First, I would like to thank all who took a financial and personal interest in supporting me on this adventure. The Multiple Sclerosis Society has done a great job tapping into the energy and spirit of cyclists, as was demonstrated by the momentous donations from individuals and cycling teams. The Harpeth Cycling Club represented by 20+ members, raised over $30,000. The event included over 600 riders and probably an additional 100 volunteers and workers behind the scenes,
making things happen. We rode approximately 75 miles from Page High School in Franklin, through scenic farm lands and ranches to Motlow Community College in Lynchburg. That evening at the awards ceremony, we were catered to with a BBQ pork and chicken dinner up on the hill at Jack Daniel’s Distillery, complete with live bluegrass music and JD. The following day we rode back to Franklin.
From a personal perspective, this was one of the friendliest rides I have yet been on. Below are some of the stories and pictures of my adventure.
I signed up for the MS150 out of encouragement from some of my fellow riders, however, because of ever demanding pressure on personal time, no one else from our club was able to make it. I went knowing only of two others, Mary Helen and Genie, whom I had met on BRAT just two weeks before. Yet I returned with dozens of new friends.
I started out by underestimating my drive time to Franklin. Arriving late, unsure as to where to go and all the logistics of registration, I was one of the last ones to roll out. Turning right out of the school parking lot I sprinted to catch up to the group. Immediately I spied a red tandem with riders sporting a uniquely designed “American Flyers” jersey.
This was the group Genie and Mary Helen had warned, I mean “told” me about. So great, I felt like I had someone to ride with. And so as I rode, I told about some of their members I had met at BRAT. After sizing me up (spying the Mardi Gras beads and pint of Jaggermistger that I carried), an energetic guy, whom I would soon learn was Tucker, made me an Honorary American Flyer member for the ride. Wow, so now I was really in….So as I inquired as to Mary Helen and Genie, they said they were riding the “long” route and went on to explain that that route went LEFT out of the school parking lot not RIGHT! Now I didn’t drive 150 miles to ride the “short” route….I wanted my money’s worth. So after quick hellos and goodbyes, I turned about-face and sprinted back past the school and on to the long route, now a full 15 minutes behind the last rider.
Peddling hard for about 5 miles but not going as fast as I felt I should, I pulled over to find my brake had come loose and was rubbing. With no specialized tools to tighten it, I use one of my bike number wire ties to hold the pad off the wheel. This was actually my first bit of good fortune, for as I made repairs, a biker passed me from behind. Now once again with someone to ride with, I caught up and asked if I might grab onto her wheel for a bit and that together we could make up for lost time. I soon learned this was Vida Greer, of the Grand Fondo bike shop, a very very strong 250
mile/week rider! Trading off lead, together we moved well up into the riding pack. Along the way she introduced me to several other riders, including Dee Davis, Ironman in training! Further on up as we ascended Pull Tight Road to the top hill and joined up with the Harpeth Cycling Team. At the top we stopped to appreciate the vista and a group shot. Then came time to collect on the dues we paid to reach the summit and I clock my 43 mph Superman. The morning was spent visiting with many riders against the backdrop of rolling farm land.
By 11:00, we rolled into a Fireman’s training
academy for salad and spaghetti, and there was Tucker, Carolyn, Julie, Marty, Dave, Mary Helen, Genie, Club Med and the rest of my newly adopted American Flyers Family! Loaded with a full tank, we rolled out. Passing up Mr. Bunny, and wearing Mardi Gras beads myself, I was reminded of Team Roadkill from BRAG who adorned those who had fallen by the roadside with a set of beads. And so now it was my turn to carry on their tradition. Later I learned that this was the comic relief so many riders needed as they approached the end of a long day’s ride. Our final two miles to Motlow College was a 750ft climb. We arrived to cheering crowds, maracas, and our duffle bags complete with unassembled tents. A quick stop to the Port-a-John and twenty minutes of searching,
we found the perfect grassy spot to pitch tent (note to self: when looking for a spot also take notice of proximity to the million watt street lamps not readily apparent in early afternoon hours).
After a welcomed hot shower, Mary Helen and Genie returned to find the tent fairies had almost figured out how to setup their tent. The afternoon passed visiting friends met at Jail Break, BRAT, and BRAG (even John, aka Clark Kent, was there).
For the evening party we were bussed up the hill to Jack Daniel’s Distillery for an awards ceremony to give thanks and recognition to teams and individuals. There I met Uncle Bernie and his wife, in-laws of Scott Roser, our
team Wingman. We were catered to a BBQ pork and chicken dinner complete with live bluegrass music and all the JD you could drink.
While one would not think of bluegrass as dance music, the magical powers of Jack cast a spell on many and soon we had a Congo line weaving through the pavilion. And so the night went on.
Camping weather was perfect with temperatures dropping into the 50’s. After a great breakfast and a hot cup of coffee for Mary Helen, most of us were ready to ride again. I say “most” as the tent fairies failed to leave disassembly instructions, and after an episode of “can’t find my heart monitor” and two changes of exactly what warmers to wear, we were at last ready to hit the road (“last” being the operative word once again).
After a quick pace of clicking off the miles and so many “on your lefts” we caught up with the American Flyers at Rest Stop #2. And nothing is better than ice cream at 8:30am than being deserving of it.
With the American Flyer Team fully assembled we did a little practice paceline before rolling again. Tucker then led the 20 man paceline in Drill Sergeant style to which echoed the responsive chant “Now your mother wears Army boots…”. The speed set by the tandem I found challenging to keep pace with.
Slow while riding up the hills, but upon the crest, move aside and be ready to drop into the paceline for a quick decent. And so we rode the early morning, occasionally getting spread out but gathering back at the rest stops.
Along the way we had a couple celebrities to join us included Jack and Flat Stanley.
The last 20 miles we broke into smaller groups. Victor needed to get back to Memphis and skipped the final rest stops so rolled on ahead, Carolyn and Julie began to require more frequent tandem cooche breaks and dropped off, while Dave and Marty maintained a solid pace on their Hybrids. Club Med, Mary Helen, Genie and I took turns pulling the paceline up each of the final hills.
Arriving back at Page High School, we were once again treated to cheers and a fantastic roast beef and potato lunch.
After exchange of emails and hugs, some headed for a much deserved massage while others took to the road for home.
58 degrees
68 degrees
