It's almost here.

I only have one more Sunday ride until my MS ride.  Today I went out to the Wadhams trail with my new camelbak. Mine isn't pink but I picked it up at a garage sale for $1.  Can't beat that.  Made it about 18 miles with that, then did another 12 more with my water bottle.  I'm really trying to make sure I stay hydrated.  So if you can add you see that I rode 30 miles total.  Good for you.  I wound up turning around earlier than I wanted but I was getting really low on water.  I wasn't smart in waiting until the hottest part of the day either.  It was 90 when I got there and 90 when I left.  Next Sunday I'll be riding with the team again and I will get out Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

My ride is to benefit the MS Society of Canada whose stated objective is:  to be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life.  There are 22 different rides throughout Canada and they are expecting over 10,000 riders in all.  The ride I am doing is a 2-day 150km (93 miles) from Grand Bend Ontario to London Ontario on day one and back to Grand Bend on day 2.  They are expecting 2000 riders. 

On a personal level, I started cycling in June 2010 and could barely make 5 miles.  By October I completed my first 30 mile ride.  A friend of mine from Sarnia, Ontario, started a facebook group called 'My Goals for 2011'.  I joined his group and found a posting on the board about this fundraising ride.  I knew it would be difficult, but when I saw that it was for MS research I had to participate.  In 2008 I lost my Aunt Donna who had been suffering with MS since 1995.  I knew that this was something I could do for her.  I signed up and sent out my first fundraising requests.  My grandpa, Edward Rountree, was one of the first to donate - expressing his sincere appreciation that I could remember his youngest daughter this way.  I am now riding also to honor the memory of the world's best grandfather.  He always made me feel like I could accomplish anything...and knowing he and Donna are watching me, I know I'll be able to overcome this challenge and help many others worldwide who are suffering with this disease.

I have been honored by my family in their support of my ride for MS.  The family has asked that in lieu of flowers for my Pops that people send donations:

If you want to help support me in this ride the website for donations is

 MS Society of Canada.