|
|
My sister, Liz Tiffany, and her husband Harold participated
in the Delaware MS rides for a number of years. In 2002 we decided to try the
VT MS rides; I assured Liz that since the rides started at Sandbar State Park
on Lake Champlain how hilly could they be? We hadn't left Sandbar State Park
too far behind when we turned north and everyone started downshifting. The
nonhilly day ended with the hill up to Johnson State College (JSC); those that
didn't have a triple chainring considered adding one for the following year. As
we were sitting around the table following dinner at JSC Saturday night John
Wall volunteered his son Max to start a team for the following year. Since Max
is quite busy as a student I decided to start a team and attended a breakfast
meeting in Burlington in February, 2003. The first person I spoke with that
morning was Marty Holbrook and she, along with 19 others, became ChainWringers
in 2003. By the time the breakfast gathering for 2004 rolled around more than
half the ChainWringers had already signed up so we are well on our way to
having 33 members and raising $13,700 for MS.
The 2004 rides started and finished at Castleton
State College for the first time. In previous years the incredibly scenic
routes have been on less traveled roads and efforts have been made to minimize
the elevation changes; the same careful thought went into the planning of the 2004
routes. The 40-45, 75, or 100 mile routes each day were clearly marked. Every
potential turn was posted with color-coded signs for each of the routes that particular
day. The pavement before the each turn was arrowed with color-coded paint and
there were arrows after each turn as well. The numerous rest stops were staffed
by enthusiastic volunteers, who often dressed appropriately for the theme of a
particular rest stop. These volunteers visibly enjoyed providing food, drink,
and encouragement for the riders, since everyone involved was benefiting.
The routes were patrolled by support and gear
(SAG) vehicles that had their lights on so one could easily signal for SAG if
necessary. At the end of the rides massages were available, if you have raised
more than $750, as were hot tubs. BBQ was served both days from 1300 until
1600. Beer and wine were available in a very relaxed atmosphere from 1430 to
1700 and from 2000 until 2200. An abundant breakfast was served cafeteria-style
Sunday and appeared to tide everyone over until the first rest stop of the day.
I have found the speakers I have heard the last four years to be truly
inspirational and one of the reasons I opted to start the ChainWringers in 2003
and continue as the team captain in 2005. All four speakers are dealing with
their MS in a dramatic way as they live their athletically challenging lives to
the fullest. The awards ceremony also vividly demonstrated to me the enthusiasm
of the participants to raise money to combat MS and to continue to ride year
after year to support the MS society. It isn't often that I'm privileged to be
part of such a large gathering of folks who are unified and steadfast in their
goal to help those with MS any way they can. The evening wound down to
entertainment in the CSC bar as riders contemplated another fun-filled day of
riding totally new routes. If you'd like to get a flavor of the MS rides you
can click on Team Photos from 2003 and 2004.
I'm really looking forward to renewing old
friendships and making new ones in 2005 through cycling as we do what we can to
assist those with MS
|
| |
|
|
|
|
