Venture the Valley 2009 is this year's annual MS-150 bicycle ride to raise funds for multiple sclerosis research and patient support in southwestern Ohio. The event started and ended at Camp Kern . Bicyclists could ride up to 75 miles Saturday and 75 miles Sunday, in and out of the Little Miami River Valley. 
Riders could choose to camp overnight or stay in the 'air-conditioned comfort' of a cabin. Here is the cabin I shared with four women riders. 
Saturday morning, I met my friend Sue as I was going to line up for the 7:30 mass start. Team U.S. Playing Card is in front of me... check out their jerseys. Their team got first place for the best jersey design! 
Team tents were set up Friday evening. General morning confusion... 
We had two gradual climbs out of the Little Miami River valley before the first rest area. Ron graciously allowed me to ride with him. 
At the lunch stop (10:00), Audrey and I had our picture taken with J.C. Not to be outdone, Jay had his picture taken with J.C. also! 
At the last rest stop before returning to camp, J.C., Jay and I met this fellow...the Handlebars Team prides itself on being one of the top fundraisers. Any member who does not meet his minimum pledge of $300 gets his head 'shaved' by a fellow member! The wind picked up around 10:00, making the last half of the ride a little challenging. The wind along with the rolling hills and the last steep climb back to Camp Kern made me glad that I had opted for the 50 mile route!
Later in the evening, after a pleasant dinner with Sue and her friend, Bud, and after the evening program, a small group of people had gathered around the empty camp fire ring in front of my cabin. Wouldn't it be nice to have a fire? I suggested. Yes, they agreed, but no one had matches. That is until Jeff arrived with his lighter! Voila!
Sunday's route, after the necessary trip down and up out of the Little Miami River Valley, took the riders west to the flea markets and the Solid Rock Church north of Monroe. 
Ron and I caught up with Jeff at the first rest area; he later passed us going up a hill! He is a strong 'bent rider! Sunday's ride was a 'sweet ride'. The hills seemed to be more gradual; although J.C. will tell you that overall, riders had more total climb on Sunday than they did on Saturday. The weather was cool; the rest stops were well supplied with a variety of food and cheerful volunteers.
bike to create a world free of MS JOIN THE MOVEMENT Thank you very much to all of you who sponsored me!
# posted by Martha @ 3:15 PM
