Scott's World in 8X10

Day two TMS to Ft. Worth

2008-05-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Yes, I have survived another MS150! Sorry for the late posting but I slept close to 16 straight between Sunday and Monday. This ride was an exhausting one. Overall a good ride with no rain (I hate riding in the rain), but the cold and the wind made it interesting. The real problem was that when starting cold, about 50 degrees air temps, then the wind itself is moving at about 15 mph, you get wind chill, but just imagine what happens when you begin to move directly into that wind at about another 15 mph. If you know the math and can give me an idea of the temps it would be interesting to know. All I can say is that when you are riding in it, there is only one thing to be and that is COLD! I never felt as though my muscles warmed up. I kept drinking pickle juice to keep away muscle cramps, but I never really felt any warmth in my legs.

Sunday morning turned out to be windless and partly cloudy, which was wonderful. We started out again cold, but at a great pace of about 19mph. Here's a little taste of riding in the pack.

This tour has a lot of riders, a lot of bikes, and a lot of great volunteers who take time out of their weekend to make sure we are all well taken care of.

Finally, after enduring cold, wind, and hills, 150 miles from the start comes the moment of truth. This is not a competition, it is about completion. As of yesterday I have now completed 1200 tour miles in my effort to raise awareness, funds, and hope that one day soon those with MS can join us out on the open road.

If you'd like to get an idea of what the 150 miles looked like, here are links to the maps of the ride.

http://dallas.ms150.org/dallas/maps/2008/08SCDay1Route.pdf

http://dallas.ms150.org/dallas/maps/2008/08SCDay2Route.pdf

Thank you to all whom have donated. Your contributions are more valuable than you can imagine. Friday night when a woman in a wheelchair approached me, reached out and asked to shake my hand and thank me for riding, she was also thanking you for your support.

I'm now off the bike for 6-8 weeks as the muscles in my right leg repair and strengthen. I am currently registered for the MS150 Bike to the Beach coming up in October. Blogs will begin in July!

Till then, be safe, be healthy, and most of all BE HAPPY!

Scott

Saturday's Activity

2008-05-03T20:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some video's from day one. Had a few problems with the video camera here and there, but captured a few moments to give you a feel for the tour. Time for bed now, wakeup is at 4:30am!

This weekend is for Janice!

2008-05-02T18:10:00.000-07:00

Keep Janice in your thoughts this weekend as I make my way across North Texas wearing this

Look at all the friends who love and care for her who have signed and sent messages. Once the weekend is over it will be cleaned and I will send it back to her. It's journey complete. He keepsake that will always remind her how much we all care.

I'll be thinking of her as I ride and of all of you who have donated to this great cause.

Photos and video to follow Saturday and Sunday night!

See you out on the road.

Scott

http://www.ms150.org/dallas/donate/donate.cfm?id=218280

With 5 Days to go, let's give it all we've got!

2008-04-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! This past weekend I successfully completed the Muenster Germanfest Metric Century (60 miles). It was a beautiful spring day, not too hot, not too windy, Janice did a great job giving us a great day to ride. This was my first time out with the bulk of the Irish team. There were about a dozen or so from the team. This was also my first real test of trying to shoot some video while riding.

I am going to attach a few files for you to look at when you get tot he bottom of the post. You can count on me to shoot more next weekend at the MS150.

So, far, we've done a pretty good job fundraising, but the MS Society can still use your help. Please do what you can. Even if you donate just a few dollars, but send the link out to 20 or so good friends, that would really help the cause. Once again, here is the link http://www.ms150.org/dallas/donate/donate.cfm?id=218280

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far.

Today I received the bandanna I will wear from Janice and all of her friends at Fox News. Once I complete the MS150, it will be washed and its journey will take it home to NYC where it will be with Janice.

On the training front, the Muenster ride was my last before the MS150. I really need to heal up a bit more before the ride. Once the MS150 is finished, I will be off the bike for 6-8 weeks as I continue to heal from my injuries. I plan to give this ride my all, as long as my all doesn't do much more damage. In about 10 weeks, I will begin to train for my next MS150. I have registered for the Bike to the Beach, but you never know which tour I might just end up at.

Here's some of the riding video from last weekend.

Less than 2 weeks to go and it’s wheels down to Ft. Worth!

2008-04-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

Each week there is more news, but not every word will always be a bright one. Janice emailed me over the weekend to let me know she won’t be able to join us for the MS150. It is certainly not because she doesn’t want to be there, but a personal matter has come up that she needs to attend to. If I were in her shoes, I would make the same difficult decision. She will be with us in spirit over the MS150 and will remain the honorary team captain for the Texas Irish on this tour. It is not my place to delve into her private matters, I will just say that you can know that this is not an MS related occurrence in her life. All of our thoughts and prayers will be with her as she rises to another of life’s challenges.

Training in Full Gear!

I have done most of my training for this ride in my garage on a trainer and a rowing machine. Sunday I rode 31 miles and this coming weekend I will do a 60 and then a 30 the next day. This tour has been plagued with injury for me, so I have been taking it easier in the past. Rest assured my goal is the same as always, completion.

Getting to Know Janice Part 3

Here are the last few questions I had for Janice regarding her road through diagnosis.

What are you doing to treat your MS?

“I take an injection. I don’t want to give away the brand name, because I don’t think one treatment is necessarily better than the other – I’m also frustrated that these drugs cost so much money. If I did not have insurance, I would not be able to afford the drugs I am on. That is unfair. Especially for people who don’t have insurance. How can they keep the illness at bay if they can’t afford the drugs? That’s my one big beef with the drug companies. I can’t wait til they can come up with a pill. My doctor says that’s not too far off.”

