CHRONICLING THE JOURNEY The Vennes have been sharing their experience on the ride through slideshows and videos. “We looked at the pictures and thought it would be a cool idea to share these with the people who sponsored us,” Chad said. “It was hard to put the scale and awesomeness of this event into words, so we thought, ‘Why not create a slideshow?’” After receiving a positive response to their slideshow, they continued, eventually making videos and adding them to YouTube.com. “It makes us so happy when we hear people tell us they shared our video with people they know that are touched by MS,” Chad said. “It has helped us raise a lot of money for MS, but more importantly, it has helped us to spread awareness and shine a small spotlight on all the good that comes out of this ride.” Shanna added, “The video is also an excellent way to show our sponsors the size and impact their donation has. It is hard to imagine how incredible this event is until you see it. For those who can’t participate, it gives them a window to see this wonderful community and how much their support means to everyone.” The Experience Their videos capture the Bike MS: TOYOTA Best Dam Bike Ride experience. Shanna said, “The little things on the ride are so important.” Chad explained, “If we had to sum it up I’d say it’s the positiveness and support of the volunteers and riders, the hospitality of the small towns along the way, unexpected ice water at a rest stop, a shower in Whitewater, the massages after
day one, self-serve ice cream at dinner, getting goosebumps watching the heroes (individuals with MS) walk on stage, Rocky Rococo pizza on the way out of the tent, remembering a fan for the dorm room, passing the last rest stop, seeing a sign on the back of a car saying ‘Thanks for Riding I have MS’ along with a smile and a thumbs up from its author, mile 150, passing out on the air conditioned bus after finishing, and of course making our slideshow!” The family gathers for the celebration program in Whitewater on the first night of the ride. A highlight of the night is when those with MS are asked to come to the stage if they want to. “Over the years, Steven has gotten braver and now usually jumps out of his seat to take his place on stage,” Shanna said. “I think a contributing factor to his change in attitude is seeing how everyone comes together to raise awareness and to show their support.” Steven, who said he hasn’t had many symptoms of MS since his diagnosis 10 years ago, responded, “Shanna wants to see me go on stage, so I make her happy.” The Next Mile Chad and Shanna’s “rookie rider” Everly was born August 20, three weeks after the 2012 Bike MS: TOYOTA Best Dam Bike Ride. “She already loves being outside in her hiking backpack and we will be in the market for a kid’s bike trailer soon,” Shanna said. “It’s never too early to start riding!” And while Chad and Shanna will not be able to ride this year due to a friend’s wedding, they were happy to report that some of the riders they brought to the 2012 event will be returning for the 30th annual ride, August 3 and 4, including Stephanie. She said, “My rookie year is something I will never forget and I can’t wait to ride this year the full 150 miles.” MS Connection | 11