This past weekend I choose to participate for a 5 th   time in the BP MS150.  Not only is this ride large in size with over 13000 riders but it also has the biggest impact by raising $14 million last year alone!

This year was especially special for me because it will be the last time my dad and my two oldest brothers will be riding together in this charity.  Little did we know that this would be the most physically demanding MS150 in the past decade, if not in the history of the tour.

The Ride

With the wind coming out of the WNW all weekend the four of us started out Saturday morning by winding through the seemingly endless packs of slow and inexperienced riders.  After just a few miles we had organized ourselves into a pace line (a line of riders with the intention of the front rider controlling the tempo and breaking the wind allowing for the rest of the riders to save as much as 60% of their energy).  With our well organized group we quickly cranked out the first 30 miles to lunch in Bellville.

After Lunch it was essentially every man for himself as we battled not only the wind but also the hills.  After the last rest stop we reorganized for the final push into Lagrange.  With the wind at our backs it was easy to keep up 26mph even with our tired legs.  Unfortunately, my day was not to be uneventful.  With a mere 10 yards left to the finish line my front tire blew out and I was forced to carry my bike the rest of the way.  I felt just like Cool Runnings (The Jamaican Bobsled Team).

Day 2 was much less eventful.  The traditional huge climb before the widow-maker where I think I hit 45mph!  Then the painful Bastrop State Park, followed by long miles of rolling hills where we had a huge 20 man pace line going, and finally the finish at the steps of the capitol.

This year I have raised over $1200 to fight the debilitating effects of Multiple Sclerosis and I look forward to next year!  

Matthew Robbins