Well, I did it--I'm doing the MS150

[ladyfish]

I joined a group here in the DC area to do the DC MS150 in May! Now I have the motivation to train!!! I just need the weather to warm up a bit, so I can actually ride my bike! Doesn't look like that will happen this next week, so I'll be back at the gym doing my workouts.

If you are interested, here's the link to my personal page:
http://events.msandyou.org/site/TR?p...nal&fr_id=1050

You should recognize the picture, since it's my avatar on this board! Guess I really need some photos of me on a bike!

So any moral support would be appreciated! I think its cool that I'm doing the ride on my Birthday. I love doing unique things on my birthday!

[Jo-n-NY]

This is great Ladyfish.

Yesterday I was searching MS150's in my area in hopes they changed the weekend from previous years. Every year I have a commitment on the same weekend Long Island has the MS150, the 3rd weekend in Sept. It looks like this year is no different my town street fair where I also own a business is on the same weekend as the MS ride. I am so dissappointed.

I can feel your excitement. Good luck with the training and of course doing the ride. Be sure to update us.

~ JoAnn

[Jen]

I'm doing the ms150 in Charlottesville VA on June 9th. I live in the DC area though. This is my first charity ride too. I am excited. It is way to cold and dangerous to ride so we are doing 2 1/2 hr spinning training indoors at the gym when we have time and lots of other spin class that are on the schedule. We had a fun time of it last Sunday. Spinning is such a great way to prepare till the weather warms up. I also take body pump about 2-3 time per week to get some added strength and of course, work those abs, obliques, back muscles. The DC ride looks like alot of fun, very scenic.
My big question is do I carry water on my bike or get a camel back?

[bike4ever]

Rest stops will come every 10 miles on any of the MS 150 rides. Two bottles on your bike should be fine. So many participants over pack for the ride, while this is one of the best supported charity events around.

[Jen]

Thanks for the feedback. 10 miles is nothing. I would rather not have a backpack on.

[bmccasland]

Ladyfish - the MS150 is a fun ride, and if you think of it as successive 10 mile stints, you'll do fine. Around here, the MS Society hosts training rides for 2-3 months prior to the 150 (2-75 mile days), so if you do the training rides, you'll do fine. I figure if I can do it with asthma, anyone can. And if you crap out, there's always the friendly SAG folks to scrape you off the road.

You can do it! Do the training rides, with longer distances. And around mile 50 a dose of ibuprophen (motrin) helps . And another does when you finish. Drink water, eat snacks, have fun!

[ladyfish]

I am looking forward to it, and if the weather ever clears up, I might even get to do some training on my bike!!

Jen, we've got snow again! I thought it was supposed to warm up so we could get back out on the road. I guess not yet!!! I agree with Bikemom--I'm just going with waterbottles, since it's well supported--I think you can be a minimalist on this type of ride, since food and drinks are available at regular intervals. I'll use the extra space for an extra tire tube--just in case!!!

I'm doing spin classes also, as well as strength training, kickboxing and treadmill running. Hopefully all the work will get me in cardiovascular shape for when I can finally get outside on the bike!!!!

[IFjane]

I'm doing the ms150 in Charlottesville VA on June 9th. I live in the DC area though. This is my first charity ride too. I am excited. It is way to cold and dangerous to ride so we are doing 2 1/2 hr spinning training indoors at the gym when we have time and lots of other spin class that are on the schedule. We had a fun time of it last Sunday. Spinning is such a great way to prepare till the weather warms up. I also take body pump about 2-3 time per week to get some added strength and of course, work those abs, obliques, back muscles. The DC ride looks like alot of fun, very scenic.
My big question is do I carry water on my bike or get a camel back?

Jen - I'm doing the MS150 in Charlottesville also (the "Tour de Vine" http://main.nationalmssociety.org/si...E_VAB_homepage .) It's a GREAT ride - lots of fun. You'll be glad you made the trek down to participate in this one. Hope to see you there!

[Cha Cha]

Good for you Ladyfish! I'm planning on riding in my first MS150 here in TN in October (I'm so glad it's a ways off... much training to do). One of my colleagues who has ridden it for years told me that it's very motivating to start lining up sponsors early! Too embarrassing to back out, I imagine... Seems like a good idea!

And those of you riding in C'ville in June have my eternal envy!

Good luck!!!

Amy

[Jen]

Hey Ladyfish, where are you doing the MS, DC or Md? I clicked onto your page, you are with the BAbes. I joined that list. I hope I can join in a ride or two. There were some ladies from Montgomery County that were riding Babes but they plan to ride on tuesday nights. I can't go on Tuesdays. Darn.

[han-grrl]

I had such a great time when i did the MS tour back in 2001. I did the 120 km on day 1 option, and then 60 km home on day 2 (no other options there). i waited an hour for my free 10 minute massage chatting it up with the ladies...there was one hottie massage therapist and we were trying to figure out who would end up with him, and it was almost me...BUT the lady he finished treating was chatting him up so i didn't end up with him
but i did have a great massage. my butt was soooo sore, i could barely sit!

my website has a picture of me finishing day 1.