Alumni Family Archives

MS Diagnosis Stories: Redefining Life at 23 – Lina Garada’s Journey

February 21, 2024

by James Whateley with No Comment Alumni Family Faces of the Organization MS Rider Stories

At the age of 23, when life’s script is supposed to be about exploration, adventure, and the dawn of adulthood, Bike the US for MS alumni, Lina Garada, faced an unexpected twist in her story – a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This MS diagnosis story traces Lina’s courageous journey from the first signs of MS to her advocacy and participation in the cycling community, highlighting the resilience and hope that define her path.

Lina's personal MS diagnosis story at just 23 years of age is inspiring.

Lina’s Early Life and Path to MS Diagnosis

Embracing the Unexpected: From Migraines to MS Diagnosis

Lina’s path to an MS diagnosis was as unexpected as it was challenging. A series of migraines, initially dismissed as minor nuisances during her triathlon swimming training, became the catalyst for a series of medical investigations. The journey from experiencing migraines to undergoing MRI scans revealed lesions consistent with multiple sclerosis—a reality far removed from anything Lina had anticipated. The complexity of understanding her diagnosis, coupled with the daunting process of navigating healthcare and insurance, painted the initial picture of a journey fraught with uncertainty.

Lina and friends enjoying the ferry back to Seattle on the Olympic Peninsula Bike Loop.

The Challenges of Early MS Diagnosis

Confronting a New Reality: Adjusting to Life with MS

The revelation of having MS at such a young age forced Lina to recalibrate her life’s expectations and ambitions. As is the case for many MS diagnosis stories, feelings of frustration, fear and denial crept in, largely stemming from a lack of knowledge about the disease. ‘How could I possibly be feeling fine and riding 15 miles, yet run the risk of losing feeling in my legs and collapsing at any moment?’

Overcoming Fears: From Wheelchairs to Bike Rides

Lina enjoying the Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour with friends.

Lina’s initial reaction to her diagnosis—a fear of inevitable disability and a life confined to a wheelchair—reflects a common apprehension among those newly diagnosed with MS. However, her journey from those early fears to cycling two large segments of the TransAmerica route and then the full Pacific Coast bike route from Seattle to San Diego with Bike the US for MS in 2019 is nothing short of inspirational. This achievement not only challenged her physical limits, but also reshaped her perspective on what is possible with MS.

Navigating Life’s Hurdles: Treatment Costs and Workplace Dynamics

The Reality of Treatment: Navigating Healthcare and Insurance

As life with MS progressed, as did the treatment bill. Soaring upwards of $180,000 per year, Lina’s experience underscores the financial and logistical challenges of living with MS. The constant battle with insurance companies and the stress of ensuring new employment opportunities offer coverage for her essential medication highlight a reality many with MS face—underscoring the importance of healthcare access and financial support in managing the condition.

The Challenges of a chronic illness and employment

From navigating fatigue and neuro challenges to managing the unpredictability of symptoms, disclosing your MS to an employer can be daunting at best. Lina’s approach to date has focused on opening a dialogue about her condition, being honest with all and adding a touch of humor. As she puts it, any employer that has an issue with her living with MS is not an employer she wants to work for!

One of Lina’s most telling anecdotes involves a simple act of passing a document to her new boss, which became a moment of vulnerability and connection. Her hands, shaking visibly from her MS, led to a moment of confusion for her boss. Lina’s ability to address the situation with humor and grace showcased her approach to living with MS and put her colleagues at ease.

Building Bridges: The Transformative Power of Community and Connection

Supportive Friends and New Beginnings

Central to Lina’s MS journey is the irreplaceable value of a supportive community. Her friends, understanding and accommodating of the unpredictability that MS brings into her life, exemplify the kind of support that makes all the difference. Whether it’s understanding the need for extra time with getting ready, unintentionally storing forgotten items of theirs, or gracefully laughing off an MS symptom, Lina’s circle of friends are the peace of mind she needs to help transform her frustrations into ordinary moments.

Having supportive friends around Lina has been a key part of her MS diagnosis story.

Connecting with MS Champions: The Impact of Don Fraser and the MS Community

Meeting Don Fraser, the founder of Bike the US for MS, was a pivotal moment in Lina’s journey. Through this connection, she was introduced to others living with MS, including a remarkable individual who competed in the Race Across America (RAAM). These encounters not only expanded her support network, but also illuminated the vast possibilities of life beyond an MS diagnosis.

Cycling with MS: A New Bike the US for MS Chapter

Despite MS, Lina’s passion for cycling remains undimmed. Adapting to heat and adjusting her pace has allowed her to continue riding, embracing cycling not just as a sport, but as a vital part of her identity and a way to challenge MS on her terms. Since joining the Bike the US for MS family as a supporter in 2017 and 2018 then as a cyclist on the 2019 TransAmerica and Pacific Coast bike routes, she has become a strong advocate for the organization.

She joined the board of directors to support Bike the US for MS’s goal of supporting those living with MS. Lina has since returned to ride in 2023 on the Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour and we hope she will be out riding with us for many years to come!

