MS Bike Tour

[Macylee36]

I am seriously thinking about doing this tour, it starts up June 22nd in my neighborhood and I have been wanting to do it for a few years now. Only thing is I haven't started training yet. Do you think I have enough time to at least train for 75 miles? What kinds of foods should I focus on eating while traning and what about the day of the ride?

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BIKE_UTU_homepage

[laurie15]

I hope you DO do it. Four people in my immediate family have MS. it's a great cause.

You don't actually need to be overly bike savvy or fit. A lot of children do it, there are a lot of rest stops, and it's a lot of fun. Just focus on a healthy balanced diet, and get out on your bike when you can.

Have fun!

[Skylark]

Yes, you should train to ride 75 miles in a day. I suppose you could just show up, completely out of shape, and complete it, but it will be a lot more enjoyable if you aren't killing yourself on the day of the ride. Get out and ride at least 20 miles two to three times per week. At least twice before the ride, go 50 miles in a day. This may be overkill, but it's better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. Plus, if you like biking, it's fun!

I've never ridden the MS150 before, but I know a lot of people who have. The one in Michigan, that is.

Eat your normal, varied diet from now until the ride. Some people find it helps to "carbo-load" the evening before the ride, so they'll eat whole wheat spaghetti or something like that. Granola and fresh fruit is a good breakfast. Make sure you have snacks like nuts, peanut butter crackers, trail mix, and dried fruits. Take at least one decent-sized water bottle. I don't know the terrain of the route of the Utah MS150, but you might go many miles without a place to stop for water. If you have more than one water bottle cage, use them. Or use a Camelbak. Seen those? It's a backpack for water, and you run a tube over your shoulder. You put the end of the tube in your mouth, bite the end, and suck the water like a long straw.

I don't know if vendors will be set up along the way for a lunch break, but you can't count on any of it being veg*n. I'd bring my own lunch if I were you. Do you have paniers for your bike? When I've ridden a standard bike wearing a backpack, I felt top-heavy, but that could be just me.

[kpickell]

I think you should do it. However I guess it depends how good of shape you're in. I would not be able to do a 75 mile ride by June, but if you can go for it. If you do it, post your sponsorship page. ETA: I'd start with the 40 mile one the first year.

[Macylee36]

I think I will train to do it, the only thing is I have no idea where to start for donations and what not or for a team. Although I think I can ride by myself. I'm a journalist so I guess I could write an editorial about it and see if I can get sponsors that way. hmmm...

And Skylark, I've seen the camelbacks, but what's a panier?

[kpickell]

I think I will train to do it, the only thing is I have no idea where to start for donations and what not or for a team. Although I think I can ride by myself. I'm a journalist so I guess I could write an editorial about it and see if I can get sponsors that way. hmmm...'
You should have a website link that allows people to donate online in your name. See if the MS walk has anything set up like that, otherwise you could set up your own using firstgiving.com or similar. (ETA: I see they do have that set up on their site, join or start a team). The editorial is a good idea. Blog about it too.

[Skylark]

Well my father in law has MS and I see how he struggles. I think its a good thing they caught it when they did because the medicine he is on helps him immensely. I think I am against animal testing for materialistic things such as sanitary stuff, cosmetics, etc. But when it comes to stuff that could help save peoples lives, as long as they don't cross unnecessary lines (and I might be naiive here) I think it's okay.

I think I will train to do it, the only thing is I have no idea where to start for donations and what not or for a team. Although I think I can ride by myself. I'm a journalist so I guess I could write an editorial about it and see if I can get sponsors that way. hmmm...

And Skylark, I've seen the camelbacks, but what's a panier?

Here's one listing on Performance's website: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=16435&subcategory_ID=2312

WRT the editorial, that'll depend on your employer's policy on the matter. Many local newspapers are happy to run preview stories on any number of fundraisers, but some don't want the reporters to actively participate in the fundraisers.

[Macylee36]

Let me repeat this again, I am not hear to discuss in the physical fitness section animal testing. If I wanted that I would go the activist section or some other section. Right now I am asking for advice on how to train. So frankly if you don't have advice on that then I don't want to hear it. I already said we all have our own opinions on where to draw the line. I am still new to all this stuff and haven't made up my mind on certain areas yet and you can't make up my mind for me. So please stop writing unless you have some HELPFUL advice on how to ride my bike 40 miles.

[laurie15]

macylee,
I was just trying to motivate you and tell you I was really keen on your plan. I think that MS is a great cause to cycle for.
If you don't have one, try borrowing a great road bike, too... Sometimes you can get a local store to let you borrow one (depending on where you are from). Either way, good luck! I will think of you on my own ride.

[Macylee36]

Yeah, sorry, I saw this and I should have thanked you sooner for it. I hope your family is doing okay. My FIL is doing pretty good all due to the medicine he is on. Had he not been on it, chances are he wouldn't be around today.



I hope you DO do it. Four people in my immediate family have MS. it's a great cause.

You don't actually need to be overly bike savvy or fit. A lot of children do it, there are a lot of rest stops, and it's a lot of fun. Just focus on a healthy balanced diet, and get out on your bike when you can.

Have fun!

[harper]

How often do you ride now?

[IamJen]

Animal testing discussion moved here:
http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=71894

[Macylee36]

Well, before the last 2 days, not at all. I didn't have a bike. But yesterday I did just over 6 miles and today was probably near 5. I think I will slowly try to move it up each week. I think I need to look at a calendar!

[harper]

A slow buildup sounds like a good idea, but make sure you get enough miles in before the event. There is nothing worse than being unprepared!