Never Stop... Never Quit...® - Bike MS with Caroline B

Maria & Caroline
Ready to start!

Day 1, Rest Stop 2
Jefferson Public Library

August 5th and 6th Caroline Blackledge, my friend for over 20 years, participated in Bike MS as part of Team Amulet in Willamette Valley, Oregon.

Caroline kept me updated on her progress as soon as she arrived to the grounds.  "I arrived at Bike MS Rider Village about two hours ago and am getting my dorm room set for the weekend. My sister Maria is joining me this year and I couldn't be more excited! We're sharing a dorm room, which will bring us back to our childhood."

I was so glad that Caroline had her sister with her to help make Bike MS even more for a special weekend. I hope they had a fun time together and enjoyed sharing a dorm room.



Day 1, Rest Stop 1 Mile 13
 Ankeny Wildlife Refuge

Being in the northwest the weather was a bit of a concern for the event. Caroline told me: "It will be in the low 90s this weekend (which beats the mid 100s from the past few days), but the air is also smoky due to wild fires up north."  This is not ideal for a biking event, or any event really. Caroline told me that the event leaders would keep watch of the conditions and make decisions as they saw fit.        



Day 1, Rest Stop 7
Burns Vista Ferry
Caroline & her students

Caroline was very excited to have a special group volunteering for Bike MS.



"This year I brought six of my AVID (college readiness) students. They will be volunteering at one of the rest stops and I'm so excited they're here! It's great to see them in this fun outside-of-school environment."  How wonderful that these students volunteered for such an event, and hopefully they will help raise MS awareness by telling their friends and family about their experience!

First day done! 91 miles!

Caroline biked 91 miles in the first day, which to me, is such an accomplishment! She was disappointed that she wasn't able to hit 100 miles, but the air conditions were not good and the bikers could not continue.  The second day Caroline rode alongside her sister Maria and they biked 19 miles! I can imagine how nice it was for them to be together for the second day and to encourage each other! 

Team Amulet's motto is "Never Stop... Never Quit..."® How appropriate for all of us with MS and all the riders! I am proud to  say that Caroline raised over $800.00!  And beyond amazing, Team Amulet raised $71,078.00!  Seems like their motto is working! Together, across the country, we can end MS!



Caroline & Maria
Around 10 miles in at the only rest stop

Day 2 - Maria & Caroline
Ready to Go!