"This is my last hill"

48 hours ago I would not have called myself a cyclist. My 15 year old mountain bike has been overly neglected for over 2 years. This weekend, after agreeing to a co-worker's prodding to join
her and her team on the RONA MS Cowichan Grape Escape, I can now say I am a cyclist.  I loved it!   

Oh, there were hills!  It was the sign I passed today (Sunday) which had me write this. Five simple words, "This is the last hill", which gave me such relief and encouragement to complete the last of the route.  As I read that sign of thought of Kevin James' honest and courageous words to us at last night's banquet.

Although I do not have an immediate family member who suffers from MS, I have worked with several clients who have this darn disease. It was my work with these people which had me decide to enter this event.  As that crazy heat and seemingly endless series of hills greeted me on the ride I became increasingly grateful that I did have legs which would pedal, arms which could prop me upright, and fingers which could change gears.  I thought of how may situations in life, including living with MS, cannot promise, 'This is your last hill. This is the last time you will feel this way, suffer this way, wake up this way.'
 
Yet then I was also reminded that with every hill, regardless of size, there is always a peak and a downhill which follows, that fresh-breeze-in-the-face time of rest or refreshment when we can all cry out, "I did it! We did it!"
 
So my hope, more than ever, is that I, that we, may be each that
encourager or voice of support that ackowledges, "Yes, I know this may not be your last hill, but today, you can do it. I am here."
  
Thank you volunteers!

Thank you people who posted those signs!
 
Thank you the James family, you truly have blessed another through
sharing your journey with me!"

- Karen Thompson, Bike Tour Participant from Victoria, BC
(cycling novice)

WOW

"I want to pass on my WOW. You and your team run a great event. All the volunteers and riders I met were so pleasant and positive it was truly a pleasure to have been there. I have been involved with many different events over the years and know a well oiled machine when I see it. All of the riders driving in had big smiles and positive energy oozing into the air.  See you next year."

- Peter Wilson, MS HOPE Parking Marshal Volunteer

"Riding in the 2010 Cowichan Valley Grape Escape was a fantastic experience, leaving me with great memories of a truly supportive community working together in a common cause to eliminate MS. As a California resident, and riding for my niece, I was welcomed into the Woop de Woo team, met an incredible number of wonderful event volunteers,  MS Society of Canada organizers, and experienced the warm hospitality of the wine growing community over the two days. I came home feeling proud and honored to be a part of such a caring, soulful and generous event."

- Gary Warner, Woop de Woo Team Member