Have you had to change your life plans because of your diagnosis?

“No way! Actually, that’s one thing that has made me want to pursue goals even more. MS is not going to stop me from striving and thriving. Since my diagnosis, I’ve taken classes to become a meteorologist, I’ve gotten married and hopefully we’ll be able to start a family soon too.”

Since you have gone public with your MS, how have things changed for you?

“Not much actually. At first it was a little weird after I went on television. I almost felt a little “naked” – showing such a private part of your life, but I did it for the next person who gets diagnosed and thinks their life is over. If I can be a positive person that continues to live life to the fullest, and someone who has MS sees this, then I can bring a bit of hope back into that person life. I know I needed to see people who had the illness and were doing ok despite the possible setbacks. Attitude is everything. The support has been overwhelming! Especially from complete strangers I’ve never met. (Like you Scott!!) I am humbled by it every day.”

We need to do what we can to help raise awareness and provide support for Janice and all who are diagnosed with MS. Do all you can to spread the word. Without shouting it from the tops of buildings often, the time it will take for us to bring and end to it will be longer, and for those with MS, sooner is better.

Parting Words:

We are almost to the start line for this great event. We are almost 3,500 riders strong and growing every day. My vision is clear and I can see the path ahead of me. I look forward to taking all of you along for the ride!

Please click here to make a donation to help bring an end to MS.

Thank you and I will be back next week!

This Just In!!!! Janice Dean is coming to Texas! Spread the Word!!!!!!!

2008-04-10T21:01:00.000-07:00

This is one I have had difficulty holding back, but now I can let it out. Janice will be here in Texas for the MS 150 in three weeks! Yes folks, it looks like we’ve started something and it continues to grow. Plans are in the works to keep Janice busy for the cause. We’re not sure all she will be doing, but here are a few hints as to what is yet to come:

Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Pedals!

Janice Dean the Cycling Machine?

Stepping out and Spreading the word!

Hmm, what could all of that mean? Well stay tuned as plans come together. It seems Janice is up for anything she can do to help support the cause so let’s see what kind of trouble she can get herself into while she is here.

Trivia Time!!!!

I have come to learn that this is not Janice’s first encounter with the Lone Star Chapter of the MS Society. Does anyone out there know how she has lent her support before? When? Where? (The answers next week)

Tour of Dallas

This past weekend I rode the Tour of Dallas. It was a 30 mile ride from Downtown Dallas through the city up to White Rock Lake. It certainly was a good warm up ride, especially since I was riding in summer gear in 45 degree weather. Janice, where were the 60’s or better I could have used? Here are a few photo’s. It took my friend John and I an hour and 45 minutes to complete. We could have probably cut ten minutes off if the people in front of us would have not decided to take an unplanned detour off of the route. Oh well, what’s a few extra miles any way??

Getting to Know Janice - Part 2

Last week we learned about Janice’s experience was when getting diagnosed. The long road to diagnosis and the emotional stress of learning she had MS. Now let’s learn about what Janice knew about MS and how the diagnosis has changed her life.

What did you know about MS before you were diagnosed?

“Not much. I thought I was going to end up in a wheelchair and never be able to work again. Thankfully I had a role model already right here in the workplace – Neil Cavuto who I talked to for many hours after I was diagnosed. I cried in his office while he kept handing me tissues and telling me I would be ok, and would end up being a stronger better person because of the illness.”

How has MS changed you?

“It sounds corny, but I appreciate my life so much more – my family and friends have been incredibly supportive. I used to be a crazy career person. My career literally defined me. I was always searching for the next best thing – the next best challenge. Now I just appreciate my job and am thankful I can work and have fun at what I do…but it’s in a better perspective now – and I think I’m a little more easy-going – not as uptight or stressed out. Life is precious. It can be taken away in an instant. I appreciate that more. I also try to surround myself with positive people. A wise man once told me “negative people make positive people sick.” Those are words to live by.”

Has MS caused you to make changes in your life to this point?

“I have to get my sleep. I can’t function on 4 or 5 hours of sleep at night. It takes a tremendous toll on me. That is the most important. I’m trying to eat better – no diet sodas, more whole wheat, less sugar etc. And more exercise. I don’t smoke, and when I leave work, I try not to bring it home with me (this used to be a very hard task for me). I try as hard as I can to be a happy, upbeat and positive person. “

As with any disease, you can’t avoid the change it brings upon you, but it can bring you appreciation for the life you have and the strength to not become a victim to it. As you can tell Janice has learned to roll with the punches. Of course this is never an easy thing to do, but she made the choice to bring positive change into her life when the MS was trying to bring a negative change.

Fundraising Update

Right now we are standing at about $1,00 raised so far! Thank you to all who have donated big and small! We have three weeks left and every week the reach of this message grows. At this point if everyone donated just $10 we would be well over $10,000 raised. Wouldn’t that be great! Here’s an incentive for those who would like to receive an 8by10byScott original photograph. If you donate $100 you will receive an 8X10 print of your choice.( Check out last weeks blog entry for the choices.) Once you make your donation I will contact you for your choice. If you find a way to make ten $10 donations you qualify. Find ten people to make a $10 donation and you qualify. Let’s see if we can get to that $10,000 number!

Please click here to make a donation.

Training

Training- Is there a rehab program if you become addicted to your rowing machine? If you know of one, please pass on the info. I am out of town for 5 days, but will do a lot of walking and am bringing the protein with me to keep in shape. Until next week, be happy, and please keep spreading the news!!!!

Breaking News!!!! Janice Dean The Weather Machine’s Texas Irish CyclingTeam!

