We did it! Cycle to the Shore is complete! Marcus and I rode all 150 miles without a hitch – no bike issues or anything 
The weekend was so much fun!
150 miles in the books!
Cycle to the Shore, in its 25th year, is a fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis, which effects a certain lady in my life, my momma!
My mom!
So this was a time I could finally give back to her, for all that she has given me! Marcus, Julie & Ed (my in-laws), and myself all signed up for the ride. We were required to hit a fundraising goal, which we all hit without a problem. I even got this beauty of a jersey for really exceeding the goal!
Jersey Swag!
We woke up each morning before the sun, and joined the 2500 other riders to start the day.
Cycle to the shore day 1 start
We got so lucky with the most beautiful days! 58 degrees at the start and not a cloud in the sky! Our first cool temperature days since April!
Early morning sunrises!
Even Marcus got up early
Sunrise view at breakfast
There were bikes everywhere! And spandex as far as you could see!
Bike after Bike
And of course, waiting in certain lines that you just didn’t want to be in
Those crazy Jons!
Once we started on the ride, it was stressed that this was not a race. (So weird for me!!!) It was simply a fun ride to raise awareness. The first day totaled to 83 miles, and the second day was a 67 mile ride. Along the route, there were multiple stops to refuel and to take a quick break. There were tons of snacks of all kinds! Fruits, gatorade, and some tasty junk food too
Cheez doodles always win!
And my favorite refueling stop on the ride – the very last one! Just look at that spread – Peanut Butter and M&M’s a top a chocolate graham cracker…. sweet sweet victory!
Yummm!!
We were always sure to take advantage of all the fun on the course! The after party for day 1, hosted by our cycling team, Plan B Bike Shop, was great – chicken wings, veggies, fruit, and of course, beer….
Day 1 Complete!
Day 2 was celebrated in similar fashion as Marcus and I waited for Julie and Ed to come across the finish line…
Celebratory Beverage
We even got a great medal when we finished, handed out by people affected by MS. It was amazing being thanked by them as we crossed the finish.
The chain medal
The experience of a charity ride was fantastic. It was truly rewarding to know we have a hand in helping to fund the research to one day cure this terrible disease. Thank you to all of my friends and family that donated to this amazing cause! I can’t wait to do it again next year! What an amazing weekend!
I felt so official in my jersey! Thank you everyone!!!
And now, back to that little thing called running… the Women’s Half Marathon is only 7 weeks away!
Looks like it was a great weekend & great event! (And that medal could NOT be any cooler!)
I’ve actually only done 1 charity run (one of the Komen 5ks a couple years ago). I think charity events are definitely worthwhile though, especially when you’re riding/running/walking for a disease that you or someone you love are directly affected by.
I just wish that more people competed in these events because they felt strongly about finding a cure/treatment options for these diseases instead of because they want to “go somewhere” for a race (like the Team in Training things where so many people seem to sign up & raise funds JUST so they get to take that trip and have a free entry, and NOT because they feel strongly about what they’re raising money for.)
I completely agree. I definitely think people lose sight of the real reason to do the races. However, raising money for the cause, or just for the race – still gets $$$ to the research, so I guess it is good either way
P.S. Theresa – can’t wait for the 1Day Relay!!
Definitely – any money going towards research is a GREAT thing.
Me too – I can’t believe it’s already here! I got iron-on letters for my shirt yesterday so now it seems even more “real”!
Looks like an amazing weekend! I’ve never done a charity anything, though I’d really like to! Excited for the 1Day Relay!
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To you and all the Baum’s a great big THANKS! Love you.