tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82591606711598430242024-02-19T21:38:03.980-08:00MS Bike Tour/RaleighRaleigh Bicycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506784692654160078noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259160671159843024.post-23478200916919521662008-01-29T08:53:00.000-08:002008-12-10T06:07:20.260-08:002007 MS 150<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://raleighbicycles.blogspot.com/2007/09/blog-post.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IlpFf5RPG0S8_h8U7QZ5FgA97P6bclENsQsETeXjvqPnUPdRV1zJ1jhAoQgK8KcN6aCdIpf0A2gnfotcZ1rHrWB6n6sYnG9Jib3qnAfha_8Rjcxy0gS2WplQF-weefbE_NVW8kugQbY/s400/gse_multipart58263.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110893257946293106" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">{words & images <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">carey</span>}<br /><br /></span>Every year a grouping of cyclists, volunteers, and people living with *multiple sclerosis gather in <a href="http://www.laconner.net/chamber.cfm">La Conner, WA</a> for the <a href="http://bikewas.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BIKE_WAS_homepage">The Group Health MS Bike Tour</a>. This event is held to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis and raise money to fund national research programs and local services for people with MS, their families, friends, and care givers.<br /><br />For the past 4 years <a href="http://www.raleighusa.com/">Raleigh</a> has been a huge sponsor of this event; this was our 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> year participating. We rallied a team of ten and after a year of fund raising and a couple group rides, we assembled on Sept. 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> and 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> to ride 175 miles.<br /><br />We were also graced with the presence of <a href="http://neilroad.blogspot.com/">Neil Browne</a>, editor of <a href="http://roadmagazine.net/road_home/index.html">ROAD Magazine</a>, who joined our team for the event. Here's a bit of what it was like riding for a great cause, riding with a stellar group of cyclists, and riding in one of Washington's most scenic areas.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">The Team</span><br />Steve M. (President of Raleigh), Jan G. (Team Captain & Massage Therapist), Reed P. (Raleigh Marketing Director), Tim E. (Raleigh <span style=";font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:100%;color:blue;" ><span style=";font-family:'Trebuchet MS';font-size:10;" >Purchasing Inventory Analyst<o:p></o:p></span></span>), Monica R. (Former Raleigh P&A Buyer), Dave H. (Raleigh Director of Customer Service), <a href="http://neilroad.blogspot.com/">Neil Browne</a> (<a href="http://roadmagazine.net/road_home/index.html">ROAD Magazine</a> Editor), Neil, David G., Amanda T., & myself (Carey SH - Raleigh Brand Manger).<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">September 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span>, 2007<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">{CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE}<br /><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36WePg2wPD5abUQebSQw10eNVyKy9vxJyfcAcpjPE5Kkn4Q0CY5F5gnVH8nPimhZaP8ljqQcY_XsV-y8I6t-1O2wJbmJjEernYFlDSwYRX7b22aBH4VvZ8RUhMlpGsS4hDGLeAkQe-3A/s1600-h/Morning-Fog.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36WePg2wPD5abUQebSQw10eNVyKy9vxJyfcAcpjPE5Kkn4Q0CY5F5gnVH8nPimhZaP8ljqQcY_XsV-y8I6t-1O2wJbmJjEernYFlDSwYRX7b22aBH4VvZ8RUhMlpGsS4hDGLeAkQe-3A/s400/Morning-Fog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110882426038772402" border="0" /></a>After a 5:30am wake-up time in Mount Vernon, we were on the road with triple tall coffees in hand heading towards La Conner. The Tulip fields littering the area were covered with a fog that seemed to be sucked to the ground, rising no higher than the roof's of distant barns. The skies were clear, the air was crisp, we were fueled; it was going to be a good day for cycling.