I know it caused alot of bad feelings when they first implemented the $400 minimum, but it came about mostly due to the restriction on the number of riders. TxDOT limits them to 13,000 riders due to some of the roads we go down and the amount of traffic chaos the ride causes in the places we pass through. Also, construction at the fairgrounds in LaGrange has limited the available space there as well. Given that the event is first and foremost a fundraiser for the National MS Society, they put into place the minimum to make sure that people signing up and taking up the limited number of spots in the ride actually did raise funds for the cause. Up to that point, they annually had a lot of people sign up early to get a spot, and then never ride or raise any funds, or ride and take up resources, but not fundraise. Meanwhile, there were others wanting to ride and raise funds who were unable to get a spot. It really isn't that hard to raise $400...just put up a sign beside your desk and ask coworkers. Put a link to your donation page at the bottom of your email signature. Ask for donations instead of birthday presents from family.

The great part about the ride is that you don't really have to ride 83 miles...you have to ride about 10-11 miles 8 times. The breakpoints are frequent enough and you can grab some food and refill your bottles and get back on for another 10 mile ride. If you break it down in your mind like that, it becomes much more manageable mentally. Nothing but saddle time will really make it more manageable on your back side though...Good Luck!