I did the City to Shore MS150 this fall and it was a blast. Understand that training for the ride is the easy part. The real work is in the fundraising. It took a good bit of time, both before and after the ride. I sent out preprinted donation cards along with a personalized letter and used email to hit more people. After the ride, I sent out a thank you letter to everyone that donated. All this training and fundraising builds a sense of anticipation that is multiplied when you gather at the starting point for the ride. It is a festival-like atmosphere, with everyone in bright-colored clothes, many in team jerseys. I have never seen so many bikes in one place. The support was superb and the weather was perfect. I heartily recommend participating in an MS ride. In fact, my son, who will be 15 next fall, will be joining me on the 2003 ride. He will be getting in shape this spring, which of course is much easier at his age than it is for us old folks.

Just hope for good weather. Apparently, MS rides can attract some pretty dismal windy, rainy conditions. Unlike club rides, they don't get cancelled or rescheduled.