2008-04-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while in my life I open my mouth and some small idea comes out. Just a small kernel of an idea. It’s just me being me, offering advice, an idea, helping someone out, etc. and then suddenly it goes POP!!!!!

6 years ago it was the RIT Big Shot Alamo, where 1500 people came together to take a once in a lifetime photograph of one of the most historic monuments in this country.

Three years later it was the MS150 Cruisin To The Coast MS150 tour from Fresno to Monterey. 100 of us rode a tour that many said could never be done. From Kerman, across the San Andreas Fault, through Hollister straight to the coast we raised money and awareness in Central California.

And now, three years after that, my desire to ride and honor Janice has POPPED! Instead of just me riding in her honor, it will be the entire Texas Irish Cycling Team. Oh wait, I am sorry, for this tour the name will become Janie Dean The Weather Machine’s Texas Irish Cycling Team! Don’t you like how it just naturally rolls off the tongue? We will ride out as a group of 50 or so members all with the cause of raising awareness and funds to help Janice and all of those currently living with MS.

Stick with us to see how this unfolds on this tour through these updates and on Janice and my blogs. There is definitely more to come!!!!!!!!!

Getting to Know Janice

What was the road to diagnosis like?

“When I look back before diagnosis, there were signs throughout my life that told me things were a little “off” in terms of moods, fatigue, fainting spells, weakness etc., but it wasn’t until the 2005 hurricane season when I was working long hours that I really had the big flare-up. I literally woke up one morning and had no feeling at the bottom of my feet and parts of my thighs. I wanted to sleep for a week. I was in Canada visiting family, and went to a doctor there who told me straight up “you could have something as simple as a slipped disk, or you could have something as serious as MS – you need to get an MRI done. So, I had MRIs done when we got back to the U.S. which showed I had lesions on both my brain and spine. The doctor also performed a Spinal Tap to which I also showed the proteins that indicate the breakdown products of myelin. I was in denial for awhile, and went to 3 different doctors to confirm the diagnosis. I had a second flare up 2 years later which confirmed the diagnosis.”

How did you take the news that you had MS? How did your husband take it?

“I took the news horribly. I thought my life was over. I cried for days and could not believe it – until I educated myself a little more and found the right doctor to help sort through the clutter of information I was bombarding myself with over the internet. The internet is a great resource, but it can also freak you out. I told my workplace right away, and thankfully they were very supportive, and told me to take as much time as I needed off work, and that my job would still be there when I was ready to come back. Thankfully I got all the feeling in my feet back after steroid treatments, and went back to work a few weeks later.

Thank God for my husband. He was obviously worried about me, but stuck by me, and supported me through the diagnosis and still through the ongoing treatments. The best thing he ever said to me was “I am not afraid of this disease – we fight it together.” It was almost as good as “will you marry me?””

As you can see finding out you actually do have MS is a long process that does not come easy. Take a moment and put yourself in Janice’s shoes and just imagine what it must be like to hear “You have Multiple Sclerosis”. Next week we will learn how the diagnosis has impacted her life.

Fundraising Update

Right now we are standing at about $900 raised so far! Thank you to all who have donated big and small! We have four weeks left and every week the reach of this message grows. At this point if everyone donated just $10 we would be well over $10,000 raised. Wouldn’t that be great! Here’s an incentive for those who would like to receive an 8by10byScott original photograph. If you donate $100 you will receive an 8X10 print of your choice. Once you make your donation I will contact you for your choice. If you find a way to make ten $10 donations you qualify. Find ten people to make a $10 donation and you qualify. Let’s see if we can get to that $10,000 number! Please make your donation here

The Photos are:

View of a Moo

Butterfly Light

Texas River

Yosemite

Oh yea, training! This week was spent with some hard rehab time on both my bike and rower. This week I will ride the Tour of Dallas, a non-competitive tour around downtown Dallas and City side roads. Photos and a report next week. Until then, be healthy and Happy!

Adductor Muscles 101 or No Pain, No MS Gains!

2008-03-26T21:11:00.000-07:00

Adductor Muscles: Any muscle used to pull a body part away from the midline of the body. For example, the adductor muscles of the legs spread the legs away from the midline and away from one another.

Why a lesson on the Adductor Muscles this week you ask? Well I sure learned a lot about this very important muscle when I injured it 12 days ago! How did I do this, well here is the culprit.

Above you can see the Concept 2 Rowing Machine! Isn’t she a beauty? As you can see in the picture I have become rather serious about staying in shape for these 150 mile tours, so beside riding and muscle development, rowing has come into my training picture. At least I thought so. The Concept 2 arrived and only took 15 minutes to assemble. It was like hitting the Easy Button! That’s when the trouble started. For whatever reason, seeing that I’ve been working out, my brain told me to jump on and get rowing. I did 5,000 meters in a half hour. This was easy I thought. The next morning when it was too cold to ride, I jumped back on. Another 5,000 meters later I was thinking this was the greatest thing next to sliced bread. On Sunday I found out the hard way where my Adductor Muscle was located. The inside of my right thigh was knotted up and in pain. The past week has been spent in heavy rehab with electro stimulation and very deep tissue (= bite down hard and don’t let everyone in the clinic hear you scream) massages.

After 12 days off the rower and my bike, I am happy to say the pain is for the most part gone and I’ve just completed 5,000 miles fully stretched out, warmed up, and at a reasonable pace so as to not re-injure my Adductor.

The Lesson

I have to say that this was a very painful experience, but here’s the take away. I knew the entire time that if I did the rehab, the massage, the ice, all of it, that the pain would go away and it would get better. When you have MS you DON”T have that option. There is massage and physical therapy, and days you feel good, great, and lousy, but the MS never really goes away. Worse of all, you don’t have the control to make it go away the same way you can when you don’t have MS.

