Sunday, We Ride

Nine months ago my friend Steve suggested that he might be able to take me on a bike ride using his tandem bike. I laughed, having given up bicycles when I gave up rock climbing, running, and sports involving kicking balls. He persisted, and in spite of my screams of panic, inability to peddle, and questionable balance, we rode around the block. I went home and took a nap after that first ride. Maybe we would ride around the block again, maybe not, I didn't care. Steve called again and this time we went six blocks. My legs burned, but I was alive. After more rest I started thinking back to the days when riding a bike was something I did. Something fun. Something relaxing. Before I knew what Multiple Sclerosis was I rode in the MS benefit bike ride for fun. I remember having to look at the cheat sheets I was given so I could explain MS to donors.


Bravado took over and I asked Steve if he would be willing to do the MS Waves to Wine bike ride with me. He agreed and with 9 months to train we figured we could get to a point where we could do the 100 mile ride. By the time I got home I had changed my mind. Steve had not.
We decided that we’d practice and if we felt like it in a few months we’d register. Friends heard about my plan and decided to ride too. Some were avid cyclists, some had bikes stuffed in the back of garages, a few had no bikes at all but knew where to borrow them. Our first team ride was 6 miles. I had to stop several times to rest, people whined the whole way. By the time we got home we all (except Steve) decided that I was crazy and we’d never go further than 6 miles. Each week I sent email to my team, “Wednesday we ride!” “Saturday, we ride!” After a couple of months we decided to try a big ride, 10 miles. At the turn around I told Steve that I never wanted to ride further than 10 miles and I wasn’t sure I’d make it back. He smiled, and he and Julie helped me back on the bike. We got back and I collapsed. The team went to lunch and I went to bed.


Months passed, mileage increased, we all got stronger. People lost weight, bought new bikes, laughed, cried, discussed the pros and cons of Camel Backs over water bottles, and continued towards our goal. We gained new team members and by the ride we had 26 people on team “What’s the Rush?” Some had goals of 50 miles, some wanted to go further, some planned to help by staying in camp and watching the dogs and cheering us across the finish line.


Our team arrived on September 27th and set up camp. I was nervous. I didn’t want to disappoint Steve. I didn’t want to end up showing myself that I just couldn’t do it. Julie and Steve both reminded me that we had all day and could stop at any time. I was there, the team was there, and it was too late to back out.


We started the day Saturday and felt great. Steve rode like a man possessed and we passed all of our team members. We passed everyone. Julie stopped with a flat and Steve chose to keep riding and leave Julie to get help from a SAG wagon. We were flying. We skipped the first rest stop and kept riding. We both felt great and the cool morning air was just cold enough to make us want to work to keep warm. By lunch at mile 20 I was tired. By the rest stop at mile 30 I wasn’t sure I could go on. My legs burned and spasmed. I wanted to go to sleep, not sit on a stupid bike.
My teammate Kippie arrived at the rest stop a few minutes later. Her sister Ellens' picture was on her bike. Ellen was diagnosed with MS 30 years ago and now lives in a nursing home. Before I left Saturday morning I had made a sign for my back, “I’m riding for Ellen and Jacey!” I knew I couldn’t do the ride for myself, but I thought I might be able to finish for my friend Jacey or Kippie’s sister Ellen. I signaled Steve and we got back on the bike. My legs ached, I cried, Steve asked if I wanted to stop. “I bet Ellen would love to be out here. Let’s keep riding.” We stopped to stretch my legs out and rest 5 times in the last 20 miles. Steve kept telling me how many miles to go so I could decide to go on or not. “Keep going”


We got to the finish and the whole team (except for Noel, Dave and Jacey) was waiting for us. They cheered us across the line and we cried. A few minutes later Noel and Jacey crossed on their tandem, then Dave came in. A few minutes later I went to take a nap.


Sunday’s ride was harder physically by easier mentally. We knew we could make it 50 miles. Ellen would have loved to be out there, I knew that for sure. When people asked if we were still going to try to go 50 miles, we responded with the subject line from each team email “On Sunday, We Ride!”


I’m thankful I was able to do this ride. Thankful for my team.


Thanks

to my family and friends who sponsored me, encouraged me, and understood why I was doing this

to Bill for remembering (and delivering) sun screen and a warm smile

to Noel and Jacey for praying me through Sunday

to Katie for being a wonderful surrogate daughter and friend

to the Winnie Round Up crew for giving us refuge, beverages, toilets, song and laughter

to Marilyn for coddling my highly trained service dog and bringing her when I needed her most

to Joanne for talking us up the hills

to Val-ar-re-val-a rah for battling for my morning beverage

to Jules for being a "Bite Shinney Penny" and explaining how bacon falls

to Carol for making me laugh when I wanted to cry on Saturday

to everyone who cheered when we crossed the line

to Ellen and Jacey for giving me a reason to keep riding

to Pam for loaning me her husband

to Pam and Dave for reminding me what enthusiasm was again

to Mo and Steff who reminded me I could always change my mind and go 25 miles (or less)

to Nancy for yelling at the guy who ran Jules off the road

to Kippie who understood why I was mooning her

and

to my captain for his sweet disposition, encouragement, kindness, support, strength, ability to take guilt and teasing, and willingness to miss the game - you are a mensch


-LMRAT