We were a bit concerned about the weather starting out.  The drizzle was a bit ominous.  However, we took it in stride and the adrenalin was still flowing.  Vitamin Shoppe had its own start at 10am.  Harrison was on hand clicking away, which was nice considering he forgot us 25ers last year (snicker).  We were 25ish strong ranging from the young (Sabir’s son – 7 years of age) to the old (I will not give out my age).  Heart racing, we all took off at an incredible 13 miles per hour until we reached the corner.  We then realized no one in front was wearing their glasses, so no one could read the directions.  So taking the lead was the Bagwell boys.  They led us around the first turn, the second turn, the third, then they were no where to be found (Speed demons).  Thank goodness for the police and motorcycle bikers.  Initially the rest of us averaged a nice 9 – 12 miles per hour, cruising along admiring the beautiful homes along the way.  Then we hit the ocean (better yet, check out those surfer dudes!)  The view was wonderful.

As we plugged along I started to notice a water bottle here, a reflector there and I mentioned it to the rider next to me.  He laughed and told me not to worry, “as long as we don’t see a jersey on the ground, it’s all good”.  As some of us came up to one of the lights, one of our friends did an Artie Johnson impersonation (Laugh-In circa 1968-73, I could here the music as she fell to the side).  It was definitely a good chuckle. 

Now we are about 1/3 of the way.  The rest stop is still 7 miles away and it seems so far, but we’re still good.  The ocean is beautiful.  Now we are starting to recognize the motorcycle bikers crossing us.  Nice people (someone had to keep use from getting killed).  Four more miles….my butt hurts.  Two more miles…damn I’m thirsty.  One more mile…my butt hurts.  We’re there!  It’s only been an hour and a half but all of us fight for position on the line for the port-a-potty.  We caught up with some of our group who had gotten lost and somehow beat us there (go figure).

It’s time to venture back.  As we started riding along, I noticed many of us were now riding slower.  As the ride got harder so did reading the directions.  L & R are self explanatory, but what the heck is QL or S?  Who wrote these directions!  Riding along we were amazed to find some of our team members cheating by cutting across the street to cut off an entire section of the ride.  I wasn’t sure if I was annoyed or jealous because I didn’t think of it first (you know who you are – ha ha).   

Keep pumping, keep pumping, just keep on pumping.  Now we’re getting tired and the wind has kicked up.  No matter which direction we are riding in, the wind is always in our face.  Five more miles to go.  Ok, so the guys on pencil thin tires,  with calves the size of my thighs , whizzing by us as we’re struggling to break 10 MPH, I couldn't begrudge… but the two young ladies chit-chatting that nonchalantly overtook us without so much as breathing hard, was a bit much to take.  Our hearts went out to the riders we saw at the sag vehicles getting their bikes repaired.  Keep pumping, keep pumping, just keep on pumping.  Oh look, the same houses.  Now it’s down to three miles to go and I still haven’t had my heart attack.  Riders are coming along side of me yelling “you’re almost there” trying to encourage me on.  One more mile, my legs are on fire.  Then VICTORY!

What a feeling of accomplishment, everyone should be proud to have participated no matter how far they rode.  For me, being a second timer, it was so nice to see the Vitamin Shoppe Family grow so large this year.  I can’t wait to see how many off spring we have next year.

I would personally like to extend a heart felt thank-you to the MS society (and its associated sponsors) for organizing yet another great event.  As usual, food and drink was a plenty.  However, let’s remember what a good cause it is and worthy of support.  As for Vitamin Shoppe; Bike shirts, t-shirts, bottles, goodies, rides, organized assistance, what can I say.  I’m proud to be part of the Vitamin Shoppe Team!

Let me say one more thing; 170 my butt (literally)… 25 is enough!  Now my legs are burning (as Shane would say “a good burn”).  I can’t believe that I am the only person who went home popped some Advil, lay in a hot bath and have a stiff drink (or many) or even just passed out cold.  We all did ourselves proud, congratulations to you all.

Hope to see you all next year!  Ride on!