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5EZYtUTTOYCLcP13lpr2SwYKF9ZsPRJsswhNkULzZnxS-tWZzWyFhrhulBItdFj7DR8CITwhSdOLRypTlxVl3aCPBRzJNX3IM2tntOOVxbhnmEdkAJ3zAICq0a85wc3tybqsGRIBcIA/s1600-h/Leaving-La-Conner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5EZYtUTTOYCLcP13lpr2SwYKF9ZsPRJsswhNkULzZnxS-tWZzWyFhrhulBItdFj7DR8CITwhSdOLRypTlxVl3aCPBRzJNX3IM2tntOOVxbhnmEdkAJ3zAICq0a85wc3tybqsGRIBcIA/s400/Leaving-La-Conner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110882426038772386" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">{first couple pedal strokes of the Tour - Neil on the left Reed on the right}</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP-biE2Iiki9IhaI4wJXtUogr5UOJLosD6a_kosITo9D4Wsalm9Ss1bNPNl0by1xUJsP1FLkGCgUtq8fCHnWgQUU5PBdiRVCZkOjzyBYXcgrXAmMNrRzcah-J3RVWqbrk9vhSm3WnNCY/s1600-h/Jan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP-biE2Iiki9IhaI4wJXtUogr5UOJLosD6a_kosITo9D4Wsalm9Ss1bNPNl0by1xUJsP1FLkGCgUtq8fCHnWgQUU5PBdiRVCZkOjzyBYXcgrXAmMNrRzcah-J3RVWqbrk9vhSm3WnNCY/s400/Jan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110882421743805074" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">{Jan G. our team <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">captain</span>, riding with three broken ribs and a huge smile}</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9x-8qPno78cSs19XiP9szmluWrtoz7fRqJIXT_5X9-ZXWfUt0N3hIzs-14AoDfFkeJd532rp63NqaFUNNJu8Af0BmFboOoDj24ZnFbsXi4yuwUSRx4bmyDqo60FvfsSWnaLDsfCD4TY/s1600-h/Bridge-Crossing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9x-8qPno78cSs19XiP9szmluWrtoz7fRqJIXT_5X9-ZXWfUt0N3hIzs-14AoDfFkeJd532rp63NqaFUNNJu8Af0BmFboOoDj24ZnFbsXi4yuwUSRx4bmyDqo60FvfsSWnaLDsfCD4TY/s400/Bridge-Crossing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110882198405505618" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">{over the first bridge out of La Conner}</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6HLxiT6UmrH89YH86aBcv7Cyz1jNi_-hACHcvMG4TJkDKeeVenuKmDKnV6Z0dP-N74UfbzzWBdmqODW42E8jKbtUtab1y6tLLEXNZZ_-YDQr9nks8ovX-qWe7M-6Ma7Bj7un6jUdTAY/s1600-h/Slippery-Bridge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6HLxiT6UmrH89YH86aBcv7Cyz1jNi_-hACHcvMG4TJkDKeeVenuKmDKnV6Z0dP-N74UfbzzWBdmqODW42E8jKbtUtab1y6tLLEXNZZ_-YDQr9nks8ovX-qWe7M-6Ma7Bj7un6jUdTAY/s400/Slippery-Bridge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110882679441842914" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">{approaching a bridge that would drop us into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Anacortes</span>, WA}</span><br /></div><br />The first day of the event included four millage options for all participants: 35, 50, 75, and 100 miles. We (<a href="http://www.roadmagazine.net/road_home/road/blog/blog.html">Neil</a>, Reed, Dave,Tim, and myself) had ambitions to complete the 100 mile route; with a gorgeous day and beautiful scenery, it was hard to pass up the opportunity. Our entire team (see above) rode to the first rest stop together, where we fueled up on energy bars and drinks, then it was back in the saddle and onward to Deception Pass.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqUdz5sbXTdX36bcJrbVh94VUrSQI4SrgvblQQbB7XGz9qLfz4GC4n1nRjHyDF431MbeKb419Gy5d1GzOfhCB_qW_T6aseosUDYz9BR-15NQ1sUkkPCxUssu7CnXCXN24rBrvax2oEYU/s1600-h/Neil-Deception.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqUdz5sbXTdX36bcJrbVh94VUrSQI4SrgvblQQbB7XGz9qLfz4GC4n1nRjHyDF431MbeKb419Gy5d1GzOfhCB_qW_T6aseosUDYz9BR-15NQ1sUkkPCxUssu7CnXCXN24rBrvax2oEYU/s400/Neil-Deception.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110882426038772418" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">{Neil Browne overlooking Deception Pass}</span><br /></div><br />*Deception Pass, located at the northern end of Puget Sound, is a treacherous, narrow channel with turbulent waters, rapid tidal action, and rocky outcrops. It separates the high bluffs of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Whidbey</span> Island from those of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Fidalgo</span> Island. In 1792, the English explorer George Vancouver named Deception Pass following its discovery by his navigator Joseph <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Whidbey</span>; what they thought was a peninsula was an island (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Whidbey</span> Island) and what they thought was a bay was the deep channel dividing the two islands. The pass, posing as a bay, had deceived them, thus the name.