Winter Can't Stop Me: Prepping for the 2013 MS 150 Ride

This spring I rode through rain, wind, and yes, even snow. Fingers crossed it doesn't snow a couple of inches in May again, but even if it does I'm confident I have the wherewithal to handle it. This year I've been training on my new All-City Big Block during my daily commutes to and from work. I've also snuck in some longer rides with the Minnesota Ironman Bicycle Ride in Stillwater this year and the ever-present drive to bike further and harder with my Minnesota comrades. Tara has also stepped up her game with the introduction of her first geared bike, so there are bound to be plenty of Stillwater rides to indulge in the deliciousness that is Leo's Grill and Malt Shop!

Once again, all this biking has a very rewarding goal in mind — fundraising for the fight against multiple sclerosis by biking 150 miles in the annual Bike MS: C.H. Robinson Worldwide MS 150 Ride. This year I took the fight one step further and decided to recruit a team of individuals with a common goal. I've setup a team of 15 biking enthusiasts and those who are simply interested in doing some good at my new job, Periscope.

Biking is only half the battle, and I'll need everyone else's help for the rest. Donating to help my efforts won't go unnoticed as you will be helping the more than 2.1 million people dealing with MS. I hope you will also make your mark against MS by supporting my fundraising efforts.

If you’d like to keep up to date on my progress and ride updates please feel free to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, or this blog.

See that snow and frozen waterfall in April? My bike doesn't care one bit.

Nick, Tara, and myself with 50 miles down and another 30 to go!

The collection of bikes Tara and I own to handle any and all situations.

MS 150 Recap: 2012

After finally going through all the photographs taken during our journey up to and during the MS 150 I've narrowed it down to a handful to give a succinct overview. Below, you'll find pictures of my second year and Tara's first year participating in the MS 150 to help raise money in an effort to fight the fight against multiple sclerosis. I'm hoping to add to these images the same time next year, and I'll be sure to keep everyone updated with that goal.

Brand new Mr. Pink (bottom) for the MS 150 and making the long commute to work

Camp is all setup for night #1. Thankfully no snow in Duluth.

One of the early stops in day #1. Not too many tired people yet.

There's only a couple thousand bikes waiting to be 150 miles.

Almost done with day #2 and still smiling!

Lunch time — clearly a couple people are hungry.

What an incredible rush to make it to this point!

Highlights of Training for the MS 150

Over the last two weeks Tara and I have biked over 240 miles in preparation for this next weekend's 150 mile bike ride to help fight multiple sclerosis. If you'd like to donate or spread the word visit my personal page here. The MS 150 ride will be from Duluth to White Bear Lake, but these are some of the places we've seen when training:

 The bikes we used to get into town while vacationing in Belize. Much different than what we're used to.

Biking through St. Paul we managed to take a break between all the hills for a quick photo.

A delicious midpoint lunch on a ride to Stillwater and back (60 miles)

I finally had the opportunity to bike to work again — on a Saturday...

Spin Spin Spin

Training for this year's MS 150 ride in June has begun, and as expected it's hard work. 7 weeks before the ride Tara and I did 2 ten mile rides and an hour long spin class. For those of you who have never been in a spin class here is what you will usually encounter:

1.  Notice you are 1 of 3 guys
2. Sweat a lot
3. Decide whether you should pass out or hope the bike will hold you
4. Wring your shirt out as you walk home

If you haven't guessed it's tough, but the endorphin rush makes up for the exhaustion.

1 hour and 21 miles later.