Our 2017 MS Bike Tour
Jul 14, 2017
On June 10th and 11th of 2017, Active Physio Works- Team Rehabilitation saddled up for their second year riding in the MS Bike Tour from Leduc to Camrose. This event sees nearly 2000 individuals coming together to ride 180km over two days, in support of research to help end the devastating disease we know as Multiple Sclerosis.
This year our team was made up of over 50 members of all different backgrounds and abilities. This was similar to our efforts last year, but I think we managed to bring a whole new level of motivating and awe-inspiring individuals to build our comradery amongst us. As a team, we were able to come together to raise well above our initial fundraising goals and really show our main motivation for participating, COMMUNITY. Although, in the last 2 years alone, our team was able to raise $107,000 ($65,000 this year), it is truly the connection we have made with each other and the community that drives us to continue our fight.
Our team truly knows the meaning of FIGHT. There are many individuals who shy away from the physical challenge of riding 180km, or even 90km. I believe this is due to fear of failure. Luckily for our team this is not the case. Failure or not, it is the FIGHT that counts. The same goes for those individuals affected by Multiple Sclerosis. This year our team was made up of a few key fighters, all of whom we were fortunate enough to get to know through our Active Physio Works locations.
In 2014, Jared Henry was paralyzed and told he may never walk again. Beating those odds and learning how to walk again Jared continues to battle with his partial spinal cord injury. That did not stop him from riding with us this year. Jared’s ride stopped 3km short of 180km when his body went into physical exhaustion and moderate hypothermia. The most inspiring part of his story was his attitude towards the situation… He will be returning next year to FINISH the ride!
A frequent flyer in our clinics, Laura Weir is our next key FIGHTER. Laura has a traumatic brain injury. That has not stopped Laura from competing in 100’s of running races over her years. When I first suggested the ride to Laura she was optimistic, but had not had a bike in years. With the help of Crankys Bike Shop in St. Albert Laura found a single geared trike for the event. With over 18 hours of riding Laura finished the 180km, making for an awe-inspiring/ tear jerking finish for anyone who was there!
Lastly, our returning rider, our main motivation, Salina Bugeaud. Salina has multiple sclerosis. Her condition has progressed over the 2 years but that has not stopped her from joining team FIGHT, and this year in a BIG way. Salina was able to raise over $12,500 towards the fight to MS. This will allow her to participate in the ride of champions in September of 2018. When I first asked Salina about the ride of champions she was hesitant due to her physical function and potential for decline. Then she said YES, let us take it one step at a time. That for me was telling of how strong her and all of those affected my MS are. We love you Salina and family!
Lastly I should share a story of true community and support. 10km from the finish line a few members of our team stumbled across an individual with mechanical problems. This gentleman was walking his bike. So a group of riders told him to saddle up, and pushed this individual, on his bike, 10km, to the finish line. This gentleman had MS.
To all of the riders, donors, silent auction supporters, friends, family, MS Society members, volunteers, support, co-workers and the list goes on, THANK YOU. Thank you on behalf of Active Physio Works- Team Rehabilitation.
Should you wish to be a part of something truly special, something truly important, and would like to join our team in the 2018 MS Bike Tour, please contact me by emailing [email protected]
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