*<br /><br />Just past Deception Pass, Tim stopped for a while to say hello and have a pot of coffee with his parents, who were camping in the area. <a href="http://www.roadmagazine.net/road_home/road/blog/blog.html">Neil</a>, Reed, Dave H., and myself pressed on. This ride was my first 100 miles I have ever ridden in a single day. Though I had a good amount of base miles in my legs, I really had no conception of how I would feel on my bike for this long. Luckily, I was with Reed Pike (who has been riding bikes since he was 12, was a racer, and has been in the industry for over 30 years), <a href="http://www.roadmagazine.net/road_home/road/blog/blog.html">Neil Browne</a> (who also has been on a bike since he was 15, <a href="http://neilroad.blogspot.com/2007/01/why-pros-should-ride-with-me.html">rides and trains with pros</a>, and has a great sense of humor), and Dave Hull (who used to race and has been with Raleigh for a long time). To say the least, I was with an elite group of riders, so I was ready to learn, have fun, and hopefully keep up!<br /><br />Neil was on our 2008 Prestige, testing the goods before its upcoming launch at <a href="http://www.interbike.com/ib/index.jsp"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Interbike</span></a>. I will admit to sucking <a href="http://neilroad.blogspot.com/">Neil's</a> wheel for the majority of the ride, a great spot for observing his movements and skill on the bike. It seemed he was having a blast; when we hit hills, I swear he turned into a mountain goat---up out of the saddle bouncing from side to side, he looked stoked to be climbing. <a href="http://neilroad.blogspot.com/">Neil</a> definitely was the machine in the group, helping us all complete a swift 100 miles in 5 hours 27min. Everyone worked in a super smooth manner; it was nothing but pedals pushing, wheels rolling, strong headwinds, salty air, and laughter the whole time.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxWDNHmbFoEe8dlyqGXEnGljf6B3YnxQXA6RTLyJSy1IdmQLTzHeNy_Z29YwP-4wgRUhgLdMSYms5JbgOiqorWf7oVmfNk8p5Rg-mMFHKzv3497YFUp2liMHsMtjig93LYSIsfYwNTsM/s1600-h/ROAD-Raleigh.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxWDNHmbFoEe8dlyqGXEnGljf6B3YnxQXA6RTLyJSy1IdmQLTzHeNy_Z29YwP-4wgRUhgLdMSYms5JbgOiqorWf7oVmfNk8p5Rg-mMFHKzv3497YFUp2liMHsMtjig93LYSIsfYwNTsM/s400/ROAD-Raleigh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110890328778597138" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">{Neil on our 2008 Prestige, note the custom naming on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">toptube</span> near the seat collar (smile)}</span><br /></div><br />After rolling around <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Whidbey</span> Island, we headed back over Deception Pass to La Conner. As we entered the Riders' Village, we were greeted with cheers and applause by a large grouping of people that are living with MS. Their applause resonated with cheers of thanks, and I have to admit that it was a bit emotional for me as we crossed the line. Not only had I accomplished something I have never done before (riding 100 miles), but I was also riding for those who can't. "Your movement to help in our movement provides so much hope and inspiration," said Richard <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Beeszhak</span>, who lives with MS.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRbKOiRI4na6bf_NOVSfxW0DCPOJIQZyQrGObt1IFTwAK090WA5UTwvvmaAWfM1iZc07OyBLk6LMfm2w-s3wNsMhIrLqTp1NJduAGmAhd-F_Y7hc5yq0pDUiKssRx_sYo6wOPk_TFoo0/s1600-h/Up-Middle-Back.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRbKOiRI4na6bf_NOVSfxW0DCPOJIQZyQrGObt1IFTwAK090WA5UTwvvmaAWfM1iZc07OyBLk6LMfm2w-s3wNsMhIrLqTp1NJduAGmAhd-F_Y7hc5yq0pDUiKssRx_sYo6wOPk_TFoo0/s400/Up-Middle-Back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110882683736810226" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">{coming to lands end and then taking a climb. Neil in front, Dave and I in the middle and Reed behind}</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPtF8m7LaBzjWYeevuF3ZefQ3pX1DisKHaJvOs9dbtp7wEHekgKBvXpvbyYxCP2dDWCX59AXuMV5dm5eFlxW7AHLCtakaCINDkONXiHs9sXYWn4nPFy9C4hVO-CeK1a-U4Vi84pms-J8/s1600-h/Whidbey-Farm-land.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPtF8m7LaBzjWYeevuF3ZefQ3pX1DisKHaJvOs9dbtp7wEHekgKBvXpvbyYxCP2dDWCX59AXuMV5dm5eFlxW7AHLCtakaCINDkONXiHs9sXYWn4nPFy9C4hVO-CeK1a-U4Vi84pms-J8/s400/Whidbey-Farm-land.