ms ride 2010

for the past two years, david has been an integral part in organizing a ups team to ride in the ms bike ride in logan. he is the "wellness champion" at work--no joke, this really is his title! as wellness champion, he gives a short wellness tip each week, leads stretches at the beginning of the day, and promotes various wellness activities throughout the year. ups has sponsored the team both years--this year they got new, matching jerseys! they look so great!

the ms ride is run by harmon's grocery store, and it's officially called utah's "best dam bike ride". it's a funny title because nowhere on the course do the riders cross a dam, pass a reservoir, or even see a creek. it's beautiful scenery, no doubt--starting in logan and riding through farmland just over the idaho border, and back--but no dams involved. everyone calls it the ms ride. all riders have to raise a certain amount of funds to participate, and all proceeds are donated to the multiple sclerosis foundation. it isn't a race; it's a ride. you can choose to ride 40, 75, or 100 miles. this is one of the best rides i've participated in. i rode last year, but this year i cheered on team ups. it was a completely different experience for me. when you're riding, you are so totally focused on riding well, not bonking, staying safe, and making sure the riders around you are riding safe. there is no 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place, you are riding simply to ride, but you of course want to do well and ride strong. this year was so much more relaxing because i got to cheer everyone else on. after seeing them off at the starting line, i sat back at our tent reading for a while, and then headed back to the finish line to watch the early riders come in (the 40-milers).

the atmosphere was amazing. everyone is super friendly; the riders are all grinning as they cross the finish line; tons of people are sitting at the finish line clapping and cheering everyone on; the volunteers hand out medals to everyone as they cross the line, and say "thank you for riding". there is a spirit of gratitude and service instead of competition. it touched my heart to watch these riders. most were dressed in the regular biker attire: spandex, road bike, clipless pedals, etc. but anyone can ride--there were people in shorts and t-shirts, little no-speed cruiser bikes, reclining bikes, tandems, parents riding with their children.

some rode for dedication (notice the cast on left leg):

some rode for a personal reason, and hung the medal around her neck:

some wanted to start early:

and others were emotionally invested, either for themselves or someone they knew:

what a great cause to participate in.

and others, well, they were just dang hot:

thank you for making me fall in love with you over and over again--from good causes to spandex, being a leader to having a tender heart.