Loc al m an cycle s 8 state s in 8 days Mike Higgins of Mars PA didn’t own a bike and hadn’t ridden in 23 years, but when his high school friend called him about the opportunity to ride in the Great 8, he signed up. The task would not be easy- 500+ miles through 8 states in 8 days, complete with rain, wind, and an abundance of hills. “My wife thought I was going to die,” Mike recalled. But despite his physical shape in the beginning and being unable to start training in earnest until June due to a business trip, Mike never doubted that he physically would be able to complete the ride. In September, as part of his training, he participated in his first century ride- 100 miles through Findlay Ohio and 6 days later a 60 mile route on the Bike MS: Cook Forest River Ride in Clarion, PA. October brought the real test. The second annual MS Great 8 Bike Tour took 16 fundraising cyclists over 500 miles through 8 states in 8 days, from October 10th – 17th. Mike, the only cyclist representing Western Pennsylvania, and his team rode from Newton, MA to Washington, DC, raising awareness for multiple sclerosis along the way. The team’s goal was to raise $150,000 with each rider required to raise at least $5,000 each. Mike has already raised $7,500 with donations still rolling in. These funds will support research for a cure and programs to enhance the lives of those affected As he got more involved, his purpose for participating shifted. What began as a favor to a 22 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
friend and a reason to shed some pounds transformed into a more meaningful journey. Touring the MS facilities with the other cyclists and meeting those living with the disease was a real eye opener for him. Every hour of every day, one new person is diagnosed with MS. Riders enjoyed the beautiful New England countryside with the changing autumn leaves, plenty of hills and little rain. After the second day of riding Mike felt the worst, but for him, it just got easier from there. “The hardest part was just being in the saddle for 8 straight days for 5 or 6 hours a day, but I felt myself gradually getting stronger each day.” On the sixth day the riders were facing wind gusts of over 30 miles per hour in Delaware, forcing riders to grip tightly to their bikes, but Mike thought the weather was beautiful and at this point he felt he was at his strongest. The ride brought together 16 distinct riders, all with big hearts, riding towards a world free of MS. Sharing the experience with these giving individuals, Mike stated “it was wonderful just to be associated with those other riders.” When asked what’s next, Mike responded, “I will be riding again next year.” The Great 8 riders are still taking donations to meet the team goal of $150,000. To become a donor, or for more information about the Great 8 ride, visit www.MSGreat8.org.