The MS 150 is an incredible experience. It is not a race, and there are no official competitive aspects to the event. It is a chance to raise awareness about a debilitating disease, Multiple Sclerosis, that can strike anyone at anytime. So I am proud to be a part of this event. I hope that everyone who reads this will do what they can to support those who cannot ride. For those of you who can ride, just imagine what it would be like to have that joy taken away. Let that be an incentive for you to take part in some way at an MS 150 ride in your area. Not everyone can ride, but you might be able to fill water bottles, hand out bananas, direct traffic at an intersection, or cheer on riders at the finish. Trust me, the riders appreciate every little thing that all the volunteers do. It makes a huge difference. So get involved.

I will give you some stats from the day that will give you a snapshot experience from my point of view. Be forewarned. There are some disturbing elements:

1. Riders in the MS 150: Approx. 6,000 (That's a lot.)

2. Dollars raised for MS research: Over 4 Billion (That's just a drop in the bucket.)

3. Number of volunteers: over a 1,000. Awesome people!

4. People on Team Copaxone: 113

5. Dollars raised by Team Copaxone: 45, 500 and climbing

6. People wearing their helmet on backwards: At least one and two were questionable

7. Number of flats in the first ten miles: About forty or so. (Not my tires!)

8. People who looked like they were out for a winter ride: FAR TOO MANY!!!! It was 65 when we started and was 78 when we finished. Why on God's green earth would you need leg warmers, arm warmers, full finger gloves, skullcap, and shoe covers? I am amazed I didn't see any Bunsen burners. OK, rant over.

9. People with extremely scary multi-colored, neon shorts: 2 (I assume they were married, and that she talked him into it.)

10. Times that I passed recumbents (which are supposed to be far faster on the flats than bikes): 6

11. Times that a recumbent passed me: 1 And he was old. Really old. I think I need to ride more.

12. My average speed: 17.3 mph

13. Miles I rode: 183

14. Times I said "On your left!": 789,384,120,983,495,727 (Not really, but after a couple hours of this, it became, "Left!")

15. Times I said "On your left!" last year: 14 (I was too out of breath after that.)

16. People who drafted off me: I dunno, I got tired of looking.

17. Chipmunks that almost died: 1

18. Guys who pedaled 45 or more miles with their arms: 2 (Absolutely incredible.)

19. People with antler-like appendages on their helmets: about 40 (My bike club. Now you know why I ride with Team Copaxone.)

20. People dressed like Robin Hood: 1

21. People on tandem bikes: 6x2

22. People on a triple: 3 Duh!

23. Sombreros worn: 1 (Not by me. Too much wind resistance.)

24. Time on the bike: 10 hours 40 minutes

25. Calories burned: 15,000

26. Pounds lost: Apparently none.

27. Times I almost got hit by crazy drivers: 1

28. Bridges that I wish would disappear from the route: 2

29. People with stereo systems hooked to their bikes: 4

30. Amazing Asian lady who rides every year --75 miles!--in a dress and high heels: 1 (I think she turned 82 this year.)

31. Bottles of Gatorade that I drank: 4

32.Bottles of water: 20

I started the day by waking up late, getting lost on the way, arriving an hour later than I wanted to, getting started on the ride an hour later than I wanted to, missing a turn and adding 4 extra miles, and still having a blast! I look forward to doing it all again next year. Thanks to all those who supported me and encouraging me as I prepared for this event.