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110882683736810242" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">{Reed enjoying the beautiful farmland of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Whidbey</span> Island}</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWd5gTCq7_DXEUbGKJiOjGUiYx1Swl9GWuFEJDF3tfqibkvaZ9iXhdii0keEczWSe4wfGrQCd8QyLxVatePzpgpDxXeB93KEI1Nu-szhuYBtJU7C4-Fber645cjIbhFmvdlQbrkDwozM/s1600-h/Carcus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWd5gTCq7_DXEUbGKJiOjGUiYx1Swl9GWuFEJDF3tfqibkvaZ9iXhdii0keEczWSe4wfGrQCd8QyLxVatePzpgpDxXeB93KEI1Nu-szhuYBtJU7C4-Fber645cjIbhFmvdlQbrkDwozM/s400/Carcus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110882202700472946" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">{the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">carcass</span>'s of abandoned bikes: the owners were filling their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">waterbottles</span> and bellies} </span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbR77MD3lTHgJCSRfSPSBl5Lkh70VkDwEd0DhIiV_5zB2dDOzY0w9dnXz5zu0lNIW8rc3RwZBH1aiogOtD8u6rSi07nMhTrD1z_-t9jMu5Fqp6NbMGsc9zaI9LaesCp6iIz9hdGVB4Gl8/s1600-h/Neil-Legs-Up.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbR77MD3lTHgJCSRfSPSBl5Lkh70VkDwEd0DhIiV_5zB2dDOzY0w9dnXz5zu0lNIW8rc3RwZBH1aiogOtD8u6rSi07nMhTrD1z_-t9jMu5Fqp6NbMGsc9zaI9LaesCp6iIz9hdGVB4Gl8/s400/Neil-Legs-Up.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110882430333739730" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">{Neil resting his legs after the ride in the beer garden}</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AGOTKtwKJgFteKcCXhgHFjzuLbTTKH1slKLJ04_9wJMLSD2JLG7GKooU_QeqA8Jpc_x0lgVR1ir1-KDspBxckX4a9YH4UG3A_zpC1Gl4XXYFiATydrRfS2FGX2yc_BqVP3MW2oGIubE/s1600-h/Beer-Garden.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AGOTKtwKJgFteKcCXhgHFjzuLbTTKH1slKLJ04_9wJMLSD2JLG7GKooU_QeqA8Jpc_x0lgVR1ir1-KDspBxckX4a9YH4UG3A_zpC1Gl4XXYFiATydrRfS2FGX2yc_BqVP3MW2oGIubE/s400/Beer-Garden.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110882194110538306" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">{Reed, Neil, and Steve M. enjoying the perks of 3 free beers, which every participant is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">awarded</span>}</span><br /><br />It was a really great day! Oh, and I forgot to mention the beer garden that welcomed us after our ride.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Sunday September 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">th</span>, 2007<br /><br /></span>Day 2 of the MS Bike tour: replay the first Paragraph from day one and then we are on our bikes. The routes to choose from on this day were 25, 35, 50, or 75. Yes, we went for the 75 mile route.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2T7kB68K3MbqrXEMRiNsD98ZZ6bj5fgmPX_Igv1dfLzVwKlZj6HzRx0ziy8xu1whIz0PyZVk_gB3-8M7NgpGO8xUYsLXrCVjeMMNKIIfoJoWoeNQAkBXKQmQEcA9NmPVrkykVXaM6tE/s1600-h/Fish-Suite.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2T7kB68K3MbqrXEMRiNsD98ZZ6bj5fgmPX_Igv1dfLzVwKlZj6HzRx0ziy8xu1whIz0PyZVk_gB3-8M7NgpGO8xUYsLXrCVjeMMNKIIfoJoWoeNQAkBXKQmQEcA9NmPVrkykVXaM6tE/s400/Fish-Suite.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110891793362445106" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">{morning character with Neil}</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCt1pXjqNTD6tz4Afgs6pmr0SEfQlh0EtVcWJwM6dVJR8C8YL4UoxVvNAP-QRnbduy7B3psJyKA_69OpdaXwVeXN6I5oRYVVA-hOI4QpdGl6pg43uMxDMDHDBzo8qvDeC1KnvznyPmj8/s1600-h/Dave-Village.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCt1pXjqNTD6tz4Afgs6pmr0SEfQlh0EtVcWJwM6dVJR8C8YL4UoxVvNAP-QRnbduy7B3psJyKA_69OpdaXwVeXN6I5oRYVVA-hOI4QpdGl6pg43uMxDMDHDBzo8qvDeC1KnvznyPmj8/s400/Dave-Village.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110891789067477794" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wdvLhWMHPxUaSl0AuWqHBYF29IRk0lB7Etk2SsRfZVFBNzu1HucF_05vyEs2eprXq4g29Yx4kyV8PayDfxMf-JBHHtkAwkBZHD1rQM4r0gNFWxJ0rAvZDTRLtc6S5LjFGtpxA7ch_Ow/s1600-h/Riders-Vilage-morning.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wdvLhWMHPxUaSl0AuWqHBYF29IRk0lB7Etk2SsRfZVFBNzu1HucF_05vyEs2eprXq4g29Yx4kyV8PayDfxMf-JBHHtkAwkBZHD1rQM4r0gNFWxJ0rAvZDTRLtc6S5LjFGtpxA7ch_Ow/s400/Riders-Vilage-morning.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110891797657412450" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">{everyone before the start}</span><br /></div><br />Our route took us north of La Conner through the farm land of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Skagit</span> County, up through the hills near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Bellingham</span>, and then west to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Chuckanut</span> Drive. "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Chuckanut</span> Drive is a kind of super-hero of scenic byways. Bay views, country views, island views, mountain views and coastal views. Plus, you can eat fresh oysters, peer into tide pools on a secluded beach, or hike to a mountain summit, all right off the twisting tree-lined road."