For thoes who don’t know or missed my last story on the Multiple Sclerosis 150 mile ride this weekend, now’s your chance to catch up. The MS150 is a fund raising event where almost 2.3K riders will be conveining in Logan, UT for a 150 mile ride split over two days. I have done it since the early 90′s as often as I have been able to. I’ve missed a few years but attended most.

This year will be outstanding as usual. There are over 2300 riders signed up for the event and about 500 volunteers to manage the entire ride. The ride is fully supported with rest stops every 10 to 15 miles and meals provided as well. The evening between the two days will have a concert and pool party for attendees and their guests.

I am a bit bummed as my family will again miss the event. Mother forgot about the MS150 and planned a family & friends dinner for Saturday evening, sent out the invitations then realised what she had done. It being too late to cancel, the dinner is on and I’m riding alone. Bummer.

Aside from the lack of family attendance, I am really looking forward to the ride. I do think this year will be harder than previous years that I have done it however. The reason for this is that they have reversed the loops of the tour this year. In the past, the long ride up Blacksmith Fork Canyon was on the first day when you had plenty (ha ha ha) of energy. This year, the climb up the canyon is on the second day after we’ve already traveled 100+ miles. Joy! 8^)

I really hope I can do well but I am worried as I have not been riding as much this year in preparation as I have in the past. I have spent more time flying tracktion/power kites in my time off than riding 8^) That’s another blog entry all toether…

Last year I met some really cool people on the tour – Col, Lindsey and their brother…forgot his name. They also have done it for several years. I hope I can run into them again this year. The MS150 is also well known for creating a local shortage of ibuprofan – ha! At least I end up taking quite a bit through the weekend. This year is going to be no exception I’m sure. I’ll be riding my Haluzak Horizon recumbent bicycle again this year. It’s the most relaxing way to ride a long tour like this. Last year there were at least 10 other recumbent riders on the tour – it seems that the number grows with each ride. There were also several tandem cyclists in the crowd and some well-trained draft lines that wizzed past everyone and finished each day in about 2.5 averaging close to 30mph. Amazing.

I’ll try to take lots of picutes this year like I did last.