Universe ... I have a goal

I've heard that if you throw something out to the Universe that you really believe in things will begin to happen to make your goal a reality. So, Universe, I have a goal. It's a very doable goal and I'm excited about it. I talked with Brad a little bit about it yesterday and I'm not sure, but he might think that I'm crazy! It wouldn't be the first time.

I don't have all of the details worked out yet, I only have a vague plan and it goes something like this: 20 days before the next Bike MS fundraising ride in Mt. Vernon begins next year (2014) I am going to begin a 1000 mile ride for MS. I can do this, of that I have no doubt. I did the math and it works out to be an average of 50 miles a day. I would like to end up in Mt. Vernon on the Friday before the Bike MS.

Washington State ranks 6th per capita for people diagnosed with MS. That's a very high amount of people that live with this disease everyday. When you take into account all of the people that are also affected by this (I believe that it is a disease of the family, not just the one person) there are a lot of people that have their lives changed as they learn to adjust to the new way of living. I'm lucky, I have managed to go through hell and come out the other side, wiser and healthier.

My goal is to raise $50 a mile for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter. I don't have all of the details figured out yet, but they will come to me. I know that there will be others that will ride with me, some for the entire ride, some for the bits and pieces that they can slip away. I will be looking for sponsors and I have no fear of finding them. There will be a support team as well. The end goal is $50,000 for MS. Does this sound daunting? Not really! If only 50 people that I pass along the way each day donate $50 each, I've raised the funds. It's doable.

I will keep you posted, but Universe, you have been given notice. I have a goal and I will obtain it. Tomorrow I add more distance to my ride and another long hill ... I'll be ready. Now all you have to do is hold up your end of the bargain.