<br /><br />The ride started out fast. We were all a bit excited to get a jump on another fantastic Pacific Northwest day, plus there were some pretty long straightaways, which Tim <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">thoroughly</span> loves; he was taking some monster pulls in the beginning. Not wanting to red line it that early with a good chunk of miles yet to go, we asked him to take it down a notch. We were all taking strong pulls and I finally realized how the teams of the Tour work together efficiently to conserve energy and move along at a stellar pace. It was a bit magical riding in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">paceline</span> with everyone on this day; we were all dialed and everyone was rocking it!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQ-gnXpfzej2a437xAGOa3IEfecR2B4Y_OQpjUQndHHrc767C95w6tuPA-FxymBYxlbG9BEtEF4bMBB7HbCnaFcMsW1kKRK2_Bmod-HNEO2IIEKg_CmQhpqSxGY5F0W8fVXijTrMdmrY/s1600-h/Lunch-Grid.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQ-gnXpfzej2a437xAGOa3IEfecR2B4Y_OQpjUQndHHrc767C95w6tuPA-FxymBYxlbG9BEtEF4bMBB7HbCnaFcMsW1kKRK2_Bmod-HNEO2IIEKg_CmQhpqSxGY5F0W8fVXijTrMdmrY/s400/Lunch-Grid.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110891797657412434" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">{Dave, Tim, Neil, & Reed}</span><br /></div><br />After the lunch stop, it was back to La Conner via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Chuckanut</span> Drive. It was a pleasurable descent: fast, smooth sweeping turns, and long bay views. Back down on the flatland Neil was on fire. I slipped in behind him and we just cranked. We all knew it was about 15 miles back to town, so we took monster pulls once again; it was awesome! We were riding for an important cause, pushing our limits for the true <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">hero's</span> of the event, everyone living with Multiple Sclerosis.<br /><br />We rolled into La Conner at 29 mph, charged, relieved, excited, and delighted to have ridden a weekend of 175 miles to help with the continued research to help cure MS.<br /><br />A huge thanks to Jan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Gelederloos</span> (our team <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">captain</span>), Rosanna Jensen (event coordinator), the volunteers, everyone who has donated, everyone who came out for the ride, and to everyone else involved.<br /><br />Another shout goes to <a href="http://neilroad.blogspot.com/">Neil Browne</a> for being our guest rider in the event and documenting the ride on his blog in real time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OBYPpiFC0cDWTIneFJMIakzjHHPStkARuSKZ5FgMKb9XQQS5eP_MYlqIMU5G39D_lCI1yalSvVnZVUsxvU8xTQDmbhdMlojKtWPLSwhyQ8BcwGOR78mso0s5UWfg46H0FUN71QgX3ok/s1600-h/Skinny-team.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OBYPpiFC0cDWTIneFJMIakzjHHPStkARuSKZ5FgMKb9XQQS5eP_MYlqIMU5G39D_lCI1yalSvVnZVUsxvU8xTQDmbhdMlojKtWPLSwhyQ8BcwGOR78mso0s5UWfg46H0FUN71QgX3ok/s400/Skinny-team.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5110897037517513618" border="0" /></a>For more info check out these links:<br /><br /><a href="http://bikewas.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BIKE_WAS_homepage">National MS Society Washington Chapter</a><br /><a href="http://neilroad.blogspot.com/2007/09/70-miles-down-30-to-go-and-we-are-doing.html">Neil@Road</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />*Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and body and stops people from moving. We believe that moving is not just something you can or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">can’</span>t do, but that moving forward is who we are. Just by being here, you are connected to the potential, the hope, the momentum of it all. With the help of people like you, the National MS Society addresses the challenges of each person whose life is affected by MS and helps them stay connected to the great big moving world.*Raleigh Bicycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506784692654160078noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259160671159843024.post-35300689415874820902007-06-04T12:01:00.000-07:002008-12-10T06:07:20.565-08:00The Cause Is a Mystery. The Cure Is Unknown. This Is Why We Ride.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eaTDKMV1xc4/RcPG1QeGMWI/AAAAAAAAALI/jWB2Bi3Z3gI/s1600-h/One-Mission.