Lina has made life long friends as part of Bike the US for MS.

The Nina Fraser Scholarship Fund: Encouraging Adventure in the MS Community

Lina’s MS story is interwoven with the Nina Fraser Scholarship Fund as a recipient of support in 2019. A Bike the US for MS initiative to allow individuals living with MS to pursue adventures that once seemed impossible. It’s aimed at fostering a sense of financial stability leading to greater achievement and empowerment. The fund was set up in memory of Don Fraser’s mother, Nina, who is the inspiration for Bike the US for MS.

Lina explains how cycling has helped her during her personal MS diagnosis story.

Lina making the most of an ice cream stop on the Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour.

A Life Full and Fulfilling

Lina Garada’s story is a powerful narrative for anyone navigating the early days of an MS diagnosis. Through her challenges and triumphs, Lina exemplifies that a diagnosis does not define one’s life. Her adventures, from the trials of understanding her condition to the triumph of cycling down the West Coast, underscore a vital message: life with MS can be full, rewarding, and replete with adventures yet to be had.

Lina’s journey reminds us of the importance of community, the power of resilience, and the endless capacity for reinvention. For those recently diagnosed with MS, Lina’s story is not just a tale of overcoming, but a roadmap for navigating life with grace, strength, and an unyielding spirit of adventure.

Bike the US for MS Route Leaders enjoying a sunny day on the Pacific Coast Bike Route.

The Essential Role of Route Leaders in our MS Cycling Adventures

February 21, 2024

by Neil McCallum and Kelly Wolf with No Comment Alumni Family Rides for MS

Alumni Tailwinds – February 2024 by Neil McCallum and Kelly Wolf

As we get closer to kicking off the 2024 season, we wanted to celebrate our unsung heros of Bike the US for MS – our Route Leaders. Without your unwavering support over the years, we simply wouldn’t have been able to run 16 years of successful bike rides for MS.

We thought we’d ask you, our alumni, to share stories and insights about the joys of route leading. It is truly a life changing experience and another way for you to show your support for Bike the US for MS and the cause.

Kaylyn Proctor (formerly Messenger) – 2015 Northern Tier & 2023 Olympic Peninsula

Route Leader – 2016 TransAmerica, 2017 Northern Tier, Pacific Coast & Southern Tier.

Route leading is such a unique experience. I remember riding into Seattle to dip my tires when I finished my Northern Tier ride. I was so overwhelmed with emotion and pride. As a Route Leader, having the opportunity to see your team experience that moment for themselves is so special and rewarding in its own way. Knowing you played a part in helping people complete a life-changing challenge is so rewarding. It kept me coming back!

Kaylyn, one of the Route Leaders on the TransAmerica in 2016, celebrating with her team having biked across America. — Kaylyn (center right) celebrating with her team having biked across America.

Dale Johnson – 2010 TransAmerica, 2017 Southern Tier, 2022 Atlantic Coast

Route Leader – 2012 TransAmerica

Here are some positive thoughts I had on being a Route Leader:

The best part of the Route Leader role is you get to share with others the joy and fun you had on your previous adventure.
If you like helping and being kind to others, Route Leader is a great role.
I loved again spending those weeks of living a simple life.

My most positive aspect of the 2012 TransAm ride:

Here was my biggest accomplishment in 2012. You probably know the story. Like in 2010, we had a few tag-along riders….solo self supported cyclists carrying their own gear. I encouraged them to stop at our stops for water and said it was no problem if they stayed with us at campgrounds and churches.

However, there were a couple of our riders who wanted me to kick them off. They weren’t raising any money was the main issue. They were costing Bike the US for MS nothing. Several were visitors to the US, and to me it was just being friendly and nice. I refused to stop helping the self supported riders.

Our tag-along riders ended up donating and even came back as leaders the following year. One of the riders the folks wanted to kick off in 2012 was James Whateley, now Executive Director of Bike the US for MS and Bike the UK for MS. You talk about a fork in the road from a simple act of kindness.
Don Fraser said that the TranAmerica 2011 was totally disorganized. He wanted me to make sure 2012 was more organized. My wife, Christine, and I put two pages of notes together for each day, in advance. Those 60 days in 2012 were flawless as far as the stops, the accommodations, etc. Of course all that went unnoticed because things ran so smoothly, which was the goal!

Things to be aware of:

One of the most difficult aspects of route leading is problems that can arise that you could never have anticipated.
One of the dangers is that returning as a Route Leader will not be the same experience as a rider. This does not mean it’s a bad experience! Simply that the added responsibility of Route Leading will change how you go about the ride.

Dale finishing up his 2010 TransAmerica Cross Country ride in San Francisco. — Dale finishing up his 2010 TransAmerica ride in San Francisco.

Ted Yates – 2017 Southern Tier, 2018 Bike the UK for MS, 2019 Northern Tier & Pacific Coast, 2022 Atlantic Coast & Northern Tier

Route Leader – 2023 & 2024 GAP & C&O Trail

When you experience something amazing and extremely worthwhile you want to share it and contribute to it. Riding with Bike the US for MS around America is that experience. After logging over 11,000 miles with BTUSFMS I felt like part of a cycling family and wanted to contribute my time and experience with other riders so I volunteered to become a Route Leader.

