The MS 150 ride was this past Saturday. All in all, I had a good time and would most definitely do it again.

This year we camped out at the YMCA in Lebanon,Ohio.This is a picture of Roy and I at our camp site the day before the ride

Saturday didn't go so well and I was terribly disappointed. I made it about 27 miles when thunderstorms and heavy rains came blowing in. So, Support and Gear (SAG) picked us up and carted us back in to the Y. They closed down the ride after that because forecast had several more storms blowing in within a half hour. Funny thing is that it warmed up and was sunny most of the day after that.

Roy volunteered at our lunch stop and had to pack up so it was hours before I was able to see him. Here is a couple pictures of the lunch rest stop where Roy volunteered. The woman in the second picture is Karen. Karen has MS and is also a fellow Fidelity employee. She plays an active roll every year with helping to coordinate the MS 150 ride for both Team Fidelity and the MS Society.

It did storm again Saturday night, but even though our tent was blowing around pretty hard, I went to sleep anyway. Roy spent the night trying to keep the rain from dripping on me.The good news is the weather was nice all day Sunday. I had a goal to do the full 75 miles but they closed the extra 25 mile loop before I made it there.

My stats for the weekend:

• Average Speed: 11 miles
• Number of hills walked: 6
• Maximum Speed: 26.9
• Total Miles: 79
• Off course: 1, but only about 2 miles.... :O)
• Will I do it again? YES!
• Funds Raised: $1,235
• Funds raised by team "Fidelity Investments": $43,190.63

All in all, I am proud of this personal accomplishment and the contribution I was able to make thanks to your donations. Even though this is only a small portion of the overall funds raised by Team Fidelity it just goes to show what a small team of people can do with a little bit of passion and commitment. Go Team Fidelity!!! :O)

It was cool riding in. Everyone shouts and cheers and they put a medal around your neck. I told the kids I won, but my middle guy, Joshua points out that my medal is bronze and not gold or silver. I didn't have the heart to tell him that no one actually wins the MS 150...well, everyone wins really. The last pic is Me and Cammie Dierking, Anchor Woman from Channel 12 News.

What I didn't tell him is that we were nearly last out of ~1,000 riders.. Only two guys trailed behind us and they were technically SAG'd back in.... two guys on a tandem....One of them literally blind. So, The truth be told we were dead last. LOL! My legs are bruised up, sore, and sun burnt, but I had a good time, and right now I have the worst sinus infection I've had in years, but I'm recuperating day by day. :O)

One of the best things about the MS 150 are the people you meet, the memories, and the good times had by all. Steve is one of the people I won't forget. He has MS and is paralyzed, yet he rides every year. He uses a recumbent bike that is powered by hand pedaling. He is awesome! People like Steve are my heroes.

Well, thanks for reading my story. I know it was long but truth be told I didn't even begin to tell it all or share all of my pictures. My husband was a bit camera happy and was even following me as I biked for a while. Here's a link to the full suite of my MS 150 pics in case you want to check them out: Link To My Pics

Lastly, If you ever have a chance to participate in something like this, trust me, you won't regret it for a minute!

Thanks again for your support! I couldn't have done this without YOU! Special thanks to Joanna and Susan for all the training rides prior to the event.

Roy followed Toni for a while and took this picture of Toni going down a big hill , she is the upright rider, since she is on a hybrid bike.

To say that Toni's father and I are very proud of her is an understatement. She makes us proud of her everyday. She is a daughter that anyone would be proud to have as a daughter.We may be predjudice(but I don't think so) !