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eaTDKMV1xc4/RcPG1QeGMWI/AAAAAAAAALI/jWB2Bi3Z3gI/s400/One-Mission.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027080227332174178" border="0" /></a><a href="http://http//main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?fr_id=2030&pg=entry">The Group Health MS Bike Tour</a> is an event to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis and raise money to fund national research programs and local services for people with MS, their families, friends and care givers. Cyclists take on the extraordinary challenge to fight MS by riding 35, 50, 75 or 150-miles in two days. The event is fully supported with stocked rest stops every 10 miles, 6 full meals, overnight entertainment that includes a beer garden and a finish line BBQ!<strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>WHY</strong><br />Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and body and stops people from moving. We believe that moving is not just something you can or can’t do, but that moving forward is who we are. Just by being here, you are connected to the potential, the hope, the momentum of it all. With the help of people like you, the National MS Society addresses the challenges of each person whose life is affected by MS and helps them stay connected to the great big moving world.<br /><br /><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify">The Pacific Northwest has a higher incidence of MS than almost any where else in the world. In fact, a child born in our community is twice as likely to be diagnosed with MS in his or her lifetime than any other child in America. No one knows exactly what causes MS, or why it’s so prevalent in our part of the world.</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eaTDKMV1xc4/RcEjpIqcrNI/AAAAAAAAAKY/-gfqZqXqOik/s1600-h/Twin%20Bridges.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026337848729316562" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; float: right;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eaTDKMV1xc4/RcEjpIqcrNI/AAAAAAAAAKY/-gfqZqXqOik/s200/Twin%2520Bridges.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Situated in <a href="http://www.laconner.net/chamber.cfm">La Conner, WA </a>are event festivities and the Rider Village. The route explores Skagit, Island and Whatcom counties.Raleigh Bicycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506784692654160078noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8259160671159843024.post-91828729281925941842007-06-04T11:54:00.001-07:002008-12-10T06:07:20.709-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://msbiketourraleigh.blogspot.com/2007/06/blog-post.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgHZeoO-CGQn3n96fBodshzbw_gmiqeL7dzJAoSutRgkFWerkGNVFFry3Qn7H5VfiLT1WzHdeKTXz_JsKQ4I4w5bvXMSPv-560eYsxQcSjJHIDeXKwXbAuR7xPbnu7RMPdGoUPqjv6Fw/s400/MS-Post-Header-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072284632924858738" border="0" /></a>Just three months until the 2007 Bike Tour rolls through some of the most scenic counties that North West Washington has to offer - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Skagit</span></span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Whatcom</span></span> and Island counties. It also means we need to raise some more money for the cause.<br /><br />Your leg power can help end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. With your participation, we will raise over $1.25 million dollars to find a cure for MS and to provide support to more than 50,000 people in Western and Central Washington affected by MS everyday. Join us on this incredible journey to fight MS!<br /><br />To Donate check out the links in the right <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">column</span> of this blog.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">In 2006</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Raised $1Million</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">1,200 riders registered</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">$800 pledge average</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Over 90 teams</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">FOR 2007 MS RIDES GOALS</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">1.25 Million goal</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Up to 2,000 riders projected</span>Raleigh Bicycleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506784692654160078noreply@blogger.com