This Is Just A Rest Stop

For the past eight years, I've had the honor of spending two days in April on a bicycle ride from Houston to Austin with countless other cyclists, volunteers and MS champions. Our collective goal of raising funds to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis has never changed. More specifically, I've shared this honor while proudly wearing the jersey colors of the Traveling Light cycling team.

Across those eight years, I have pedaled over 1,200 miles on the MS 150 bike ride weekend. More importantly, thanks to your generous donations nearly $11,000 has been donated in my name towards MS research that will help my wife Kimberly and many family/friends impacted by this disease. The miles and the money are easily quantifiable but many of the lessons that I've learned — and their impact — are not.

As a rookie, I learned the proper way to shift my gears on those very first training rides down 2920 with Chad Savell and Chad Kuepker. I learned that there is no substitute for getting time in the saddle. I learned that you can ride for 20 miles or more without a glitch — only to fall completely over while standing still at a stop sign. I learned that a cyclist’s tan lines are very different from a farmer’s tan. I learned that cycling — even recreational cycling — may not be considered a “sport” by some but it sure requires an awful large amount of athleticism.

I learned that some days you’ll have it and some days you won’t. As a result, I've learned that you always need to ride at your own pace. I've learned that while I may be able to finish faster on my own it is far more fulfilling to cross the finish line together.

I've learned from the McHans and other tandems that sometimes two is better than one. I've learned from the Stivers brothers, Hayden Andrew McHan and others that youth can definitely work to your benefit on endurance rides. I've also learned from Laurie Brittain, Jody McAngus Clippinger, Barry Haarde, Michael Zwernemann, David & Randy Koctar and many more that plenty of heart can overcome the largest hills and longest distances.

I've learned that if you think riding a bike for 175 miles is tiring, you should try being a volunteer. I've learned that the sun doesn't discriminate — it burns whether you are sitting on a bike or standing at the finish line welcoming the riders home. I've learned that no matter how tough the conditions may get you always get a boost from the cheers, applause and encouragement of those rooting you on from the sidelines.

I've learned that everyone rides fast on the flat stretches of road but you find out what you’re made of when you reach the bumps and hills. I've learned to sense the slightest change in road elevation even while driving a car and quietly tell myself “this would be a lot harder on a bike”. I've learned how to mentally calculate the width of the shoulder on any road. I've learned first-hand why they refer to the area around Austin, TX as the Hill Country.

I've learned that if you pick the right April weekend you’ll find bubbles near Bellville and bagpipes before Bastrop. I've learned that no amount of music in your playlist can substitute for the motivation you get from riding past someone with MS who is holding a sign that says “Thank You for Riding for Me”. I've learned that when mobilized for the same cause EVERYONE will lend a helping hand — from police officers at each intersection, roadside spectators and rest stop volunteers to fellow cyclists, teammates and financial supporters. And I've learned from Robby& Kimberly Clark Robbins that you don’t have to see all the way down the road, you just have to start with a vision.

Due to a perfect storm of logistical conflicts, there will not be a Traveling Light team participating in the 2014 MS 150 Houston to Austin bike ride this year. The team will be on hiatus for the first time in the past 12 years. As a result, I plan to take a break from the Houston MS 150 to re-charge the old(er) batteries. I want to thank you for your support during the past eight years and assure you that this is not the final cycling chapter for myself or Traveling Light.

Just like any year on the MS 150 bike ride, I've learned that this is not the end of the journey. This is just a rest stop.