That was a great decision. Being a Route Leader gave me a much greater appreciation for the organization and the important duties of the route leaders. I learned so much from the route leaders that had guided me and I enjoyed sharing that knowledge with new riders.

Ted (front center in yellow) is one of our local Route Leaders on the GAP & C&O in 2024.

Kelly Wolf – 2017 & 2019 Pacific Coast

Route Leader – 2017 Southern Tier, 2018 TransAmerica & Southern Tier, 2019 Atlantic Coast, Northern Tier & Southern Tier.

I was lucky enough to start route leading the Southern Tier right after completing my first ride. The transition from cyclist to Route Leader was an eye awakening experience. I hadn’t realized all the things the Route Leaders were responsible for; arranging accommodations and service projects, choosing locations for rest stops and calculating daily milage.

I immediately realized how amazing my route leader team had worked together to keep my Pacific Coast ride running smoothly. The first major situation I delt with as a Route Leader was realizing that due to a miscalculation in the mileage, one of our days was 120 miles! We had to scramble to adjust our overnight stops and were grateful we started calculating mileage a week in advance.

Route leading has been an amazing experience to not only assist people through the ups and downs of a cross country ride, but also watch how they grow to become skilled and confident cyclists. It has also given me the confidence that I can deal with any problem thrown at me no matter where I am. I never thought I’d have to help cyclists with things like dehydration, a cracked tooth, broken bones, dog encounters, stollen bikes and then throw in a hurricane, a tornado, and a van accident.

I truly feel like I experienced it all! It is such a wonderful opportunity to be a route leader and get to experience the ride from a whole different perspective.

Kelly, one our many amazing Route Leaders, enjoying meeting up with the 2023 GAP & C&O team. — Kelly (center right), one our many amazing Route Leaders, enjoying meeting up with the 2023 GAP & C&O team.

Larry (Sully) Sullivan – 2016 TransAmerica, 2019 Segments, 2023 GAP & C&O Trail, 2024 Florida Coast & Olympic Peninsula

Route Leader – 2017 & 2018 Pacific Coast and 2018 Southern Tier

Riding my bicycle across the nation was a life altering event for me. I wish I had had the option to do it in my youth! It has been my pleasure to lead the Pacific coast tour 2 years in a row. Being able to ride with the riders and support them during their journeys. Often times one act of kindness by you means the whole trip to a rider. Being their leader, guide, supporter, confidant, and friend makes each and every trip special. The friends you make on the ride will be with you for life!

Sully (right) has been riding and one of Bike the US for MS' route leaders since 2016 and is back for more as a rider on the Florida Coast in March and Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour this summer. — Sully (right) has been riding and Route Leading with Bike the US for MS since 2016 and is back for more as a rider on the Florida Coast in March and Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour this summer.

Neil McCallum – 2015 Northern Tier, 2017 Pacific Coast, 2019 Atlantic Coast

Route Leader – 2022 TransAmerica, 2024 North Lakes Bike Route

As a ride leader, the memories of all of the wonderful people that we interacted with comes to mind. Working with our “Legacy” hosts, those that have been there year after year for us is the most gratifying. Driving into a new town and being greeted like old friends is very memorable.

It is so great to represent an organization and dedicated riders so respected for their efforts to help those living with MS. A special memory is being able to hear the MS stories and then be able to provide funds to ease the burden. A very special time.

Neil (back row, second from right) will be back Route Leading the inaugural North Lakes ride this summer.

Greenbrair Braag – 2018 TransAmerica

Route Leader – 2019 Southern Tier

There is a special satisfaction and challenge in helping a group of cyclists get from one coast to the other. Cycling a big ride for charity is meaningful and impactful, and helping those in need with MS is a great thing. Leading a team of cyclists across the country is ten times as rewarding.

You have to keep them on the route and figure out where the group stays and what service projects the group performs. But you also get to meet and interact with more people as route leaders—the hosts you stay with, the families you help, the communities you visit, and the entire cycling team. You get to experience new places, people, and challenges. It’s fun and exciting, and all for a great cause.

You have to have answers for the cycling team, and you need to be able to help them. All the riders couldn’t make it to the end without you, and knowing that you got them across the country is gratifying and empowering. You will have fun, you will be uncomfortable, and there will always be something you don’t expect. That’s what makes being a Route Leader worth doing.

Greenbrair Braag riding the 2018 TransAmerica route.

Interested in becoming a Route Leader in 2024? Submit your interest today!

Bike the US for MS alumni and board member Lina Garada.

What are our Bike the US for MS Alumni doing now? Life after the road.

January 22, 2024

by Neil McCallum and Kelly Wolf with No Comment Alumni Family

Alumni Tailwinds – January 2024 by Neil McCallum and Kelly Wolf

Welcome to the first 2024 edition of “Alumni Tailwinds,” where we catch up with our Bike the US for MS alumni to see the amazing journeys life has taken them on since their adventures with us. Their stories continue to inspire us and showcase the lasting impact of our cycling family.

