The MS 150 Adventure
It started at 5 am on Saturday. We dragged ourselves out of bed, finished packing, and loaded our bikes in the Jeep. We were on our way to our first MS 150 ride, a cycling event benefiting the MS Society. We drove to the starting point in Frisco, dropped off our luggage which would be transported to our hotel for an overnight stay near the Texas Motor Speedway where we would end our first day of riding. My goal was to ride the Express route (50 miles on day one; 30 miles on day two), and Gary’s goal was to ride the full 150 miles in two days.
It was still dark when we reached the starting point and began to line up with our teams. The “night person” in my head was complaining about the early hour, but it didn’t matter, I was excited about the ride. I had been looking forward to it for many months.
By 7 am, the sun had risen, and members of the Cisco team were gathered at the starting line with us.
The ride started out on the Dallas North Toll road road, which had a lane closed to allow a safe route for all of the cyclists. The ride was also supported by local law enforcement who managed traffic control. With over 3,000 cyclists, it was an important job! Our course took us Northward to Decatur before taking us back South to reach the Texas Motor Speedway. Rest stops stocked with food, drinks, tech support, and bathrooms were staggered about every 10 miles along the route. The picture above is from Rest Stop #3.
Around mile 40, we reached Lake Ray Roberts and rode across the dam. It was extremely windy that day and the wind was whipping across the road, but the view of the lake was great. I will admit that when I looked over at that smooth water, I wanted to be wakeboarding in it instead of on my bike pedaling over it. It was a moment of weakness in my fatigued state…haha!
Ten miles later, I reached the end of my ride and attained my goal of 50 miles! My ride ended at the lunch stop, so while Gary continued onward, I joined with another Cisco rider and enjoyed the free lunch provided by Subway. It felt good to be done with the hardest part of my ride.
After lunch, I jumped on the shuttle which transported me to Texas Motor Speedway. Once there, I joined up with other Cisco riders and the volunteers in the Team Cisco tent. I also took advantage of the massage therapist in the tent. She was amazing, and the massage felt great after a long ride!
A few hours later, Gary finished his 86 mile ride and crossed the finish line. We were there to cheer for him as he rode across. It was a fantastic finish to a great day.
By the end of the day, rumors were already spreading that storms were brewing and the ride might have to be cancelled on Sunday. We went back to our hotel that evening hoping we would be able to continue the ride to Sundance Square in Fort Worth, but the forecast was discouraging. Storms were supposed to start in the late hours of the night and continue all day on Sunday.
We woke again at 5 am and received a text moments later informing us that the ride had been cancelled due to severe storms. By the time we left the hotel, the temperature was in the 40s and the weather was threatening. I was relieved that they cancelled the ride. I would not have wanted to ride in those conditions.
We were transported back to the TMS where we caught a shuttle that would take us back to Frisco where our car was parked. Our bicycles would be transported back later in the day. Even though the second day had a disappointing end, the entire experience was still lots of fun. I’m hoping to ride the full route next year — and praying for good weather!
Next up…riding in Salzburg and Prague! The adventure continues soon…
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Mark your calendars because it’s back! The tale of the “Last Chance Inn” continues at McKinney Repertory Theatre in May. Familiar characters from Hartburn Hotel will return in this “popcorn tossing” melodrama that guarantees laughs and entertainment for all ages. The latest saga, Blame it on the Pony Express, opens on May 13 for a two week run.