So my pain is a small price to pay to get ready to tour and honor those who don’t have the same options as I do to get rid of the pain. Think about that the next time you strain a muscle, feel some pain in your back, or reach behind your neck to try and rub the stress away. You have the ability to make it go away, those who need our help in finding a cure do not.

Janice Rock's

Last week I introduced you to Janice Dean the Weather Machine, and this week she made me cry. Yes, my sensitive side came gushing out. Thank you Janice for the kind words. Janice is an avid blogger (click to read her blog) click here and posted about the journey we are now taking together. Janice and I will be linking to one another and both posting about the experience.

How about a few gallons of GAS?

I know times are getting tough. I am to the point that if I could I would ride my bicycle to work every day. Buying a horse actually crossed my mind, but I could not figure out where to attach the toll tag. If each of you just donated a few gallons of gas money we would go a long way to finding a cure. Think about it the next time you are at the pump. Now’s even a better time to make the donation, because those few gallons are going to keep going up. Get in now and save! click here to be directed to the donation page. Thank you to everyone who has already donated. Next week I will bring you this year’s fundraising photographs! Until next week, be well, and watch out for cyclists on the road. I’ll be back out there by the weekend!

The Journey Continues! Our MS Trek for 2008

2008-03-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends! How have you been? Some of you have been with me from the first mile, others of you are receiving this for the first time, either way, our 2008 Trek to bring awareness and an end to Multiple Sclerosis has begun! Let’s get started with a little catching up on things, shall we?

October 2008, MS150 a family affair!

I am proud to say that my sister Denise joined me on the ride from San Antonio to Corpus. This was her first tour. Here we are on day one and as a good brother you can see I am leading her in the right direction. She was a real trooper having come of knee surgery about six months prior. For the record, she was the athletic one when we were growing up, so it was really great to be able to share the experience of training for an event like this together. This was also the tour where I started riding a TREK 5000 all carbon bike. The difference is amazing compared to my old bike and will make the tours a bit easier to endure over the next 1950 miles I plan to ride for MS.

New Goals!

While fundraising and awareness are naturally the main reason and goal for riding the MS150, striving for other goals is just as important, therefore I have challenged myself to two additional goals. The first will likely be somewhat easy to reach, but difficult to maintain, and that is to get down to 170lbs and then here’s the hard part, maintain it. It has been a while since I was there and I know that once I make it back there, many parts of my life will improve, such as improved muscle use and hopefully relief from some of the pains I encounter stemming from my years as a news photographer. The second goal will help keep the first in check. I plan to complete at least as many more MS150 rides to reach a total of 3,000 miles, the distance from coast to coast. Although I have completed that many miles on my bicycle in general riding and training, I want to do it as MS Tours. This means we have at least another 13 tours together.

My MS Champions!

Each tour I ride to honor people who have come to be known as MS Champions. While riding the tour, these Champions are with me every mile. Each Champion receives a bandanna to sign by themselves, friends, loved ones, and anyone with a message of hope. I then wear them as I ride. This way they are with me for the journey. In the past you have helped to encourage Heather, who is in remission from symptoms, Karlen, who is managing her MS well and Tara, who has fought bravely through her battle with MS and continues to give it her all to make it through each day. Tara was able to make it to see me cross the finish line last October. It was very moving to see her there, thrilled that after a number of tours, she was able to be share in the excitement of the finish.

A New Champion

If you watch FOX News Channel, then this brave and courageous women needs no introduction!

Janice recently used her national platform to make the courageous announcement that she has been living with MS for over two years. Janice and I work for the same company, so I’ve asked if she would allow me to ride for her. Since she is the “Weather Machine” I am hoping she keeps the tour rain free with no wind and moderate temps. I believe she has the power! Click on her banner above to read her blog and learn more about her journey with MS.(Sorry for the small banner, I don't claim to be a web developer)

Where do we go from here?

You will begin to see my weekly training journals. There’s a lot to discuss: a new team, rowing my boat, new adventures and more! I will also be asking for your kind donations. I understand we are in difficult economic times, so as always, all I ask for is what you can afford to donate in support. Every dollar counts! All you need to do is copy this link into your browser: http://www.ms150.org/dallas/donate/donate.cfm?id=218280 and you will be taken to my donation page. If everyone who receives this gives just $10 we will raise over $5,000! That’s a lot of impact for just a small donation. Please help out.

Until next week, be well, and watch out for cyclists on the road. You never know when it could be me!

Its been a long time, hasn't it?

2008-03-10T20:20:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I used this blog. Let's see, since last we met, I moved back to Texas. Dallas to be exact. I now work for the FOX O&O as an Account Executive. We pulled off the MS150 Cruisin' To The Coast tour with flying colors! 100 riders, 2 days, 150 miles, they said it couldn't be done! Well we did it and in the process raised over $65,000 for the Northern California Chapter. Since then I have done three more tours and am about to embark on number 8! I have set a goal of completing enough tours to have done the miles it takes to cross the country. So far I have 1050 tour miles behind me. In 9 weeks I will ride the MS150 from Frisco, TX to Ft. Worth for the second time. I have many stories to share. There will be training with a new team, my new bike, new shoes, new friends, and new faces of MS that need your help.

Please remember, I do the heavy lifting on this one, mile after mile after mile. All I ask is for you to do what you can to support my efforts in helping grow awareness of MS and to help put an end to it.

Come Monday I will begin updating weekly. This year there will be two tours I do. Let's do our best together to make them successful!

Scott

MS150 2006 Cruisin’ To The Coast! Fresno to Monterey!