Natalie Love – TransAmerica 2014

I was living in Virginia, the start of the TransAm route, prior to the ride and ended up calling San Francisco home, where we finished our cycle across America. It’s fun to think that in a way, I moved out to SF via bike. Claire, one of our incredible Route Leaders, GoPro’ed most of our adventures and it was always a highlight on the trip when all the riders would sit around a laptop or small TV to watch the short videos she put together.

I ended up applying for a job at GoPro and submitted some of the videos with my resume and luck behold, ended up getting a job there. Since then, I’ve biked across 5 more countries; Spain, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania and a few more states.

I now live in Salt Lake City where biking remains my number one passion. I spend my time volunteering to fix up bikes, participating in city councils/open houses on how we can make bike lane better, riding with my dog, Dash, and I have a few social groups where I invite any and all riders to come bike around and grab a beer after. Huge thanks to BTUSFMS for kickstarting this life long passion and I’ll keep doing my best pay it forward!

James Whateley – Global Executive Director and longtime Bike the US for MS alumni

2023 was certainly a big year of change for me and it seems 2024 is going to be much the same! Having taken on the new Executive Director role in April with Bike the US for MS, balancing my time between that and managing Bike the UK for MS with the help of my colleagues Duncan, Felix and Tommy, has been an exciting challenge.

We’re starting to make some big adjustments to our annual calendar of events and seeing alumni excited to return on shorter rides as well as new participants from across the US has been fantastic. I can’t wait to see many more of you in the year to come!

On a personal level, last year saw Abbie and I get married in the UK back in September before a much overdue holiday and honeymoon to Australia and New Zealand (thanks Duncan for holding down the fort while I was away!).

2024 is already bringing new excitement as Abbie and I found out, while in Australia, that we are in fact expecting twins in the Spring! Any parenting advice from you all is much welcome, add it in the comments below, as I haven’t got a clue. It seems a whole new world of adjustment and balance is going to be needed for me this year, but I’m excited for our new challenge whilst taking Bike the US for MS from strength to strength.

Bike the US for MS executive, James Whateley with his wife Abbie.

Some Bike the US for MS alumni may recall Thomas Stevens as a mysterious ride donor. Stevens is better known for being the first to cycle across the USA and world, in 1884-86 on a high wheel bicycle (aka penny-farthing). Stevens’ subsequent book “Around the World on a Bicycle” and David Herlihy’s excellent 2010 book “The Lost Cyclist” about 1880’s-1890’s Pittsburgh cyclist Frank Lenz inspired BTUSFMS alum Fred Zelt to acquire and learn to ride a used reproduction 48” high wheel bicycle.

Fred reports that the first 2-3 cycling sessions were terrifying and he doesn’t recommend trying a high wheel bike. Donna observed those sessions nervously, with a first aid kit in one hand and phone ready to dial 911 in the other. Starting, pedaling, balancing, steering, stopping and properly dismounting a high wheel bike are totally different than on modern bikes.

But in the spirit of past adventuresome cyclists Fred now plans to pedal the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage rail trail on the high wheel bike in June, with leisurely 10-30 mile days. This will include a group ride to commemorate the June 15 anniversary of the first known bike trip down a beautiful, 17-mile segment of Youghiogheny River Gorge, which was first cycled by Lenz and a colleague on high-wheel bicycles in 1890.

Fred hopes to survive the June rides and demonstrate high wheel bike riding for BTUSFMS cyclists in Pittsburgh before the September BTUSFMS GAP and C&O ride.

Lina Garada – Bike the US for MS alumni and Board Member

The past two years or so have been focusing on advocacy with the big event being Hood to Coast, a 198 mile running relay in Oregon. It was a blast being a part of a team that were all adaptive athletes. I had the pleasure of repping those with invisible diseases and MS.

In 2023 we upped the bar with sponsorship from ON Running and pivoting the legislation from So Kids Can Move to So Everybody Can Move. With the 2028 Olympics in LA this year, the goal is to get 28 states by 2028 to pass legislation to ensure insurance has to cover prosthetics for mobility.

For the MS community this would ensure those who AFO’s or any other device would be covered. Links to read about the race and legislation : 2022 race, 2023 race

On an everyday level, recovering from an overuse injury and happy to be back running! This past weekend I had the joy of supporting Team Catapult and running my first 5k in years. It was great being reuniting with friends from Hood to Coast and meeting new friends as well in the adaptive community!

Running is always a moving target with MS for me, so while hitting my time goal was a nice plus, my biggest takeaway and accomplishment was reigniting my joy in running. Stoked to run more miles!

Ed Osuna – Bike the US for MS alumni

No bicycle updates but Ed did climb Kilimanjaro this year. A fantastic achievement.

Laurie Martinelli – Northern Tier 2017

What a fabulous adventure that was. I’ve lived and worked in Boston for 35 years, but now I’ve retired. I’m selling my house and moving to the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts where I grew up. I’m very excited about this new life chapter. The Berkshires is a pristine area w excellent biking, hiking, skiing and culture.

