One MAD Ride

[XLFD]

For the last ten years, the  HELP Ministries  (Hands Extended Loving People) have hosted a bicycle ride right here in Mason County in the middle of August that offers rides of different lengths for the serious and not-so-serious bicyclist.  Starting in 2004, they offered a 100 mile course complete with six rest stops to refuel and rehydrate along the way, after offering smaller distances the first year it started the ride in 2003.  That's when it piqued my interest, and for that year and every year in between, my brother and I have rode in that  MAD (Make a Difference) ride, opting for the 100 mile course.

This year we both started for the ninth time on Saturday August 18, and I finished for the ninth time (my brother had a wheel malfunction one year, but has finished the eight other times.  I have found out that I have the unique distinction of being the only person who has rode the MAD 100 miles for each year, so I go the distance for being the most MAD rider in our county.

Those who have garaged their bicycles since they learned how to drive, probably cannot understand a person who could ride bicycle for six hours on a beautiful summer day, and who generally rides at least a couple hours each summer day.  Those who have taken up motorcycles as their ride of preference, can perhaps understand a little better what entertainment and mental calmness a ride out on your bike can bring you, but they still have not realized their full potential.

Only a bicyclist can fully understand the pleasures and richness of a bicycle ride.  On a paved country road, you get the full enjoyment of the sounds of nature, you see the various animals the walls of a vehicle cloister you from, you feel the wind course over your body and the wind means so much to you, because there is such a difference between a headwind and a tailwind when you're on a bicycle.

You appreciate the smells of nature even when they are a bit unpleasant, you feel the rush of your blood through your body, the heaving of your lungs, as you use both to propel yourself along.  You gauge a route not on how quick it will get to your destination, but on how hilly it is and how much other traffic you are likely to miss.

 

I make the time to be able to ride at least 4000 miles a year on my bicycle, and I have done that since before 2003, and whenever I do drive my vehicle during the riding season, I always get antsy and jealous when I see someone out riding while I'm stuck behind the wheel, instead of between the wheels.

If you can remember the thrill you had when you first got on that bicycle as a young kid and set it moving under your control, you can re-achieve that thrill by getting a bicycle and experience that childhood event anew.  And if people think you're mad for doing so, say that you will be at MAD next mid-August, riding your bicycle.  And if you are truly mad, you will go for the 100 miles.  But you better get lots of practice if you do.

[masonco]

I have donated to HELP ministries myself and received assistance from them too. Thought about contacting them for physical assistance with repairs etc, but could pay someone a little bit if I could only find someone to work.

XFLD you are paying more than taxes by serving people in such a noble way. Service is almost impossible to find today and being willing to ride or walk for a charity is awesome. Thank you.

[XLFD]

Thanks Masonco, and I feel a little bad about neglecting to mention all the help that HELP gets each year from community volunteers to man (and woman!) the rest stops, do all the administrative tasks, and keep the bicyclists happy when they're riding.  Each of the rest stops (mostly rural churches) had their own unique character, and varied the types of food and drink they had offered. 

I have went to three other places for hundred mile rides, and the MAD ride is definitely the best, and I always wish I could donate more money to this great organization that spends the money locally, and has helped so many people I know.