by Michael Provost, Director, Technical Services, Vitamin Shoppe

The Vitamin Shoppe recognizes that good health leads to a great life.  That’s why we are sponsoring the Cycling for Health training program, and are working with the Mid-Jersey Chapter of the National MS Society to promote effective cycling and training for the "Coast the Coast" 2006 MS Bike Tour.

One great resource I have bookmarked and used for my training is active.com.  Featuring a diversity of tips for many sports, I search active.com for nutrition and training tips and also to seek advice from the pros on how to become stronger for bike tours like ours. “The Best Cycling Advice” features great and pragmatic cycling tips from Mike Sayers of Health Net and Michael Carter, a US Davis Cycling Coach.  I wanted to highlight a comment by Mike Sayers, who said, “Learn what you’re good at and focus on that... not everyone can spring.  You have to be honest with yourself and excel where you can.  That doesn’t mean give up or don’t try because everyone can race despite their weaknesses when they’re really fit.”

Great advice, Mike! 

We want you to have a great time when you train with the "Cycling for Health" program.  You’ll be with friends, family, and biking buddies who have all decided to share their time and energy to help fight MS.  We don’t want you to get hurt, and we’ll be there to help you succeed.  Visit active.com for great cold-weather riding tips to help stay warm, and even tips that will help our teammates learn about preventing bone-density loss.  We believe in the power of knowledge, and The Vitamin Shoppe is so proud that you are on board, making a difference in your life and those of others.  Thank you.

Please e-mail me at if you want to join us on May 20-21.  In the meantime, I hope to see you on one of the practice runs organized by MS bike marshals as we participate in the “Cycling for Health” program.