MS 150 Euphoria!

[BethinPR]

Just had to share my weekend "success" -- I rode my first MS 150 in Columbia, Mo., and it was awesome!

I am new to cycling but have trained all summer with my dad and my boyfriend, and wow did it pay off. This was one of the best events I have ever participated in and the greatest part was crossing the finish line and seeing all the people this event benefits.

Definitely would recommend this ride to everyone! Time now for my next goal! (And a road bike!! I did this on a hybrid -- whew!)

Beth

[love2bike]

Beth,

It was a great time! I was there too....how 'bout those hills on Sunday????? I thought Missouri was flat!!!

It was the first year for our team, Team McCarthy (all 23 of us) so we really didn't know what to expect. We all left saying that next year we were going to do it bigger and better. Best of all, with the company matching our fundraising we raised $40,000 for MS.

Patty

[CyclChyk]

Best of all, with the company matching our fundraising we raised $40,000 for MS.

That is AWESOME!!! Congratulations!!

And to both of you, congrats on the ride!! You should be very proud of yourselves!

[spokewench]

Great Job to both of you finishing the 150 - The MS rides are a great charity!

[liberty]

BethinPr and love2bike: where are you guys at in Missouri? I started training for the Columbia ride, only a friend backed out and I had a run-in with a few dogs...

[love2bike]

Thanks! I loved talking to people on the ride, especially women who were the more experienced riders. Lib, I live in St. Charles County - 40 miles west of St. Louis. Eekkk, dogs? that sounds scary! Try finding a team in your area, and train with them. I bet the MS people could help you find one.

I only started riding in March. It definitely helped me training with a team....the experienced riders really help me, we rode almost every Sunday for 3 months. My training for next year will involve spinning class this winter, and working on "big hills" starting now!

[BethinPR]

Hi everyone,
I live in St. Louis city and rode with my hospital group, SSM. Our team had about 55 people and we didn't raise $40,000, but we did raise about $8,000 so far. I agree it was awesome to see how many people were out riding! And also great to have a chance to talk with them along the way.

The hills on day 2 were definitely a surprise for me (although I'd heard "rumors" of them on day 1), but they weren't as difficult as I thought they would be! Our Team SSM trained almost every Sunday, beginning in June, and I think that was a great help. We did some hills on Vance road and also on the way to St. Albans that might have helped a little :)

Glad to hear from others who are riding in STL! I've really enjoyed seeing parts of the city on my bike. I think I have truly caught the cycling bug and look forward to continuing to ride in the area!

Beth

[Pedal Wench]

I just did the MS150 in Georgia (www.erinsfight.org) and it was such a moving and amazing experience. I've done many charity rides, but none had this much meaning, since we were riding with and for a woman with MS.

[love2bike]

Beth,

I'd like to start riding St. Albans, but I'm not familiar with the area....if you have a moment, could you PM me, and just send me a note on where you start, and a general description of your route.

I'd really appreciate the help! I need to work on my hill riding, Patty

[DDH]

Congratulations to you both!! What a great accomplishment. :D

[bike4ever]

love2bike & BethinPR - congrats on your ride. I thoroughly enjoyed it also. I thought the Air Force National Guard band was terrific. I left a little early on Sunday so I could make it back for one of my boys first football games of the season.

When training for next year, check out the trailnet rides http://trailnet.org/ These happen every weekend with various ability levels. They are all over the St. Louis area. Also remember, many shops sponsor a specific MS 150 training ride. These are usually in July and August. Try to attend as many of these as possible. I know our sponsored ride is intentionally challenging knowing the hills on Day 2.