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Base cycling team raises 13k to fight multiple sclerosis

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Donna T. Jeffries
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Seventeen members of the McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Cycling Team raised more than $13,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in the annual two-day MS City to Shore Ride 2010. Another 18 from here volunteered with ground support.

The ride started Sept. 25 in Cherry Hill, N.J., where the team joined more than 7,000 other cyclists and the ground support crew joined forces with 1,200 volunteers. Collectively this year's event garnered nearly $5 million for the MS Society Greater Delaware Valley Chapter.

"A portion of the money raised will directly support the services we provide to the 13,000 people with MS in our local chapter area," said Lauren Trager, development coordinator for the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter. The rest of the money will help fund MS research, she said.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system where the body's immune system attacks itself; targeting the brain cells and spinal cord.

Composed of Air Force Reserve, active duty, Army and civilians, the Joint Base MDL's support was greatly appreciated both as cyclists and ground crew. Maj. Blane Howell organized the cyclists while Maj. John Koenig spearheaded the ground crew who were all reservists from the 514th Air Mobility Operations Squadron.

"We're tremendously grateful to their generosity of spirit and willingness to help our participants," said Tami Ceasar, president of the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter. She noted it was great of them "to give up their cherished free time."

The event was open to anyone and the cyclists ranged in age from 12 to 84 years. Ground crew volunteers began much younger with the most junior volunteer at this event being four, according to an event official.

While the cyclists rode up to 75 miles per day, the ground support kept the route safe with traffic marshals, provided encouragement, medical assistance and bike repair and kept the riders fueled at the rest stops by serving energy snacks and hydrating liquids. The support crew also broke down the tents and cleared the rest area at the end of the day.

"It makes a tremendous difference to have people who understand logistics and who know how to organize an effective system (of service)," said Ms. Ceasar, praising MDL's ground crew for its resourcefulness.

"We served for the cure," said Senior Master Sgt. Jim Polhemus, a first-year volunteer.

Next year the MDL Cycling ground crew volunteers would like to sponsor the entire Waterford rest stop that's located 20 miles from the starting/ending point said, Lt. Col. Paul Pinkstaff, ground volunteer.

"This is a great opportunity for the Human Resource Development Council" to become involved, he said.

As a testament of their charity of spirit, all 18 ground crew members have already signed on for next year's event although a few say they are looking to experience the cycling side of the event.

Those cyclists who completed the two-day event spent an average of 11 hours on their bikes covering 150 miles.

Seven of the riders road the Saturday Century route consisting of 100 miles the first day and 75 miles on Sunday, bringing their two-day total to 175 miles, said Major Howell.

"This (ride) was well supported and we had a lot enthusiasm," said Lt. Col. Maureen Fry, of the Army's Mobilized Unit Inprocessing Center of Excellence and top fundraiser for the MDL team.

"It's been wonderful. I encourage everyone to sign up for the 2011 ride," said Major Howell. "Practice rides will continue every Thursday meeting at 4:30 p.m. from Building 2202 and Saturday at 8 a.m. from the Olde World Bakery in Eastampton, N.J., until the weather gets too bad," he said.

Those interested can get more information by sending questions to mdlcycling@gmail.com.