I feel very fortunate. Bring on 2024! 🚴‍♂️

Laurie Martinellie from the 2017 Northern Tier team.

Stuart Shapiro – Bike the US for MS alumni

After 20 years of bike riding to raise money and awareness to End MS I was sidelined by a fractured pelvis while getting ready for a 2017 MS event. I switched to walking events for MS ever since. My family and I have seen so much progress over the years in the treatment of MS for our daughter and others. All due to the efforts of all who have participated in these events. I will never forget Bike the US for MS.

Bike the US for MS alumni, Stuart Shapiro, taking on walking events for MS.

Jeff Smith – TransAm 2022

Retired, sold my practice and moved from Calif. to the East Coast. Splitting time between Virginia and winters in Florida. Riding with a good group in Florida several times a week and volunteering/riding with my sweetie Peggy on multiple rides in NY, Virginia and Florida. Visiting good friends I’ve met like Neil along the way! Also taking tennis lessons and playing Pickleball.

Alumni Jeff Smith and Peggy with Jim and Martha who provided pizza to the TransAmerica team.

Shannon Catalano – Pacific Coast 2017

Since becoming a Bike the US for MS alumni, in 2019, I started the non-profit Lone Star Wheelers in Plano Texas. I wanted to be able to give people the opportunity to experience the joy and freedom of riding a bike even when they aren’t able to pedal themselves. I was inspired by my grandmother and although I wasn’t able to give her a ride, I have been able to give many other people the opportunity to take a ride on a bicycle. Here are some of the highlights and accomplishments we achieved in 2023.

Rides at DaySpring Senior Living Plano and special events

141 individual rides
25 unique riders
66 hours of ride time
28 minute rides on average

Staff-led rides at W.T. White High School

The adapted bicycle is used daily during the school year by the special education department. The staff pedals students around the large campus.

Borrow-a-bicycle

Our loaner bicycle was with a local family of four that loves to bike together. Our loaner bicycle allowed this young family to bicycle together again. The bike was then loaned to Hightower Elementary School after we pedaled eight students during their Bike Rodeo. They loved it so much, the school counselor decided that she wanted the students to experience joyrides on a regular basis.

Trailer & Awards

We purchased an enclosed trailer with a ramp and had our logo added to the sides and back. It serves as transportation, storage, and advertising for the program. We were awarded the 2023 Best Non-Motorized Unit in Plano’s All American 4th of July Parade.

Media Coverage

We were on Good Morning Texas on February 27, 2023. We had a two-page feature in the April 3, 2023 edition of Woman’s World Magazine, America’s #1 best-selling weekly women’s magazine.

Start-up assistance

We provide complimentary assistance to anyone wanting to start an adapted bicycle program in their community. We maintain a detailed document of the steps to starting a program and offer consultation as needed.

Shannon Catalano out with her Lone Star Wheelers members.

Natalya Naneen- TransAm 2019, Southern Tier 2022

I was sworn into my new physician assistant position in gynecology at the VA while Route Leading the Southern Tier October 2022, at 6am in the trailer while looking for spandex, and have been learning a new field of medicine since. It’s really rewarding to be in this position where I get to take care of exclusively women and trans veterans.

My now husband Eric and I had been dating for 2 years and had wedding rings for 16 months. We knew we wanted a little wedding and planned a little ceremony with our immediate family in a week. We’ve been married for a month now. He and I just closed on a house!

Bike the US for MS Natalya celebrating her wedding.

Kaylyn Procter (Messenger) and Nick Procter – both BTUSFMS alumni

In 2015 I signed up for a trip with Bike the US for MS. It was my way of grieving, processing, and doing what I could to make meaning out of a loss of my Aunt Jamie. 8 years later, I rode 361 miles around the Olympic Peninsula with some of the people I love most in the world. It was great to reconnect with so many familiar faces and be back on the road with our BTUSFMS alumni family.

Speaking of family, October 14, I was lucky enough to marry my best friend Nick and join the Procter family. We had a gorgeous ceremony with family and friends before we started our honeymoon adventure out West. In just over a week we visited 8 National Parks, hiked many miles, took plane rides, went rappelling & have lots of wonderful memories. We look forward to all the new adventures 2024 will bring.

Bike the US for MS alumni, Kaylyn and Nick celebrating their wedding.

Kaylyn and Nick enjoying their honeymoon.

Neil McCallum – NoTier 2015, Pacific Coast 2017, Atlantic Coast 2019, TransAmerica 2022

Beyond my efforts as BTUSFMS Alumni Coordinator, other volunteer activities include Chairperson for Wheels For Winners, a local not for profit that renovates donated bikes and provides them to people doing community service, AARP Driver Safety Instructor, Sec/Trea of Clan MacCallum Malcolm Society of North America and several other. In 2022, I received the Andres Award from AARP for Outstanding Community Service!

Bike the US for MS alumni coordinator, Neil McCallum out enjoying his ride.

