http://fairmontsentinel.com/news/stories/061801a.html
Monday, June 18, 2001
TRUMAN -- For Carmen Reckard and
her team there were 159 miles of riding, about 2,500 companions and the
greatest feeling at the end of the day.
Nine members made up Reckard's team
for the 22nd Annual Noran Clinic MS 150. The team, which rode in the bike
ride June 8-10 to fight multiple sclerosis, calls itself Team Wannabe.
The team's goal this year, as the
members rode from Duluth to Anoka, was to raise $3,000. With the pledges
they have so far received, Reckard thinks the team members reached their
goal.
Although there are no other teams
in the area that Reckard knows of, teams from across the state take part
in the bike ride every year. This year, there were about 2,500 participants
of all ages, Reckard said.
"There's something about a joint
endurance with 2,500 people that's really neat," she said.
After registering in Anoka and taking
motorcoaches to Duluth, the teams were ready to begin the ride. Participants
ride for six to eight hours a day for two days, Reckard said.
"Riding bike is easier than walking,
but it's five to six hours of it," she said.
Although there were some injuries
this year, Team Wannabe's members finished the ride unscathed. There were
also many flat tires during the ride this year, Reckard said.
Reckard, the team's captain, said
this is Team Wannabe's fourth year participating in the ride. The team
changes a little each year, she said, and they're always willing to take
on new members.
It feels good to help fight multiple
sclerosis, Reckard said.
"Someday there'll be a cure, we hope,"
she added.
At least 80 percent of the money
earned during the annual ride goes to research and services, Reckard said.
Participating in the annual ride
holds special meaning for Reckard, whose husband, Stephen, was diagnosed
with multiple sclerosis about four years ago.
It feels especially good to know
that by helping fight the disease, she could also be benefitting her husband,
Reckard said.
"That's great," she said.
Although Stephen Reckard usually
joined Carmen Reckard in riding bike, last year was the last year he was
able to ride, Carmen said.
However, Stephen is still a valuable
member of the team. This year he met team members at rest stops to help
encourage them on, and he also helped collect pledges, Carmen said. He
helped the riders, especially the younger team members, through difficult
parts of the ride, she said.
"Encouragement is just really important
at that point," Carmen said.
Despite the physical endurance required
for the ride and the occasional flat tire, participating in the annual
event is really a lot of fun, said Maria Wolle.
"It's an experience," said Wolle,
a 16-year-old member of Team Wannabe.
It's a good feeling to know she's
helping people by participating, she said. It may be a lot of work, but
it's worth it, she added.
"You'd ride forever if you could
to help those people," Wolle said.
It is an awesome feeling at the end
of the day, she said. There's also great camaraderie between participants,
and there are people of all ages in the ride, she said.
Although Wolle thinks she will participate
again next year, she said now is a bad time to ask because she's still
recovering from the aches and pains from this year's ride.
However, when all is said and done,
participating in the ride is a great experience, Wolle said.
"It's a lot of fun," she added.
Although Carmen thinks the team members
will make their goal of $3,000, they will be happy to accept more pledges
or donations.
Pledges must be received by July
1 to count toward the final total for the ride, but Carmen also will accept
and submit donations received after that date.
Donations and pledges can be mailed
to Carmen and Stephen at 2480 175th Ave. in Truman.
Despite several attempts, other team
members could not be contacted for comment.
By CHRISTINE RUPP
Sentinel Staff Writer