2006-01-22T18:12:00.000-08:00

Wait a minute! What is this you are asking yourself, an update so soon, he just completed the Bike To The Beach? Well my friends, in typical fashion, I opened my big mouth and once again something I’ve asked about has become a reality. On May 13th we will begin riding from just outside Fresno on our way to Monterey and the coast. This will be the first time the MS Society has embarked on a “destination” ride. It is my hope this is the first of many for years to come.

This past Saturday we held a trial ride through what is considered the hardest part of the route. We began riding from the Panoche Inn in Paicines, CA to the San Benito County Fairgrounds in Tres Pinos. I must say, for the toughest part of the route I am pleased to say it is not much at all and everyone should be able to make the hills. The Texas hills were more difficult in my opinion. So we set out in the cold temps and began the trek. The winding road was great to ride on. The inclines were gradual and you really did not have a dramatic feel that you were heading up hill. The down hills were great and you could not beat the scenery. My computer, which has been on the fritz since 30 miles out of Corpus, maxed out at 50 degrees and on one downhill 32 MPH. This section of the ride took about two hours on a windless day. We finished at the overnight spot and had lunch. The San Benito County Fairgrounds are going to be great! A wide open area for tents, indoor dining facilities, shower facilities, and even a permanent stage.

Here in Fresno, CBS47 and our Clear Channel Radio stations are taking the lead as the media partners. I’m working hard to recruit riders for our first Fresno Clear Channel Cycling Team. As with all events, it is going to take us time to build, but I am certain this will become the premiere MS 150 in the state. I’m going to begin fundraising soon, but my real focus is going to be on getting the word out and helping to draw riders to the event. As the days get warmer and the riding more frequent, I’ll keep you posted on our progress. Until then, I’m thawing my feet, and riding indoors for the next few weeks.

Beyond the pain, heat, and discomfort, it's all for the cause!

2005-10-05T23:53:00.000-07:00

3,650 riders. $1.5 Million dollars donated. 1500 miles traveled just to get to the starting line. The toughest ride I have ever had.

Just imagine a sea of riders 3,650 strong. We numbered close to 100 of those riders. The Clear Channel Cycling Team, was the third highest fundraising team to start the ride.

This years start was like a shot out of a cannon. We were pacing about 20mph through the first two breakpoints. Typically on the first day you have no wind but have to fight the hills. This year turned out to be different. From nowhere a headwind found us. Suddenly I was down to 14mph average and the heat began to build. I’ve never seen so many people treated for dehydration. So many riders just depleted of moisture that they couldn’t go on. As we forged ahead we did the best we could to keep the fluids in and pumping.

My computer maxed out at 118 degrees. I checked with a fellow rider who said his was at 114. Bottom line, it was HOT! Last years rain was nothing compared to the extreme heat, slow pace, fight to stay hydrated and the desire to get out f the seat. To be honest, if it weren’t for the support of everyone who donated and those I was riding for, I seriously considered sagging in and calling it a day. For what should have been a 6.5 hour trip we found ourselves on the bike riding in around 8 + hours after we began the journey.

The party in Beeville was wonderful! So many people to see. It felt like one large family. All the riders together. Everyone joined by the passion to ride for MS.

It was difficult getting back in the saddle again on Sunday. At about 135 miles my computer died. I didn’t even know my speed. We knew there would be a head wind for the day, but after battling one the day before, it took every ounce of energy to make the ride. More heat. More Sun. More physical toile.

I crossed the line at 12:05, sunburned, sun poisoned, sprained knee, and saddle sores. Never before has this ride taken so much out of me. There were 12 year veterans who agreed it was the toughest MS150 they had done. The good thing is we all agreed it was worth it and will do it again.

Thank you to Heather, Karlen, and Tara for the honor of riding for them. I hope one day we don’t have to ride for this any more. Bob and Pat I don’t know how I would have made this all work out without your help. Everyone who donated, be proud. You are helping to make a difference. Thank you Kris for making the trip. I know it will all pay off when we ride out of Fresno in the spring.

If you have not yet made a donation, please consider it. You can donate at http://ms150.org/b2b/donate/donate.cfm?id=170999 through next month. I have approximately $2,000 and would like to add just another $500 if possible. For those of you in my $100 club, your photos will be in the mail with in the week.

I promise to be back in touch soon. There is so much going on and I promise my efforts with the MS Society have only just begun. Keep your eyes posted for more information.

To all of you. Be Well, Be Healthy, and most of all Be Happy!

The Journey Has Begun! 1650 miles to the finish line!

2005-09-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

This will be my final pre-ride message to you. The journey to the finish line has already begun, and now all I have to do is meet up at the Start line this coming Saturday. Last Tuesday my bike began the journey to San Antonio via FedEx Ground. Today it is in Dallas, and should be delivered Tuesday. It will be reassembled and inspected, then ready to make the last 150 mile trip toward the finish.

As it stands right now I have fundraised just over $1,400. It is a far stretch from my overall goal of $5,000 for this year. For those of you who know me, this is a tough one to accept. I am very goal oriented and MS as you know is close to my heart. Training for this years ride has been the most difficult of any so far. When you ride with a group you have pace. When you ride alone, you have to find your own drive. When you ride with a group, there are people to talk with and encourage you. When you ride alone, you speak inside your head and the only one to take you that extra mile is you. When you ride with a group, you feel the spirit of the team drive you. When you ride alone, you wish there was someone there beside you. The point being, this year’s training alone has been rough, but I refuse to give up.

In the past few weeks we have all seen tremendous human survival stories. With the odds against people faced with enormous tragedy, they have found the will to overcome and begin anew. It will take time, but the pain of these tragedy’s will go away. For those with MS, the only thing that ever goes away is another day when they can live without pain. Their life gets shorter and they lose another day to enjoy being pain free and having a normal life.

