"I haven't agreed to do this next year though!!"

Once again, on a lovely Saturday morning, I dragged my sorry ass out of bed at an ungodly hour for a Saturday, and got on my bike. The morning of the MS 150 Bike Tour dawned bright and clear, and the weather promised to be nice and hot. I would find out later that it was almost too hot.

The ride was much longer than I'd remembered it, but it had been a while since my bike computer was working, so I hadn't logged the last few years. We rode 90km the first day, and 102km the second day.

By the end of the second day of riding, every year, I am generally miserable. My ass hurts, my shoulders hurt, my knees are aching. I forget why I do this, and make up my mind not to do it again this year. Then I get to the end, I see all the people waiting for me at the finish line, and I read the congratulatory messages from my friends, and I remember.

This year we had a special guest riding with us, a man who's raised over 3 million dollars for MS. He has MS himself. He got off the plane on Friday in a wheelchair. Saturday morning he got on a borrowed bike, and rode a third of the distance. It was one of the most inspiring things I have ever seen. If he can do it, why on earth can't I? What gives me the right to complain about a few aches and pains that are going to be gone in a day or two? So I grit my teeth, and pedal on.

I'm glad I keep doing this. I'm glad I'm able to do this; to ride for those who can't.

When we were finished, a couple of cyclists asked if Mom and I would like to ride with their team next year. I quickly answered "of course, we'd love to!" before even thinking about it. Then I thought, "wait a second...I haven't even agreed to do this next year!!". But who am I kidding. I'll be back next year. And I'll keep going back, until there's not a reason to go back, because we beat this thing.

Pictures on facebook. Click the post title to view them.

loves,
Me.

FOUR days left!!

I actually went for a training ride last night. Not nearly as bad as I thought. I might not actually die this weekend. Good times.

Supposed to be nice and warm, and sunny. All good by me. Hopefully there'll be a teeny breeze to kill the heat.

Ohshit

Um. One week and two days till bike tour.
Only once have I gone out riding.
EVERY SINGLE YEAR I do this.
And every single year I swear I won't do it again next year.
Sigh...

19 DAYS!!!

In 19 days I will be riding once again for MS.

Yesterday was my first training ride of the year. Did 22k. My ass hurts.

I guess I should get out there and train some more. My mom kicked my ass yesterday.

Fundraising is going a little slow, but that's ok...I've got three weeks left.

If you'd like to pledge me, any amount is appreciated, no amount is too small. Links all over the site.

xxox
Izzy

BreakTime

Biking again for MS

I am once again doing the MS bike tour with my Mom. She's got a bit of a jump on me this year, as she's been down in the Okanagan for the winter, and has been able to start training already.

It hasn't stopped snowing here in lovely Alberta in what feels like ten months, so I haven't been able to get out yet. I hope I can get out soon, or I might die on the side of the road.

They've extended the tour route a bit this year, due to highway issues with the old route. Great. Now it's even LONGER.

As always this year, I take the time to remember why I do this every year. I do it, because they can't. I do it, so that we can find a cure for this disease. I do it, because I have to do something.

The internet has made it so much easier to get pledges and do fundraising. Online pledge pages, facebook, email, blogs, message boards, all of these things are invaluable tools in my fundraising toolbox.

If you'd like to sponsor me, please go here: MS FUNDRAISING PAGE

Thanks,
Blue Skies,
Izzy