This past weekend, KJ and Christina both took on the annual MS 150. Over a two day span, the two road over 160 miles each to raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis. Here is what Christina had to say about her experience:
“I am so glad I was able to do it with my coworkers and fellow EDCF’er Kristen, they made it such a great experience for me. This ride was definitely a challenge and so worth it! It was both exhausting yet fun and I am looking forward to doing it again next year (but will be sure to prepare better for it).
The hardest part was when when I started having pain on mile 30 of the first day and by the last 20 miles I had to pedal off and on with one leg because my left hurt so badly. I could barely walk when resting at the rest stops. Oh, lets not forget the hills…so many hills! I never realized how “hilly” Texas is until I had to peddle up them. They may be small but oh my gosh!!! They were “interesting”. I definitely can say that I know how to use my gears now lol. One of the “best” parts was probably dropping my cell phone in the porta-potty on the first rest stop on day one. An epic fail on my part and yes…I reached in and pulled it out. So gross but kinda funny! I probably told every new person I met on this ride about it and we all got a good laugh about it. Good to know about half of other riders said they would’ve done the same thing. 🙂
The best part was the people I met while riding, at the rest stops, and finally crossing that finish line and having a celebratory beer with my team and Kristen! They were all so supportive and encouraging. There’s no way I could have done this on my own. This was definitely one of the hardest things I have ever done and am so glad I did it!
Currently I have raised $405.55 (and that number will change once slightly once the corporate matches go through) and Team BIR raised a total of $10,431 for the MS Society. I am thankful to work for such a great organization that contributes back to the community and truly makes a difference! As a physical therapist and as a person who has a family member who has passed from MS, I see first hand the effects it has on others. Hopefully this brings us closer to finding a cure for MS and providing the support needed for those affected by this disease.”
KJ also weighs in on her experience:
“This was my fourth year to ride the MS150 with the Brew Crew. Day one is always a great time. Tons of riders. Rest stops are hoppin’, and before you know it you are at mile 80-something and feeling good. Only 2.5 miles to go and… a flat tire. After about an hour of trying to figure out how to change and air up a tire (I’ve never changed one by myself!), I was finally back on the road. Day 1 was over. Day 2 was a completely different story. The route changed so I had no idea what I was getting into except that we would ride close to 175 miles in total. The first 30 weren’t too bad considering you rode a million the day before, but the last 50 were pretty challenging. I think we had climbed approximately 35,287 feet in elevation in hurricane force winds – at least that’s what it felt like – when I started to shed a few tears and about to call it quits. After we got to the top of what was probably the tallest, steepest hill in Texas a guy comes up along side of us using a hand cycle. He’s riding these dang hills using his arms, surely I can use my legs. Later I came to learn that he has MS. He is the reason we ride and the reason we raise money. I’m proud to say that not only did I ride (slowly) all 170+ miles, but this year the Brew Crew raised just over $38,000 for MS!”