Right now My focus is to raise as much money as possible before the deadline. Let’s face it, I need your help. Whatever you can afford to donate, please do. The fight against MS is just as important as the efforts we make every day to improve the lives of anyone who faces difficulties in life. So I ask, this week, please do what you can. Every small donation becomes part of the larger effort. It hurts to lose our physical possessions, but we can get them back in one form or another and the pain subsides. When we lose our ability to live a normal pain free life, all one can do is wait for the day there is a cure. For those I ride for, for all the people who suffer from MS, and for those who tomorrow will learn that they have it, please do what you can. Thank you.

Donations can be made at the following link: http://ms150.org/b2b/donate/donate.cfm?id=170999

In the face of tragedy, how can I keep on asking?

2005-09-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

So this is a difficult update to write. I’ve been thinking harder than any other how to say what needs to be said in a way that doesn’t diminish in any way what this country has been through and the pain and anguish still felt today.

I’m very far away from my goal of $5,000 right now. It hurts. I have to be honest about that. You know I am a goal driven person, and for me not reaching a goal is painful. But with all that’s gone on how can I continue to ask for your dollars in support.

Well, this is how I believe I can. First off, if you feel inclined to give to the Red Cross, or charity that you feel will benefit Katrina victims, then please do so. Be generous. You will see immediate results. These people need a short term fix to their situation. With that said, please save just a few dollars, say $10 or so and make a donation to a long term relief project, the battle to rind a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. Katrina victims will rebound, start new lives, replace the things that are now gone from their lives. This won’t take long, a few months or a year and life will be back to normal for them. For those who have MS, life won’t be normal until either a cure or a preventative measure can be created. So we need to keep on raising funds for MS research because that is the long road ahead. We’ll always look behind over our shoulder at points in time of great suffering, Katrina, 9/11, World Wars, etc., but what we can not forget to do is continue to forge ahead down the long road life has paved out in front of us. I see it this way, recently I’ve spoken to friends who had challenges present themselves into their lives, they had options, let the challenge overcome them or overcome the challenge and plot out a promising future for themselves. Well, they blinked for a moment at the past and then stared the future in the face. Today they are living their dreams, doing what they want to do on their terms, and are happy because the past did not drag them down. The past keeps us balanced, the future keeps us challenged. All of your help and support of MS will make it easier foe those who live with it every day to meet that challenge and one day overcome the long lasting effects MS has on its victims. I don’t think I will meet my goal this year, but with your support we can get a little closer. Please make a donation. We ride out in 20 days. One mile at a time.

http://ms150.org/b2b/donate/donate.cfm?id=178965

Please don't forget we do this for them.

3 Thorns, 2 Tires, 1 Heck of a rough ride!

2005-08-24T21:50:00.000-07:00

3 Thorns! Imagine me amazement when my front tire goes flat 7 miles into what was turning out to be one of my strongest training rides yet. I turned out of the wind and was gearing up to pickup speed. I ride into the wind outbound and enjoy a nice tail wind on the way back. I was riding at about 17mph and started cranking up for about a 23mph pace then Pfffffffffffff. I had noticed a white dot on my tire about a quarter mile before but it wasn’t until I came to a stop that I realized it was a thorn. Once I had the tire off I realized it wasn't one thorn but two! So there I sit on the side of a busy 4 lane road changing the tire. No one slows down, no one stops to lend help, even two Police cars went by without even slowing. So, now I have the tire repaired and I go to replace it and that’s when I heard Pfffffffffffff. Now the back tire was flat. Luckily I had one last spare.

Now $100 later I have brand new tires, trued wheels, and some piece of mind that I won’t have those thorn punctured tires to worry about in FIVE Weeks. Whoa, only FIVE more weeks till the MS 150! Where has this season gone? My ticket’s booked. I’ve decided how to ship my bike. Made car reservations. I even bought new riding shorts. So, we are well on the way.

THANK YOU to everyone who has donated so far! I’ve collected $1,135 so far. I can’t thank you enough for helping out. For those of you who have not yet donated, please consider helping out. You can in a number of ways. A donation of any size is appreciated and can be made on line by clicking any of the links on this page. I still have plenty of photo’s for $100 donations. See the images below. I’ve added one more for Fresno.

Another way you can help out is to forward this message on to as many people you believe will help support the effort. As I have said, just 500 people with $10 donations will get us to the goal. Let them know that my efforts are only a small part of the solution to finding a cure for MS. Their help fuels the research, care and support that Heather, Karlen, and Tara need to live fulfilling lives as they wait for the solution to the disease that makes each day a new challenge. Do it for them and all of the others who suffer and long for normality to return to their lives.

So, in the spirit of being here in Fresno, I am offering up my closest Ansal Adams attempt at Yosemite. You now have four photo options for your 8 X 10.

Follow the link to http://ms150.org/b2b/donate/donate.cfm?id=170999 to make a donation.
It only takes a minute and will make you feel good about what you have done. Only $3, 865 to go! With your help we can make a difference, together.

Thank You!

Why this means so much.

2005-08-11T22:39:00.000-07:00

I’ve updated you on my ride progress, now I think it is time to put faces with the names and to tell the stories. These three people are the reason I am pushing myself harder than ever this year. I’d like for you to get to know them.

