I’m going on a little bike ride in a couple weeks…
OK, it’s not a “little” bike ride — it’s a very, very long bike ride. In fact, the longest bike ride of my life.I’m talking about a 100-mile ride along the Southern California Coast, from Orange County to my hometown of San Diego.
It’s the National MS Society’s Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour 2012, Oct. 20-21, and it’s one of the society’s biggest fundraisers of the year. More than just collect cash for the cause, the event also raises public awareness, which is so important to me.
Usually I participate in the event simply by being an “inspiration” for my longtime friend Matt’s team, Land Rover San Diego. Of course, I’m flattered by this year after year and I’m so proud of what the team accomplishes — Matt puts in so much work as team captain! I also serve as one of the MS Champions for the event, sharing my MS story and providing a face to the cause for riders who don’t personally know someone with MS.
But this year is not like the rest. I am actually going to ride.
You may be wondering why — and more importantly, how — I’m going to accomplish this major physical feat. One word: Optibike.
If you’re not familiar with Optibike, it’s been referred to as “the Ferrari of electric bikes.” I can attest that it’s pretty fun to ride! Built and distributed out of Boulder, Colorado, this high-end bike uses a lithium battery as a backup to pedaling, making it possible for someone like me who has MS to ride 100 miles over the course of two days. Special thanks to Jim Turner, president and founder of Optibike, for lending me one of his company’s amazing machines to use for the event and the extensive training that leads up to it (which is currently in full force).
Without this specialized electric bike, I obviously couldn’t even attempt a ride of this magnitude. Because I have MS, normal activities that people take for granted, like riding a bike or simply walking through the mall, prove difficult as my legs and feet experience pain and numbness after a short time.
Even with the Optibike, this ride isn’t going to be easy. Ahem, it’s 100 miles! For me, that’s a huge deal — like scary huge! My hands, which suffer from spasticity, will be using a half twist throttle to make sure my bike keeps up with the team. My left knee and right shoulder will also be an issue for sure. I’ve had numerous cortisone injections over the course of the past year to try to relieve some of the discomfort I’ve been experiencing in those areas, and I’m not overly optimistic that they won’t act up during the ride. In fact, I fully expect it.
Still, I am determined to pedal through the pain and to ride for those who can’t. As I always say: “I want to do as much as I can, as long as I can, as best as I can.” That is certainly my goal with this bike ride. Wish me luck!
Love and hope,
Tricia
Go Tricia! You are an amazing inspiration!
Your fan and friend, Mara
Thanks, Mara – you have always been “on my team” and I adore you!
Congratulations and I’m sure you will be just fine. You are amazing to attempt this feat and when you finish I’m sure you will be beaming from ear to ear. As my 5 year old granddaughter says “You go girl”.
Paul, thank you for following my blog and always writing such nice comments!
Way to go, Tricia! Thanks for riding for all of us who can’t and for raising awareness.
It’s my pleasure, Princess Extraordinaire ; ). Blessings to you!
Tricia, there is a book out there written by a famous bike rider titled, “It’s Not About The Bike”, and I think this title is so true here with you. Regardless of what this bike can do, and regardless of how many miles you put in, the ride is about you inspiring others and providing HOPE for so many people with MS, not about a bike. It’s not the bike that makes the person, it’s the person that makes the bike. People may say nice things about the Optibike, which I am sure will be great, but in the end, your fighting spirit will be the thing remembered most. I will be waiting for your next blog detailing your wonderful experience!!
Thanks for always believing in me and my fight, Mike! Such a nice comment : )
I’m riding for myself too! I’m captain of Team Luca and will keep an eye out for you and your cool bike! Would love to say “hi”.
Christie, let’s meet for sure! Maybe at the overnight in Carlsbad. We can ask the staff of the NMSS to help us find each other! Godspeed on the ride!
Tricia, How about the finish line instead? I’m only doing the 30 mile version of the event (my first time!). Good luck!
Hi Christie,
Will you be riding/finishing on Saturday or Sunday? Hope to meet up!
We’ll be finishing up on Sunday. Hope to meet up as well. Best!
Tricia 🙂 I love and admire your passion. This blog reads beautifully, just as you present in person. Thank you for all you do for others, as well as simply being the lovely person you are here in this life we’re living. – Lara
Still think of you and hope you’re doing well! Steve Perttula