MS-150 er... MS-75

After all the fundraising and training, the first day of the 2009 MS-150 was wiped out by a deluge that fell over the Houston to La Grange first day route. While it was disappointing to not have completed the full 150+ miles, the 2nd day proved to be an exhilarating and challenging experience for me and the other 11,000+ riders. Be sure to read the end of this report as I recognize some special people.

On Friday, Joan and I drove to Houston. It was pouring and I had a lot of apprehension about what Saturday would turn out like. The fields between La Grange and Sealy on Hwy 71 were flooding. The draining ditches and tanks were overflowing and we had to drive slow because of low visibility and hard rain. We arrived at the Anderson's house in Sugar Land and that evening heard the news - for the first time in its 25-year history, the MS-150 was rained out (see video report). But Sunday was still on for the La Grange to Austin route.


Lots of thought then went into logistics by the MS-150 organizers as well as each and every rider. How would I get to La Grange? Finally, we decided to drive back to Austin Saturday afternoon and drive to La Grange early Sunday morning. Our friends the Anderson's meanwhile, would drive that evening to stay in a cabin near Smithville where some friends were staying. As we left Sugar Land, the same storm was still raging, dropping buckets of water on East Texas. But as we approached La Grange, the skies lightened and the rain diminished. In fact, we even saw some cyclists out on 71 between La Grange and Bastrop.

Sunday morning the alarm went off at 5:15 and we were out of the house by six. Most of the cars on Hwy 71 held bicycles. As we got past Bastrop, we saw some enthusiastic cyclists riding both east and west. Like me, after months of prep work, they just couldn't wait to get on the road.

We were to start at the Courthouse in La Grange - one of the logistical changes made by the organizers. Cyclist of all shapes and size with jerseys of every color surrounded the courthouse, eager to start. Many groups couldn't wait and headed on out toward Bastrop. I met up with the Anderson's - Jeff and his kids, Katy and Chris. At 8am the Star Spangled Banner was sung and the cyclists went off in managed groups. At around 9am, we were finally off down the highway with 75 miles to go. Chris and I decided to ride together via the "Challenge Route" on FM 152 and through Buescher State Park and Bastrop State Park, while Jeff and Katy would stay on Hwy 71 using the "Express Route."

My biggest apprehensions were the park hills and the wind. The first few miles were nice country roads leading up to the park. A stong headwind, about 15 mph, hindered us but all was good. There is a juncture on this road when you reach the park entrance where you can return to Hwy 71 if you are unsure. No way! Around mile 24, Chris and I turned right to find the Park Rangers were cheering us on! The Bastrop State Park web site calls the route a "roller coaster ride." And they are right! The hills in Buescher/Bastrop parks are steep and short. Roads are winding and smooth. You have to stay alert and expend some energy. My legs were quite tired as we left the park after about 15 miles. But Bastrop was there in front of us where lunch was waiting.

After Bastrop, we thought it would be smooth riding with few hills. How wrong we were. The headwinds grew stronger as the FM-969 route was more wide open. The Montgomery County Courier called it "grueling." We bypassed the first rest stop at 4.5 miles but were pretty exhausted at the next stop 11 miles later. However, only 2 more rest stops and 17 miles we would be in Austin! Just thinking about that kicked in an adrenaline rush that had me feeling good. When we turned onto Manor Road in Austin and caught a brief glimpse of the Capitol, all the riders were excited. I zoomed under I-35, turned left onto Red River and heard "Dad!" and turned to catch a glimpse of my daughter Jill over my right shoulder. Cool! Lots of people were lining the streets and the cyclists forgot their weariness and picked up the pace. Right on MLK and left Congress and under the long-awaited Finish Line banner. I slowed down and heard "Tom!" and found my wife Joan and friend Bill Hatcher among the crowd of well-wishers. (Watch KVUE report) After 8 hours of riding, I was home!


I would like to thank the following people for their support, encouragement and inspiration.

• To Amber, who is dealing with MS and thus became my inpiration to ride. I have a turquoise "Champion" bandana for you!!



• To my wife Joan who drove to Houston to Austin to La Grange to Austin this weekend without complaint and who never grumbled when I left for a 2-hour training ride. Thanks for being there at the finish.



• To my daughters, Jill and Rachel, who checked up on me many times.



• To all who generously supported my efforts and the fight against MS. You are making a big difference and are listed on my MS-150 web site. So far I raised $1190; my team, Team Newland, raised over $21,000; and the event raised over $12 million!



• To the Anderson's from Sugar Land, for hosting us Friday night. And to Chris, who rode with me, often switching to the lead position to face the wind.



• To Team Newland, who generously supported my ride with two jerseys and lots of encouragement.



• To Bill Hatcher who has ridden the MS-150 before - for being their at the finish with enthusiasm for my accomplishment.



• To all the thousands of volunteers! (watch the video)



• To all the enthusiastic people along the route who encouraged the riders,



• To those of you who have ridden or ran with me during these months of preparation.

Some of you may ask if I plan to ride again. Yes, for sure! But my dream would be to develop a "Forward in Faith" Cycling Team from my church, Abiding Love Lutheran, who would participate in this event or the MS-150 in San Antonio. Peace and Love.