Staying Positive

Duncan presenting Mariah with an official Bike the US for MS shirt

Last night a young lady stopped by the campground to thank us for what we were doing. At the young age of 17 she was diagnosed with MS. She is only 25 years old now. She spoke to use about how MS has redefined her young life. She was very articulate and I learned a number of new things about how MS affects the body and how it is very different for each person. She was an incredibly positive person, “She has MS but MS doesn’t have her.“ She is why we ride.

A photo moment

The routine is getting old and I’m anxious to get home but I know I need to remain positive. The scenery hasn’t changed much other than the road wasn’t as flat today. Actually I enjoy rolling terrain more than flat roads. We had 75 miles today and I felt strong and completed the milage in about 6 1/2 hours. Tomorrow we have a 97 mile day and I hope it isn’t a problem. The wind shouldn’t be an issue and I usually get a little excited to enter a new state. We’ll be in Iowa tomorrow. I may ride with a few different people tomorrow to try and break up the day.

The whole congregation breaks bread with us.

Tonight we’re staying in Orion, IL. A Methodist Church is hosting us and the Baptist Church has fed us. I love these small rural towns. People really seem to look out for each other and they are usually very welcoming.