MS Bike Ride 2017

   May carries with it certain traditions. The Kentucky Derby, Mother's Day, the Indy 500, Memorial Day.   At Mountain Fitness there's another annual rite: the "Coast the Coast Bike Ride," at Monmouth University, the third Saturday each May, to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
   Fund-raising begins in winter with our annual Bowling Night, and continues with our popular charity basketball pool in March. Many family and club members are very generous in making individual contributions as well. With the help of many people, we raised $2000 for the MS Society this year.
   The ride itself can be casual or challenging, depending on the distance you choose, and the intensity you ride. Most of our team opts for the 25-mile ride, from West Long Branch to Belmar, while others do the 50-miler, down to Brielle and back. There is also an 85-mile, single day ride and a 170-mile weekend ride, with an overnight stay over at Pinelands High School.
    The weather is always an issue. In the 12 years we've been participating, we've never had a torrential downpour. But (this year included) there have been steady drizzles, as well as that trademark Jersey Shore headwind, that seems to come from every direction!
    I'm a Monmouth grad, and lived down the Shore for 10 years, so the ride is very familiar turf for me. I've run or biked pretty much every inch of it at some point of my life, and you pass many Jersey Shore milestones along the way. There's definitely an early-summer "the party's about to start," feeling about the place as you cruise through. Another interesting thing is how the character of each town is so different: Deal, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach, Belmar. Each has a very distinctive character. You know when you've gone from one town to the other.
    I do the ride on my Trek "hybrid." It's got fairly wide tires for stability, and is not a racing bike, by any means. You pedal and pedal, especially into the wind, and never coast or cruise. It's good work for your quads.
     There's definitely some serious riders involved, and many more who do it for the MS Society's cause. It's particularly touching and inspiring to see those afflicted with MS partaking in the event, surrounded by family and friends.
    There's a lunch afterward, and just a very friendly vibe, overall. You know you're helping a good cause, but your getting a lot out of it as well.
        The organization, fund-raising and logistics are a lot of work each year. However, the feeling you get through the event, and particularly after, are well worth it!