Brewed Fresh Daily

My summer usually consists of biking along the lake or cruising along Lakeshore Blvd. into Mentor for a 40-mile route and many organized rides such as the Sweet Corn Challenge in Richfield. This year, I got talked into doing the MS150 for a nominal registration fee of $0.00, which I couldn’t resist. It is a very good cause. The only problem I have always had with this ride is raising $250.00 in donations. The bottom line is, I hate asking people for money. Since I committed myself to this event, I emailed everyone in my address book to sponsor me if they can. It is hard work. In fact, a friend of mine this year raised over $1,000 and her employer even matched the amount she raised. Great work.

I am in fantastic physical shape. But the thought of doing 75 miles one day then waking up the following day and doing it again was daunting. I was really nervous but I was also confident that all the mileage I have on my odometer, I will overcome my fears and make it.

Saturday, the first day was a perfect sunny day with low winds and moderate temperatures. I do not do well when it is cold. My legs lock up and I find it hard to concentrate because my hands can’t grasp the handlebars. Everyone on my team wanted to begin at 7AM, I elected for a later start time. I got a little more sleep, but I got tangled up with the thousand or so riders on a two-lane road. I was so energized with the crowds of people on their bikes to fight MS. There were “Speed Racer” and Skull and Crossbones jerseys, rode, mountain or tandem bikes, and various levels of bike riders. We all had the common goal of getting to Cedar Point before 5PM. My goal, however, was no later than 2PM. I rode a continuous pace of 15 miles per hour and stopped for Gatorade and fruit to keep my energy level up. After rolling hills and road kill, I finally arrived at the finish line to the cheers of volunteers. I could not wait to get off of that saddle. I have ridden 100 miles before, but I knew the following day, I would have to get back onto that same saddle and pedal to Berea.

The following day, I did awake up and find that my legs were very tight. I was not surprised. Okay, I told myself, “I have 75 miles until I get back to Berea.” The first 20 miles were brutal. I had to retrain my legs to turn the petals and continue my average speed of 15 miles per hour. Yikes. I wanted to keep my legs moving so I passed the first rest stop but the second stop needed to be taken in order to replenish my fluids and grab a few snacks. I won’t lie, the second day was a challenge for me to keep hydrated and keep that momentum going and focus on the task at hand, helping individuals with MS. As I pedaled towards the familiar Eastland Blvd intersection, my greatest trill and accomplishment was passing through the “finish line” banner at the Berea Fairground to the cheers of fans in wheelchairs, and locals sitting at the bleachers. I felt like I was at the Beijing Olympics. I will cherish this moment for days to come.

See you in 2009.