Muenster, Germans, Brew & Good Company -- What more could you ask for?

It was a beautiful day in Muenster, Texas. It started off a little chilly but, with a late start of 11 am, the temperatures were just right. Members of the Wheeler Dealer team (Steve, Peggy, Cliff & Mike) worked hard to battle the winds and hills of West Texas, earning themselves some free brew by local, regional and national brewmeisters. It was a "Yay Ride" according to Peggy, since we all had good rides and a fun time -- a preface to next week's 2-day ride -- the MS 150.

Here are a few "moments" I captured throughout the day while riding and at the Fest:

One of my audiences during the ride.

Yes. We're in Texas!

Cliff, Steve & a fellow cyclist chat.

One of the Oompah Bands performed for our table.

Nine Days and Counting Down

Just wanted all of you to know that Gerry and I are very proud of each of you. This pre-ride season has been very topsy turvy. Life sometimes has a way of interfering with our training. Each of you has made the commitment and will deliver next weekend.

My plan is to ride 50-60 on Saturday and then 30 on Sunday afternoon. Next week will be 10-15 mile rides Monday and/or Tuesday. Rest will be the order for the remainder of the week.

Gerry and I pray that this is the year that researchers find a cure and that next year we can ride for a different cause.

Weather or not, we ride May 3 and 4.

The Lynn and Bob Ride

Saturday morning - all is calm! all is still! The rooster was crying wake up. The jackass did not want to move. Yes, Lynn and Bob traveled through Flower Mound to rediscover the beauty of our area. We did great following directions until we hit Harpole. Remember to go right at Harpole and not left. It was a pleasant mistake and we reversed direction when we finally did not recognize where we were.

The wind cooperated a little today. We faced it head on when we headed for home (south). When all was said and done, Lynn got in her 40 and I got in 45.

Tomorrow - we wake up to do it all over again! Two weeks until RIDE DAY!

Ride safe and enjoy your day.

MS 1.5 Kid's Bike Challenge - Another success!

For its first year, the MS 1.5 Kid’s Bike Challenge was rated a success by participants and parents alike. Nearly 40 riders rode in this year’s event, circling Celebration Park in Allen.

The MS 150 team “The Wheeler Dealers” led the riders around the 1.5-mile paved bike path, while Allen Police Explorers monitored park entrances for safety.

The ride, designed to educate kids about bike safety, multiple sclerosis and helping others, was set in an atmosphere of fun. The event included music by DJ Diamond Dave, bike and helmet checks by Plano Cycling & Fitness, a raffle, bake sale and grab bags which raised nearly $600 for the Lone Star MS Society to fund research and provide services needed for those living with MS.

The event was so well received that vendors and participants have already marked their calendars for next years. Why not mark yours as well? Hope to see you there!

Three weeks to go!

Taylor and Cliff singe some meat

What a team! Today we took to the rolling hills of Flower Mound and surrounding areas for a 35 mile training ride. We then followed the ride, with a team meeting at Lynn and Taylor's house. It was a typical ride day - wind in the face and some challenging hills. Everyone did great.

The brats, hamburgers and hot dogs along with the salads and Stacie's apple dapple (I think this is what is called) really hit the spot. The beverages also aided in making the afternoon a memorable one.We have 3 weeks until the MS 150.

Ride safe! We ride to find a cure!

Please do your best to have friends and family sponsor you during the ride.

Mike, Gerry, and Rick yukking it up.

Mike, Steve, Lynn, Sarah, Peggy, Bob, and Cliff

Steve cruises...

...and Lynn schmoozes.

Lancaster Country Ride

Mike, Jason, and Rick at about 40 miles (photo courtesy of Paul Brown)

As the date of the MS 150 approaches, all us Wheeler Dealers are looking for opportunities to get in some longer rides and more (ugh!) hills. For Cliff, Jason, Rick, and me that meant a trip down to Lancaster, TX, where the Greater Dallas Bicyclists club puts on their Lancaster Country Ride, one of the earlier pay rides of the season.

We all elected to do the longest route offered: 60 miles (which actually turned out to be nearly 64 miles) of rolling hills, beautiful wildflowers, exotic animals, and the ever-present Texas headwinds. For our efforts, the GDB gave us each a pair of socks and we treated ourselves to some delicious barbeque sandwiches at Big Bruce's.

Into the Home Stretch

With four weeks left before the MS 150 weekend, it looks like my work schedule is finally slackening. It's time to make the most of my remaining weekends to train, and I was pleased when the leaders of the Plano East Side ride bumped up the distance from the usual 32 miles to a little over 40. It was a good ride today, with crisp temperatures starting and lots of sunshine; a moderate pace that made for quality base miles; and a route that included a good number of rolling hills. I could have done without the puncture and having to boot a half-inch cut in my tire with an energy bar wrapper, but that's what the spare tubes and tire changing tools are for. Looks like it's time to place an order for some new tires and more CO2 cartridges for my inflater.

There will probably be no training tomorrow, because I'll be joining some of the other Wheeler Dealers in setting up, running, and taking down our second MS 1.5. This time, we'll be taking to the 1.55 mile path that encircles Celebration Park in Allen. Cheryl and Peggy have been spearheading this effort, and they've got lots of cool activities planned for the kiddos and their families. Look for a full report soon!