“I could die.”
“You’re not going to die.”
“But I could. I haven’t been on a bike in a decade.”
“Yeah, you’re probably going to die.”
That was the conversation I had back in 2008 before doing my first MS150 ride. For those unfamiliar, the MS150 is 150 mile bicycle ride that starts in Proctor, MN, just outside of Duluth, on a Saturday in June and ends the next evening somewhere in the Twin Cities metro area, usually at the top of what feels like a small mountain. The ride raises awareness of MS and proceeds go to benefit the MS Society of MN. This year’s ride is this Saturday and Sunday, 8-9 June, 2013 and will be my sixth year riding.
I’m still not sure I won’t die. 🙂
In years past, I have bombarded my friends and family with constant Facebook messages pleading for donations for weeks or months before the event. I’m not doing that this year. I decided to do something just a little different. First, on 14 June, I’m going to draw names of two donors, each of whom will receive a Target gift card as a thank you for supporting me and, more importantly, the cause. Secondly, I’m giving you the opportunity to decide something personal; whether or not I shave before the event.
You see, over the winter I generally let my beard grow out and I think I’ve let it go for a bit longer than I generally do. As a result, it’s gotten rather long. Not quite Duck Dynasty long, but certainly longer than I’m used to. Normally I would shave it down to a goatee prior to this ride, but I’ve gotten so many comments on it that I’m going to leave it up to y’all. Make a donation and leave the comment “Shave it” or “Keep it.” Whichever has the most money attached to it by 0700 (7 AM) on Friday, 7 June, is what I’ll do.
You can donate at: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/Youngquist2013
Thanks in advance for your support!