I can honestly say that if there is some greater force that has a purpose in life, it is what brought Heather Buchanan and I together. On a hot July night in Arlington two years ago, I was pulled over by a blue VW Bug, while driving an MS150 Pickup truck. A young woman approached me and asked if I worked for the MS Society. Once I told her who I was and the riding I did, she began to cry and thank me. You see Heather had a terrible day with her MS. As a matter of facet, it was the worst year of her life. She was seven months into her diagnosis and life was not the same. I just saw Heather last week. A year later life was getting better, she had begun a new drug that had great promise. Heather felt almost 100%, but then Tysabri, made by Biogen was pulled off the market worldwide. Days are a little more difficult no, but hopefully for everyone with MS Tysabri returns to market soon.

One of the greatest families I have had the pleasure of meeting are the McLean’s. I guess I really should have never met them because one day when I made a sales call on Cliff, I believe he was ready to kick this salesperson out like he does many others, but we hit it off and have been good friends a long time now. Cliff’s brother Drake is married to Karlen, and she has MS. She is also an editor of Eyecare Business, so I’ll do my best to keep the typos down.

Karlen began her career with relapsing-remitting MS over 16 years ago. Two weeks after a 110 foot scuba dive her balance was off, she swerved when walking, her feet felt like they were being held over a blowtorch, and finally Karlen lost most of the function of her right arm. Now, after 16 years, MS really hit Karlene mentally. Before, it was a physical struggle to get through. Once she was through it I could be days, weeks, or months, before remembering MS was part of her life. Now,having MS is a lifelong commitment: a reminder when Karlen injects herself everyday that MS will always be with her. Karlen is now on her first month of Copaxone therapy. So far, so good, no adverse reactions other than an ache at the injection site for about a half-hour after injecting. She starts her day with a needle and a prayer. One is that there is a viable, well-tolerated oral med for MS soon. The other is that we find a cure in her lifetime. Not just for Karlen, but for everyone MS has touched, including the medical community, friends, and loved ones.

Now, for the person we all owe a lot to, Tara Raabe. You see, without Tara, you would not be getting the awesome prints I send out to donors. Why you ask? Well Tara works for the lab that does all of my printing. She is the greatest. There are times when I ask for more than I should and she always comes through. Now, the shoe is kind f on the other foot. Tara was diagnosed this year with MS. She’s been through a lot of testing, never fun. She’s dealing with what having MS is going to mean to her life. MS doesn’t just arrive one day and stays the same. Once you know you have it, you’re well aware that it is going to rob you of a good number of the things that make you, you.Tara’s done a lot for me, and now I want to help her. Maybe, just maybe the donation you make can help make her bad days better, and her good days great. Plus, if you make a donation that earns you a print, you know Tara will take care so you get an incredible photograph.

Well, I hope you can understand my dedication to raise money and awareness for the battle against MS. I truly believe that in my lifetime, and with your support, the medical community can and will find not only cures but also preventions so that no one has to suffer from MS again. I’m riding because tight now, they can’t, but I hope that one day they can. Maybe it’s not riding a bike, but it could be as simple as doing the things that MS has robbed them of. The small moments in life when the pain keeps them from joining in. The large moments in life when MS keeps them from being fully the person they are. It’s with our help and support that they will one day receive their lives back from MS. Until then we need to keep the effort up. While I’m on the road this year, I’ll be wearing bandanas signed by all three of these strong women and their supporters. When you make a donation I hope you will also keep them and all the others who’s lives have been touched by MS.

Right now I am far from my goal. I need your help. They need your help. Please do whatever you can to help make this year the most successful effort I have made for them. Click on a photo to make a donation. Contact me if you’d like to send a check. Pass this on to everyone you know. Please help do whatever you can to help. – As always Thank you. Until the next update be well. - Scott

Donation Link: http://ms150.org/b2b/donate/donate.cfm?id=170999

Thank You Lance!

2005-07-25T22:19:00.000-07:00

Thank you Lance for such a great Birthday Gift! I always wanted you to win your final tour on my Birthday. I’ve dreamed of this since I was a young child. Wait a minute, I’m older than you, how could that have been? Never the less, do you realize what Lance has really accomplished with this triumph?

Bicycle sales have increased 10 –17% in the past few years. USA Cycling's membership has jumped by 30 percent since Lance won his first Tour in 1999. Just think about the overall impact alone on children worldwide who want to put down the videogame controller and get on a bike. Just think of what could happen to childhood obesity if these kids just rode 10 miles a day. Just imagine the impact they can have as they grow older and participate in riding events that help as many people as the MS 150 helps in the Lone Star State alone. I believe the true impact of Lance’s actions won’t even be fully felt for another five to 10 years when we have such a great riding mentality in America, that bicycling becomes more of a habit than a hobby.

I’m happy to announce that I now have $450 in donations. The photos are on their way, don’t you want yours? All it takes is a $100 donation. I realize that not everyone can afford the $100 so if you get 5 people to make donations of any amount you too will receive a print for your effort. How cool is that? Click on one of the photo’s to make a donation. Remember that this is a team effort. I’m doing the best I can to ride in this 105 degree heat. Everything is different training here. It is harder. Hot, stagnant, dust filled air finds its way to your lungs. I’ve never complained training for this ride, but this year’s heat wave has been brutal, but I’m not stopping until I’m ready for the ride. Please help in your own way. Your donations mean so much to those who would give everything to be able to get on a bike and ride. If you don’t donate for me, please donate for them. This years ride means more than any before, be part of it with me.

Go to http://ms150.org/b2b/donate/donate.cfm?id=170999 to make a donation. Remember you will recieve a photo from me.

Have a great week, and take a moment to think about what it would mean to Lance if you got on a bike.

