David Carmichael's MS 150 Experience

Since January 1, 2001.

 

David Carmichael's 2006 MS 150 Wild West Experience

The MS150 in Amarillo was the best supported ride I've ever done, even after living and riding in California for many years. Everyone connected with the event was very friendly and accommodating. The Saturday segment was only my third century, and I had hoped to average 18 mph. Instead I averaged 20.3 mph, with a max of 47 on the hilly section Patty described. (Can you say "tail wind"?) I was in between groups with different paces, so I rode mostly by myself, and mostly on my large chainring, as I had front deraillure problems until a mechanic adjusted it with 15 miles to go. I also made quick stops at 20, 40, 60, 75 and 90 miles. This is a good century to do if you want to go fast and finish strong.

On a more serious note, this was a fundraiser and awareness ride to benefit research on Multiple Sclerosis, and that's the reason I was riding the event. I rode in honor of my ex-wife, who was diagnosed with MS last spring and decided to end the relationship as a result. This is apparently not an unusual outcome, as the illness is very unpredictable, debilitating, irreversible (for now), and very costly to manage; patients often have a lot of guilt about bringing the illness into a relationship. Anyway, one of the most touching things about the ride, for me, was the many MS patients who lined the route cheering us on and holding signs that said "We're the reasons you are riding. Thank you!" Whenever the distance or wind or hills seemed tough, I only had to remember those signs and those people to put it all in perspective. We chose to have some temporary challenges so that perhaps someday MS patients can find lasting relief from their daily challenges.

There were only three riders from El Paso, but everyone knew about us because we had traveled so far to do the ride. Lots of riders and organizers made it a point to personally greet us and thank us for participating. At the 20 mile rest stop I was interviewed by a local TV station because I was wearing the El Paso club jersey and they couldn't believe we would drive 500 miles to do a ride. I used it as an opportunity to promote the MS benefit issue and the touching display of support from the MS patients. By the way, El Paso doesn't have it's own chapter of the National MS Society; the Amarillo chapter is our chapter. Maybe next year we can get a bigger group of El Paso riders to do the event and raise even more funds to combat MS.

David Carmichael.

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