(Updated September 18, 2009) . . . Mike has not reached past his personal goal for the first time in years. He raised $615.00 U.S. dollars for the Multiple Sclerosis North Jersey Metro Chapter. He is not happy that he raised this amount. Because everyone wallet was tight this time around. Mike has raised over $1,000 U.S. dollars for the chapter four years in a row. His bike number for this tour was #75.

       Ready to hear about how Mike did in his 18th time in the MS 100 bike tour. Here we go!!

     On Sept. 8th, 2009 . . . . Mike right shifter broke while in training in Brookdale Park. Had to cycle his bike to Montclair Bikery on Valley Road in Montclair, NJ right away to have the shifter fixed. Mike got the bike back on time September 10th. Now Mike has two colored shifter. The new shifter on the right side of the handlebar was way better then the one on the left side of the handlebar. Just happy that the bike was ready for the tour.
     Sept. 12th . . . Mike woke up after 5:15am saturday morning. Then his mother woke up a short itme later. Mike prepared himself for the bike tour. Mike and his mother left a short time later. Did not get lost this time around. Made it to the start area by 7:05am. It was cloudy outside and not that cool out. Thank Goodness! Signed up and put his bag on the truck. His mom said good luck and have a safe ride. Mike saw a few friends near the startl ine.
     After a few words and putting our hands over our heart for this great country. The tour began at 8:00am. The teams went off the startl ine first.

• Passed the first rest stop about 8:46am. Which was the Township of Chatham Municipal Building. Light rain out.
• Reached the second rest stop at 9:30am at the Liberty Corner School. Time(TM)= 1:23:48, distance(DST)= 22.53 miles, max speed(MX)= 30.3 miles an hour and average speed(AV)= 16.1 mile an hour.
• Reached the lunch spot location Liberty Park at 10:19am. DST= 29.30, AV= 15.8, TM= 1:50:57 It got a bit chilly when you stand around having lunch. It been light raining out for awhile. eft lunch at 10:50am. A short lunch for Mike.
• Reached the 4th rest stop location at Mendham Township Library at 11:45am with cloudy skies. TM= 2:36:34, AV= 14.8, DST= 38.71 and MX= 32.1.
• Reached the finish for the day at the Parsippany Hilton at 1:10pm with cloudy skies with some rain drops in the area. Final check up with TM= 3:27:17, MX= 33.6, AV= 14.7 and DST= 51.18.

     The first thing Mike did was to check in. Then to the front desk to get info and key on the room he would be in. Mike had a room of his own. It been three years since he had a room of his own. Mike was happy about that. He brought his stuff up to his room and cleaned up to prepare for the now indoor BBQ. His mother, his mother boyfriend and two more came by to be with Mike for the indoor BBQ. After they left. Mike went back to his room to relax for awhile. Then to the comedy show area for speeches and High Gear raffle. Then the comedy show at 8:00pm. Then Mike ordered his fries and went to his room to watch TV and relax. Then off to bed later.

     Sept. 13th . . . A wake up phone call came at 5:45am. Suppose to be like 6:00am in the morning. Mike finally got up at 6:15am anyway. He packed up his stuff and prepared himself for the day ride. Filled the water bottle and put it onto his bicycle. Yup . . . Mike's bicycle was in the room with him. Mike went to have breakfast. His friend Tim from Montclair Bikery sat down with him to have breakfast. Then Mike put in air into the both tires. Walked to the start line and called his mother to say HI and so on. Then took off at 8:05am with sun and clouds. Not that chilly out at all.

• Reached the first rest stop location Mendham Township Library at 8:55am with mostly sunny skies. TM= 00:53:43, MX= 24.3, AV= 14.0 and DST= 11.55.
• Reached the second rest stop location Far Hills Train Station at 10:10am with sunny skies and warm. TM= 1:44:14, DST= 23.67, MX= 29.4 and AV= 13.6.
• Reached the 3rd stop location at Pluckemin Schoolhouse Park at 11:32am with sunny skies and warm. WDHA radio was at the location providing music and contest. This location was lunch. TM= 2:40:10, MX= 29.4, AV= 14.0 and DST= 37.60.
• Rest Stop four location is Millington RR Station at 1:05pm with sunny skies of course. TM= 3:25:52, AV= 13.7 and DST= 46.92.
• Reached the finish line at 445 South Street in Morristown, NJ at 2:19pm. Cool! DST= 59.80, TM= 4:21:37, AV= 13.7 and MX= 29.4.

     After reaching the finish. Called my mother that I made it to the finish line. Got my bag and put it next to the bike. Listen to the music from the DJ. Waiting for my mother. Talk to a couple of friends. Soon my mother came. We ate and talked about the end of the bike tour. It was kind of warm sitting in the sun. Tons of bees where the garbage and spill was in the parking lot.

     Final word . . . It was a good ride this year. As long it was not like last year. Where it was very warm on the second day in 2008. The other good thing was . . . me having my own room. Not often you get a room of your own. Can sit down and watch tv with french fries and not worry about waking up a roommate. Anyway, The setup of the chairs and little tables for speeches and comedy show at 7:00pm was a cool idea. I liked the idea. Should do it again in 2010. Seeing my friends again this year was great. But as always. Do not think I am going to remember everyones name. SMILE!! The light rain and light drizzle on saturday did not slow me down this time around. The only bad thing for this time around is getting pledges / donations. It was bad for me this time. First time not reaching $1,000 u.s. dollars.
     Raised a total of $615.00 for the MS New Jersey Metro Chapter. Thanks to those that did pledge / donate this year. Mike says . . it was a tough year and everyone wallet was tight. Hope it better next year.

       Would like to thank my mom, FMBA #29, Some friends that are members of CoffeeCup.com, Algeri's Pizza, Nicolette's Auto Body, Cabrina's in Nutley, NJ and some friends of Belleville. Support from Scout Troop #364, my mother for driving me to and me home from the MS-100 tour.

       If you like to learn more about this MS chapter. Please go to Greater North Jersey Chapter for more information.