Heroic Bikeride

Trent's MS Bike Race was Saturday. He's been training for months, and raising money like crazy to be ready to ride 100 miles in one day. That is a LOT of miles. Saturday was also mom's birthday, and she wanted to spend it cheering him on. So, we met up and started our Trent cheer squad. We met him at a rest stop about 32 miles into the day and he was doing great! So pumped up and ready to go. Here are some pictures from the first stop:

While we were waiting to meet him at the next stop we had fun going to the Parade of Homes and hitting some garage sales. What could make the day better? Well, it got worse real quick when we got a call saying Trent's bike got thrashed. Apparently, he was trying to hop over some railroad tracks in order to avoid hitting them. But when he came down, he caught his back tire on the tracks and it was all down hill from there. The spokes on his tire came out of the rim and his bike was no longer rideable. We were so upset for him, and I know he was upset too. He had worked so hard and long and now he was out after 52 of his 100 miles.

But, remember how I told you this was a heroic bike ride? Well, whatever Trent is, he is not a quitter. He made his way back to the starting line and then took his bike in to a local bike shop. The shop guy pulled some strings in order to get Trent a new tire and get it installed. So now, 3 hours later, Trent decides to ride another 40 miles from the race starting point. But by now it is much hotter, and there are a lot less riders on the course to ride with, and the ride is much harder. But none of that stopped Trent. He made it through 92 miles in one day in the heat and despite a pretty big setback. He is a hero. I am so proud of him and proud to be his sister. He did this, in part, for me and for others with MS. So thanks, Trent, for your example and for a truly heroic ride. I love you!

Here is a video of Trent coming into the finish line. I muted the sound (because I never realized me screaming, "Woo-hoo" was so terribly obnoxious) so you can't hear me tell him to put his arms in the air.

And here are some pictures of him after the race. He was trying so hard to look happy, but he was totally beat. I would be too after riding 100 miles. Sheesh.

Way to go Trent! You are incredible!