedaled, pedaled, without looking at how much farther I would have to pedal to make it to the top. There were so many people (as many men as women) that had to get off their bikes and walk them up the hill. Sometimes it is a good thing to be hard-headed.

Here is the note I sent to all those who contributed a pledge to support me. It tells a bit about the ride without having to retell it:

“I stand and applaud all of you who supported me in the MS150. Because of you, I raised over $800 that will be spent towards fighting a very terrible, potentially debilitating disease.

I have participated in many athletic fundraising activities and my reasons had always been to exercise, stay in shape, and "get the t-shirt." This is the first year I have ridden in the bp MS 150 and being a part of this fundraiser meant much more to me than that. Initially, I did sign up for those very reasons, but as I worked toward my fundraising goal and cycled 170 miles along the highways of Texas and through many towns, I realized the reward for my riding was knowing that I was helping someone else in a way that I could and in a way they truly appreciated. In every town we passed, families were sitting on the side of the road with whistles, tambourines, bells, and signs they had made to congratulate us and, to those whose lives have been affected by MS, to thank us, and to encourage us to "keep on riding." As we entered LaGrange Saturday afternoon at the end of the first day (95 miles), people were lined up on both sides of the drive leading to the camping area. One of Mustang's volunteers was standing next to a lady who had MS and she was clapping continuously and yelling "THANK YOU" to every rider who entered the camping area. There were thousands more like her all along the way.

But I could not have done it without all of you. Your pledges are why the MS150 works to benefit so many people in need, not only with the funds that are raised, but also by giving people hope that one day there will be a cure. I consider each of you "my partner" in what became "our contribution" to fighting multiple sclerosis.

THANK YOU SO MUCH! The picture says it all.

The picture was taken Saturday night as soon as our entire training group arrived at the Mustang tent. Pictured (left to right) are:

Warrren Russell (Thunder Horse)
Gloria Vega (Atlantis)
Aaron Russell (Warren's Son)
Lewis Briers (sitting) (All Projects)
Gabriela Addington (Thunder Horse)
John Linger
Kathleen Linger (Holstein)"

The highlight of the MS150 was gathering our “training group” together a few miles from the Finish and riding through the chute together, and hearing Stepan and Jennifer yell “John! John! Kathleen! Kathleen!” I am so grateful they came to welcome us to Austin. Elizabeth and Jonathan were there too, of course, but I didn’t see them as we came through. The chute experience should last longer. It really is the best part. Having Elizabeth, Jonathan, Stepan, and Jenny there made the experience just a little sweeter. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Posted by Kathleen at April 18, 2003 08:43 AM