Blood, Sweat and Gears

I have always wanted to do a long distance bike tour. Especially for a charity organization of some kind. I kept putting it off, mostly because I was unsure where to start or how to get involved. Two years ago, my uncle was diagnosed with progressive MS. My family was devastated. This gave me the push I needed to finally get my butt in gear and get involved. Last year I signed up for the Leduc to Camrose MS Bike Tour and started handing out pledge sheets. My mother drove the truck behind as a support vehicle and I rode through the route. It was great seeing all those people riding for the same cause!

This year I was able to convince my mother to ride along with me. It was an incredible time! I spent the last few months training and preparing her for this tour, everyday after work we would do a 20 minute run around the area. Each time we would push a little more, trying to beat our time from the day before.

The first day this weekend went smoothly, considering the weather. We were fortunate enough to have the wind on our backs for the majority of the day and we made some pretty good time. We were still quite tired when we got to Camrose, passing out in the tent for a couple hours before supper. The food provided was delicious and the speeches were heart-wrenching. To think that this affects so many is unbelievable.

The ride today was vastly different than yesterday. The weather was about the same, but the wind. The wind! It helped us out so nicely on Saturday, but today it was out for revenge. I knew there was a catch! Our pace was nothing in comparison, the wind was just too strong. By the time we made it to the lunch checkpoint, I noticed a huge lineup of people loading up their bikes into a large cube van. This is probably due to the heavy wind.

I turned to my mother, who was starting to show signs of fatigue and asked, "Did you want to hitch a ride there to next checkpoint?"

She laughed, "Are you kidding me? I signed up for this thing and I'm going to see it through. I sure as heck am not going to let some little wind stop me!" This was the response I was expecting. She's a tough lady and won't stop for anything. A trait her brother shares in his fight against MS.

Pushing along we finally made it back to Leduc, the last leg was better as we only had a crosswind and most of it was downhill. This ride was grueling! However, I enjoyed every bit of it! Why? Because this was nothing compared to what someone with MS has to deal with. People like my Uncle. Keep fighting Uncle Ray! They'll find a cure yet!

I also couldn't help but think of what Sifu Beckett is going through right now. GBS seems similar to MS and wanted to ride in support of her recovery as well. I miss you Melanie! Everyone here at the school misses your warm, positive attitude and selflessness! Have a safe, speedy recovery and hope to see you soon.

See you all on the mats!