Nikki’s Journey: Cycling with MS on the Olympic Peninsula Loop

December 15, 2023

by James Whateley with No Comment Alumni Family MS Rider Stories

In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, the Olympic Peninsula Loop presents a formidable challenge for cyclists, especially those cycling with MS. For Nikki, a rider on the 2023 Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour with Bike the US for MS, this ride was not just a test of physical endurance, but a profound journey of personal triumph over multiple sclerosis (MS). From Livingston, Montana to the scenic routes of the Olympic Peninsula, Nikki’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and spirit, highlighting the significant impact of initiatives like the Nina Fraser Scholarship Fund in empowering individuals with MS.

Nikki (right) with a number of the 2023 Olympic Peninsula team.

Nikki’s Story – From Diagnosis to Determination

A Life-Altering Diagnosis

Nikki’s story begins in Livingston, Montana. After embarking on her college journey at the University of Montana, she stepped into the professional realm, taking a leadership role at a telecommunications company. This period of her life was marked by ambition and a ceaseless drive, characteristics that would soon be tested in ways she never expected.

The first signs that something was amiss came subtly, yet unsettlingly. Nikki experienced numbness on one side of her face, a symptom she initially brushed off as Bell’s palsy. The reality, however, was far more serious. A visit to her primary doctor and a subsequent MRI revealed a truth that would forever alter the course of her life: lesions consistent with multiple sclerosis. The diagnosis was confirmed one Saturday morning, a moment etched in memory, marking the beginning of a new, uncertain chapter.

Facing the Reality of MS

The early days following her diagnosis were a maelstrom of emotions and physical challenges. A debilitating MS flare-up soon ensued, hindering her ability to walk due to extreme numbness and vertigo. Her speech slurred, and her body’s functions seemed to stall, turning everyday activities into monumental tasks. Nikki found solace and support in moving back home with her parents, leaning on the love and care of her family and friends. Given that MS ran in her father’s side of the family, there was some knowledge of what lay ahead, but the reality was still a harsh and grim awakening.

Redefining Life with MS

Adjusting to life with MS was not just about coping with the physical symptoms; it was also about redefining her identity and expectations for the future. The once relentless pace of her life had to be recalibrated, as she learned to navigate the new limitations and challenges posed by her condition. This period was marked by significant changes, both in how she viewed herself and how she approached the world around her.

Nikki’s story, however, is not just one of challenges and adjustments; it’s a tale of resilience and determination. Faced with a life-altering diagnosis, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and adaptation, finding new ways to thrive despite the obstacles MS placed in her path.

Nikki (left) with friend Penny, brother Rob and Bike the US for MS alumni and board member, Lina (right).

Living with MS – A New Perspective on Life

Adapting to a New Normal

Today, Nikki’s life stands in stark contrast to those initial months post-diagnosis. Initially overwhelmed by the implications of MS, Nikki has since found a balance that allows her to live a life where the presence of MS is subtly woven into her routine, rather than dominating it. She credits this transformation to a combination of effective medication and lifestyle adjustments. Starting with Copaxone and later switching to Gilenya, these medications have helped stabilize her condition, reducing the frequency and severity of her MS flare-ups.

Self-Awareness and Managing MS Symptoms

However, it’s not just medication that has brought stability. Nikki emphasizes the importance of being attuned to her body’s needs and triggers. She has become adept at managing potential MS relapses by prioritizing rest, minimizing stress, and staying vigilant about environmental factors, particularly heat, which can aggravate her symptoms. This heightened self-awareness has been crucial in maintaining her health and quality of life.

Nikki’s life revolves around her passions and her role as a career coach at the University of Montana. In this capacity, she draws on her own experiences of navigating life’s uncertainties to guide students in finding their paths. It’s a role that holds a mirror to her journey — from grappling with the unknowns of MS to discovering a renewed sense of purpose. Her work is not just a job; it’s a reflection of her belief in empowerment and the potential to thrive despite life’s challenges.

Personal Life and Slower Pacing

Her personal life, too, has seen a transformation. Nikki and her husband Wes have cultivated a life that values quality time at home, working on their house and garden, and enjoying each other’s company. This slower, more intentional pace has not only been beneficial for managing her MS, but has also brought a newfound appreciation for life’s quieter moments. Travel and adventure still hold a place in her heart, but they are now balanced with a love for the tranquility and comfort of home.

Nikki’s life with MS is a narrative of how a life-altering diagnosis can lead to a profound reevaluation of what matters most, and how, in the face of adversity, there can be growth, change, and even unexpected joy.

Embracing New Challenges – The Call to Cycle

Finding Strength on Two Wheels

Nikki’s draw to cycling began shortly after her diagnosis, inspired by close friend, and former Bike the US for MS Executive Director, Cassie Wertz’s participation in a cross country bike trip on the Northern Tier from Bar Harbor, Maine to Seattle, Washington. Purchasing her first bike, Jake the Snake, she gradually immersed herself in cycling. Her first major venture was a 60 mile cycling event in Montana.

Building on this experience, Nikki gradually increased her cycling challenges, culminating in her participation in the Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour. The decision to join the MS bike tour was driven by a desire to be part of something greater—a collective effort to bring hope and support to those affected by MS.

