Tuesday, April 21, 2009

What a ride

So, I've done the MS150 again. My sixth ride is history, but I think it was the hardest one I've done. That's what happens when you don't train properly. I will never, never, never, ever do another MS150 without proper training. Just too unpleasant.

Since the first day was canceled, (see above) I figured no problem, I'll do the challenge ride and go through Buescher State Park. I've always gone through the park. I would feel as though I'd wimped out if I didn't go through the park. It about broke me. Thankfully, the rest of the ride, even into a stiff wind, was much easier and I was able to finish.


Maybe, because of how exhausted I was, or because I actually tried to get others to contribute, I found this to be one of the most meaningful MS150 rides that I've done. I was very touched by the many suffers of MS that came out to cheer us on. One sign brought me to tears. It was a young lady holding up a sign that said "Thank you 4 saving my life one pedal at a time." I thought, it isn't my pedal strokes, it's the people that give money. It's my friends at work and my family, not me.

In Luke chapter 16, Jesus tells a strange parable. It's called the "Parable of the Shrewd Manager". I think it should be called the "Parable of the Crooked Manager". Jesus tells how this guy was wasting and even stealing money from his employer. When the crooked manager learns that he's about to be fired, he goes to his employer's debtors and cut's their debts. And how does Jesus sum up this parable? He doesn't say, "steal from the rich and give to the poor", which is kind of what the crooked manager did, no, in verse nine, he sums up the lesson with: "Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends." NLT. Use your money to benefit others. With that in mind, I'd like to say thank you to the many, many benefactors that gave their money to help others.

Total miles: 73.86 (total training miles were only 70.16)
Total Riding Time: 6:13:06 (don't my butt know it)
Avg Speed: 11.7 (slow and steady wins the race)
Max Speed: 41.2 (I LOVE going fast on the downhills)

Friday, April 10, 2009

MS150 (update)

I've been going on long bike rides these past two weekends to get ready for the MS150 next week end. Last week I went out to Bellville and rode 30 miles. Today I went to Bellville and road 40 miles. I go to Bellville, because it's hilly and hilly is the best training. My legs are beat. I'm not ready, but I'll do it anyway, unless it's raining. Nothing like pain for a good cause.

Mom called, she wanted to give to the MS150, but I didn't explain how to give, so she couldn't. See my previous post. So, if you want to give to the MS Society (tax deduction!) Please click on the link below.

CLICK HERE, or HERE and you will be taken to the MS Society's web site where you can make a secure credit card contribution. Or you can click on their logo below.