Today I ran across some mementos of a time past, including a gear bag from a ride I did in April of 2006, called the MS 150. Back in those days, I rode my bike occasionally, often to work and back, but I hadn't yet developed the interest in really long rides that I have today. I fell in with a small group of coworkers that liked to go out and ride on the weekends, along with my ex-wife. When we heard about the MS 150, it seemed like a herculean task: ride 150 miles?!? Actually, it turned out to be more like 180. And it was great. I can still remember those rides. The heat, baking down on us on the ranches outside of Austin. The group start the second day, over 10,000 bikes all arranged in a group, a mile long along a road in La Grange, TX. I remember the camp we would stay in overnight between the two days, tents and sleeping bags laid out end to end as far as the eye could see to sleep under the stars. The local high school where we'd take a shower. The local Lions group, that would make 20,000 pancakes, using oil barrels to hold the butter and power drills to mix. What I remember most, though, was the comaraderie. Riding 15 miles to collapse on a grassy field with a granola bar and friends. Riding with Sarah, my ex, through the suburbs of Houston. The final approach into Austin, unexpectedly hilly. The glorious hamburger at the finish line. We did that ride 3 or 4 times, almost every year.
Back then, 180 miles seemed like an amazing accomplishment. Little did I know that someday I would sign up to ride 3800. And, back then, raising $300 for charity seemed impossible. Today, I face raising $3800. But I know I can do it with your help. Asking for money isn't easy for me. But what keeps me going is knowing that others can't ride. That sounds cheesy, I know, especially coming from me - but it's true.
So if you can, please give. Even a small donation helps; no donation is too small. I know there's lots of good causes for your money, but I'm saying that today, this cause is worth your time and attention.
Click the the bar above to donate, or at http://tinyurl.com/AdamBikes