The Olympic Peninsula Loop – A Test of Endurance and Spirit

A Cycle Ride to Remember

The Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour was a remarkable journey for Nikki, spanning 7 days and 361 miles of breathtaking landscapes. This endeavor was not only a physical challenge but also a mental one, filled with moments of camaraderie and personal triumph. Nikki’s reflections on this experience, especially during the ferry ride back to Seattle, were filled with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.

The tour had its share of highs and lows, which were integral to the overall experience. Nikki recalls a particularly challenging day when she fell into a mud puddle, only to be met with support and laughter from her fellow riders. These moments, from the trials to the triumphs, encapsulated the essence of the journey, showcasing the spirit of resilience and the power of a supportive community.

The Olympic Peninsula Team celebrating their donation to Swedish MS Center in Seattle.

Cycling with MS – A Personal Perspective

Balancing Challenges with Passion

Cycling with MS presents unique challenges for Nikki, but it also offers unparalleled rewards. Her experiences on the bike, both during training and on bike tours, have taught her the importance of listening to her body and adapting to her needs. Especially significant is her approach to managing the heat, a known trigger for her MS symptoms, which often involves choosing indoor training sessions over outdoor rides in the warmer months.

Nikki’s journey in cycling reflects a balance between acknowledging her limitations and pushing her boundaries. Despite initial apprehensions about outdoor cycling, particularly with navigation and traffic, group cycle rides like the Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour, and other routes run by Bike the US for MS, have given her confidence and a sense of safety.

Beyond the Ride – The Impact of Support and Scholarship

Empowered by Community and Support

The Nina Fraser Scholarship Fund played a crucial role in Nikki’s participation in the Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour. The fund, aimed at providing support to those living and cycling with MS, provided financial support for essential equipment. With sleep so critical for Nikki’s MS management, a new sleeping pad for better rest was pivotal. This assistance among others was instrumental in ensuring Nikki could fully engage in and enjoy the ride, highlighting the significance of such support systems for individuals with MS.

Nikki’s experience underscores the importance of community and financial assistance in empowering those with MS to take on new challenges like Bike the US for MS. The scholarship not only eased her practical concerns but also reinforced the sense of belonging and motivation among the riders. Her story highlights the importance of such support in making these adventures accessible to individuals with MS, encouraging others to consider similar experiences.

Donate to the Nina Fraser Scholarship Fund today

Looking Ahead – Future Rides and Continued Advocacy

The Road Forward

Nikki’s cycling journey doesn’t stop with the Olympic Peninsula ride. Nikki has already set her sights on future rides and events, both with Bike the US for MS and other organizations like RAGBRAI and RATPOD. These plans reflect her growing passion for cycling and her commitment to supporting the MS community. It goes beyond personal achievement; it’s a powerful form of advocacy for MS awareness and support.

Nikki (center) with family and friends around her as she tackles cycling with MS on the Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour.

Wrapping Up

Nikki’s journey, from her MS diagnosis to conquering the Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour, is a powerful story of resilience, community, and hope. Her experiences serve as a beacon, not just for those living with MS, but for anyone facing life’s challenges. Nikki’s story is a reminder of the strength that lies in perseverance and the transformative power of support systems like the Nina Fraser Scholarship Fund.

Her journey with Bike the US for MS transcends the physical feat of cycling; it’s about the collective effort to bring awareness, support, and empowerment to those living with MS. It is a call to action for us to be part of something greater than ourselves, to contribute to a community that uplifts and empowers, much like Nikki has through her inspiring journey.

The Bike the US for MS alumni family setting off on their Olympic Peninsula MS bike ride.

Alumni Family: Our Bike the US for MS Community

September 5, 2023

by Neil McCallum and Kelly Wolf with No Comment Alumni Family

A TAILWINDS feature by Alumni Coordinators Neil McCallum and Kelly Wolf

The recent Olympic Peninsula ride provided a perfect opportunity for an impromptu alumni reunion. Many hugs and stories were exchanged. What a wonderful opportunity to create and renew friendships! Our alumni are very dedicated to the cause of helping those living with MS. Hear from those on the ride and others that were with Bike the US for MS in 2023.

Colin Berg – 2015 Alumni

Riding the 2023 Olympic Peninsula Loop was like being at a family reunion. So great to see so many familiar faces and to catch up with everyone, in some cases after several years. And what better setting than the Pacific North West?

Rivers, ocean, sound, strait; mountains, valleys, rollers; forests; bobcats, elk, deer; and people—amazing people. So much fun, so humbling to see the appreciation for our efforts in the faces of the MS group in Sequim and the woman in Port Angeles who called out from her car, “Thank you! My daughter has MS!”

Loved the accessibility of the short, week-long route, although the end came too soon (maybe we should have gone around twice…).

Dave Chiarello – 2011 Alumni

The Olympic Peninsula was a glimpse into the future of what Bike the US for MS can do in short format ride, huge participation and even bigger fundraising dollars were amassed. Duncan’s hard work detailing every part of the ride made it easy to execute, bravo Duncan!

