So, it was 20 years ago this summer that #BikeMS brought me back into cycling. Ted & Michelle Hopfner hooked me into their FedEx BikeMS team, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Since then there have been a ton of stories, riding in every imaginable weather, being joined by my Wife and Daughter, and meeting amazing, beautiful, human beings.
But why? Why have I spent many winters (especially as I've gotten older) doing painful things on an indoor cycling trainer? Why have I ridden literally thousands of miles in training and events? Why have I endured sunburn, windburn, saddle sores, cramps, exhaustion, and sometimes absolute frickin' misery?
Because Multiple Sclerosis is a horrible <expletive> disease, that has caused far more suffering to friends and family than I have ever suffered.
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the myelin surrounding nerves in the brain and central nervous system. The effect is a lot like having the insulation in a complex wiring system stripped away in random locations, creating short circuits and open circuits.
Pain, numbness, vision issues, brain fog, emotional effects, paralysis, difficulty with basic body functions like eating and breathing are all possible symptoms that can come and (sometimes) go at almost any time.
This year, the symptoms of MS took Lynne Metro, a dear lady who welcomed Marcy's brother Jeff, and us into her already huge family. She will be missed. May her memory be for a blessing.
#BikeMS is the largest charity cycling event series in the world, and it has made a huge difference. When I started 20 years ago, MS was considered "idiopathic," which is Doctor-speak for "We have no idea what causes this." Today, we know that it is an autoimmune disorder, and have begun to identify the exact biochemical mechanisms and triggers. This knowledge had brought treatments, and will, we hope lead to a cure.
That progress has been funded by events like BikeMS, by people like you who have sponsored cyclists like me. Sponsorships are tax-deductible, and every penny goes to support research and services for those afflicted.
I'll update this blog with event and training updates. For those willing to sponsor me, the simplest way is to donate at this link:
If you want to sponsor me in some other way (cash, check, whatever) you can reach out to me at chris(dot)kotting(at)gmail(dot)com.
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