I wanted to create a write-up about my experience riding the MS150 this year as a thanks for all of you who donated to my fundraiser. It's the least I could do to show my appreciation.
I rode with Strike, the title sponsor of my cycling team, for the MS150(http://www.strikeusa.com/). They asked my fellow teammates and I to join alongside them for the event as a way for us to interact with them.
Day 1: Everyone riding with Strike met at the Buc-ee's of Waller for our initial rollout of the first day. Running late as always, I arrived about ten minutes before we departed and scrambled to get my belongings arranged for the weekend ahead. (Foreshadowing) Since I was running late, I had to leave my vehicle behind in the Buc-ee's parking lot to make sure that I did not get left behind. The official parking for the event was at the Waller football stadium about 1 mile down the road.
We left from Buc-ee's as one big team and headed to the first large stop at Bellville Fairgrounds. Along the way, I was able to converse with the many people of Strike. I made an attempt throughout the weekend to share an experience with everyone I rode with from the team to show my appreciation for all they do to help support my cycling team. Whilst they may not fully understand, their support makes everything we do as a team possible. I wish I could convey how much I mean this.
My goal for the day was to truly soak in the impact of an event like the MS150 and make an effort to try to help others along the way. After about 20 miles from our start in Waller, I arrived in Bellville. Here I wanted to find my cousin, Zach Poncik, since I saw many members of his Deloitte team at the fairgrounds. After a couple minutes of phone tag, the two of us met up and welcomed each other. Zach just started riding this year. When I heard the news that he picked up cycling, I was ecstatic. I sometimes feel as if I am an outcast from my family due to the lack of overlapping interests or hobbies, so when I heard that Zach had started cycling, I felt a sense of unity between us.
After our conversation in Bellville, I went my own way and ate lunch(at 8:30...) then heading out towards my next destination, Fayetteville. At this point in the ride, with the stops and varying pacing between all of the members of my team, we had drifted about, and I was left riding alone for the day. I am happy that it turned out this way because I was able to focus immersing myself in the ride ahead. Throughout the day, I had struck various conversations with strangers along the way and stopped to help out cyclists who had ill luck fall upon them on the course whether it be a flat tire or a crash. Each one of these opportunities was meaningful. I was able to share a moment with these people who I had never met before nor would I ever likely meet again.
I can recall one of the conversations I had rather well. After passing though Fayetteville, now on the way to La Grange, I was riding alongside an older man who was part of the "Club 300." At the time, I was unaware of what the "Club 300" was, so I decided to ask him. He explained how the Club 300 was a group of the top 300 fundraisers for the MS150. I believe he was number 32. His wife had Multiple Sclerosis, and he had been riding the MS150 for over 20 years as a way to support her in her fight. He was a member of the organizing board for the event and was responsible for personally raising over $200,000 for the 20 years he had been riding. We talked about how we got into cycling, personal life, work/school, and how the MS150 has evolved over the years into what it is today. Our conversation came to an end when another fellow cyclist flatted during our conversation, so I decided to pull off and help them out with repairing it.
Around two hours later of riding, I arrived in La Grange, the midway point of the two day event. I was happy to have reached the stop. I was hungry and longed for a nice shower.
I accomplished my goal for the day. I wanted to appreciate the true purpose of the MS150. It was not to finish first nor was it just simply trying to reach the end to go home. I wanted to make use of the event to see how the MS150 and the people participating in it impacted the lives of those with Multiple Sclerosis. I am glad that I took my time on this day to do something that was more than just about me.
I will continue the post for day 2 later this week. I want to once again thank everyone for their support. Y'all are awesome.
Shane is a junior at Texas A&M University studying Computer Science (4.0 GPA). His hobbies include tennis, video games, baking, hanging out with his girlfriend, and cheering on the US Elite National Champ. His favorite Justin Beiber Song is “One Less Lonely Girl” and loves Thanksgiving, Taco Bell, and KFC chicken.