Building One Rider at a Time

2005-07-11T22:12:00.000-07:00

Well, 12 weeks to go and I am doing 20 plus mile weekend rides along with at least 2 weekday rides of at least an hour a piece. My average mileage is up from last year. Right now I am averaging about 16.5 miles per hour which for me is great! Plus now I have at least one other Clear Channel Cyclist to ride with. This is Ron Gardner Assistant News Director at CBS 47. Ron is actually a competitive rider, so riding with me must have been like riding with a turtle, but none the less, we had a great time getting to know one another. Actually Ron blew out not one but two tires on the ride. Luckily I had an extra spare. It’s great having someone to ride with. Some days I would rather that than have to listen to the voices in my head while I am on the road.

I’m happy to announce that I now have $350 in donations. I am already printing photo’s to send out. You can see them below. Wouldn’t you just love to have one for yourself or as a wonderful gift? All it takes is a $100 donation. No I realize that not everyone can afford the $100 so if you get 5 people to make donations of any amount you too will receive a print for your effort. How cool is that? You can click on one of the photo’s to make a donation. Please remember that this is a team effort. I can use all the help I can, so please take a moment to pass along this email to anyone you feel can help with the effort.

It’s heating up here in Fresno. Beginning this week we will be in the 100+ degree season, so from now through the end of August, almost middle of September the days will be hot and dry. I can’t complain though because there is very little if no humidity so not only will I have no hair issues, I’ll also have a lot of great riding days. Early morning on the weekends and evening sprints.

Here are the three choices for 8X10's. Click this link to make a donation, http://ms150.org/b2b/donate/donate.cfm?id=178965 All support is greatly appreciated.

Have a great week! Think of those that you love. Think of those who's lives have been touched by negative events. Think of those who have less than we do. Most of all though, THINK.

Old Friends, New Friends, And What keeps us linked together.

2005-06-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

Opportunity, that’s what life holds for us. The opportunity to be involved in the lives of others and to have connections that go far beyond time, place, or distance is one of life’s greatest gifts. It’s been 14 years since I graduated from what was then the Film/Video program at R.I.T. Last Saturday I packed up my Jeep and drove to Hermosa Beach for a Film/Video reunion. It’s one of life’s joys that we can reconnect with others as though we last saw each other yesterday. Tales of adventure, relationships, careers, and stories of “remember when” filled the room. The energy was invigorating and made me feel at home in a place I barely knew. Although we all look a little older, the connection remains. It’s like your favorite comfort food.

So there I am in the sunset on the pier at Hermosa Beach having just visited with with the people I was with when I first began to go down the road of creating professional images and realized what better thing to do than pull out my camera and capture the moment, so here you have your third choice of photo for your $100 donation. I’ve named it “Sundown Hermosa” and the colors and contrast are great. You can almost smell the ocean air. So if you make the donation, the 8 X 10 is yours. Next week I will put all photo’s side by side for you to see. Just Click Here to Donate.

The Fresno MS150 meeting went better than I could have expected! I really feel that we will pull off a marquee event for the area. We have the support of the local cycling teams and bike stores. Our next step is to determine a route. This is not an easy task. It needs to be fun, somewhat scenic if possible, and ride-able by cyclists of all levels. As I learned on my way to LA, the only way out of the Central Valley is up and through the mountains. This could be a challenge, but I am confident that we can find a way. I’ll continue to keep everyone updated on my Blog.

Finally this week, have a wonderful 4th of July weekend. Spend a moment reflecting on what has made the US a great place to live. Remember how you got to where you are today, and what keeps you linked together to everyone else in your life.

Shake, Rattle and Roll!

2005-06-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

Carnac The Magnificent says:

“I didn’t feel a thing.”
Scott’s reaction to 4 earthquakes in one week.
“Am I invited?”
Scott’s question regarding the Jackson victory party at Neverland Ranch.
“$4,900”
The amount remaining to raise in the next 16 weeks.

What a week! Everyone tells me we never get earthquakes in Fresno, but from my observations of locals, when they get concerned over 4 in one week, it’s time to pay attention. Buy property in Fresno, it’s bound to become beachfront! What an opportunity! Unfortunately being 5 hours or so away from Neverland made it impossible for me to participate in the release of doves and party for MJ. Oh, well, my loss right? California certainly is interesting, that’s for sure.
I had a great ride just this morning. 18 miles and again wind in all directions. I will certainly be ready for day 2 of the ride across the flats riding into the coastal winds from the finish line.

Fundraising is underway, so now is as good a time as any to get involved. As usual you can get Moo for $100, but I am also adding another print to the mix. This photo was taken near sundown on a ranch just outside of San Antonio. I have one framed between glass in a floating frame. It looks great! Wouldn’t you like one for your home or office? A $100 donation gets you an 8X10 print. Your other challenge for this year is to get 5 people make donations. If they donate, you receive a 5X7 print of your choice. So, please pass this email on and please help me to reach my $5,000 goal for this year.

Click this link to donate: http://ms150.org/b2b/donate/donate.cfm?id=178965

Next week I’ll report on our first meeting to begin preparations for the MS150 Fresno 2006. I had hoped we would make the ride to Pismo, but due to available routes we may have to go somewhere else. So that adventure begins. I’ve also started a Blog to keep everyone updated. But you know that because you are here reading it now. Finally, don’t forget that Father’s Day isn’t only one day a year. This goes the same for Mom. We should cherish the love of our parents. So as we move away from the Hallmark days, don’t forget to love every day. Have a great week!

My First Chapter

2005-06-16T22:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I believe I now have a way to reach out and be reached in a form that allow's everyone to participate. So Cool! I've work to do now, but will quickly fill this with the stoy of my life as it unfolds in this new uncharted territory on the left coast of America.

If you see this let me know, and don't forget to show your Dad some love this weekend.

Scott