The bulk of the 34 cyclists were alumni from across a decade of different cross-country rides. Stories were told, ideas shared, and new cyclists were welcomed and turned into alumni. The broad spectrum of backgrounds and personalities that come together on these trips are what keep everyone coming back for more!

James and Duncan have great vision for the future of this organization, let’s keep riding, continue fundraising and making a difference for those living with MS.

Kaylyn Messenger – 2015 Alumni

What a stellar week! Being back on the road with Bike the US for MS for the Olympic Peninsula was such a powerful experience. Seeing so many old friends who are still connected to the cause reminded me of the major impact this organization makes on the lives of those involved. I can’t wait to sign up for my next ride!

Alumni Kaylyn Messenger with fiance Nick Proctor riding the Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour together.

Amanda Williams – 2014 Alumni

Thanks to an alumni email, I “Adopted the Stop” in Alexandria VA on May 9th. When I took bananas, mandarins, muffins, and applesauce to the group of Bike the US for MS “strangers” touring the Atlantic Coast, I had no idea I was about to change the trajectory of my summer and possibly my life.

I met the riders, reconnected with Doctor Nick Patrone, and met Route Leader Jeremy Francis, who quickly became a close friend. Within days, I was signed up for the Minneapolis to Bismarck leg of the Northern Tier. I had no idea that would lead to eleven new friends that I’d share both laughter and tears with amongst the 500 miles I’d ride.

Returning home, I felt drawn to surprise the team at the finish in Seattle, but knew I’d also get the opportunity to see alumni friends from my previous segment tours on the TransAm (2014) and NoTier (2015). And, boy, was it a party!

The Alumni Connection

It was so fun to reconnect with many of my friends, and it was also impressive to see so many other alumni who traveled from afar just for the finish, such as Gayle Fothergill (whom I rode with in 2015) and Robert Morris (whom I had been Facebook friends with since 2015 but had never met)! The finish line party was filled with smiles and tears, and the brewery after-party was filled with laughter, sharing memories, and making new friends.

The Olympic Peninsula team celebrating a the Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery.

This was yet another incredible experience with BTUSFMS, one that will forever remain special to me for so many reasons; new best friends, a new partner, great memories and miles, reconnecting with old friends, and sharing the love for BTUSFMS and all that this organization stands for.

The Alumni Family

It never ceases to amaze me how BTUSFMS brings people together who remain lifelong friends on incredible cross-country rides, while simultaneously raising hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to support those living with MS and also raising awareness about the disease.

I’m guessing founder Don Fraser had no idea the reach, impact, and connections he was creating when he wanted to start this organization for his mom. Thank you, Don, for creating this for all of us alumni and for everyone impacted by multiple sclerosis! And thank you to all the BTUSFMS staff and route leaders who make these experiences memorable. Can’t wait for the next ride!

Gayle Fothergill – 2015 Alumni

I have had the awesome pleasure to have participated in three rides with Bike the US for MS: Northern Tier, Pacific Coast, and Atlantic Coast. This was my first experience ever with a cross-country bike ride. The people I have met over the years have had an impact on me.

Alumni Gayle visiting the Olympic Peninsula team as they set off in Seattle.

The range of ages, careers, personalities have made for quite an eclectic group of amazing people out for a common cause—-to help stop MS!! I had the pleasure of driving from my home state of Idaho over to Seattle Washington this summer to see the group off for the first ever Olympic Peninsula Bike Tour for MS on August 6th. It was so great to see former alumni that I have met over the years and catch up on their lives.

As long as I can pedal my bike, I hope to join other MS rides in the coming years. Ride on!

Alumni Gayle visiting the Olympic Peninsula team as they set off from the space needle in Seattle.

Emma Regan – 2023 Northern Tier

This summer was my first trip with Bike the US for MS, and we were a tiny but mighty crew! With just four cross country cyclists, four route leaders, seven segment riders, and our team “mom” in her Subaru, we made up a historically small team.

We were so fortunate to have support from so many alumni throughout the trip. Several alumni joined us along the route to bring us food and share their company. We all know how precious a good meal or hearty snacks are on the long days.

I was always seeing messages and comments of support on our social media pages. And I was touched to see all the alumni who cheered us in when we rode into Seattle in August after 70 days. Between the families who came out to meet us, the alumni who were preparing to start the OP, and other alumni who just live in the area, we came together in Seattle largely as strangers.

The Northern Tier team celebrating their finish in Seattle.

There’s no community like the Bike the US for MS family

Even though we were on different tours in different years, we have an instant connection and something in common with each other. We all love to ride bikes and we love Bike the US for MS! From all of us on the 2023 Northern Tier team, huge thanks to all of you alumni who supported us from near and afar!

When I signed up to lead this team in February, I had no idea of the whole community that existed behind Bike the US for MS. I learned quickly about the many alumni who sign up for another ride, come back to be route leaders, or join for a segment now that they know the tour is coming through their state.

There are so many repeat names written in sharpie in the trailer! I was surprised and delighted to learn that the new Olympic Peninsula route was not only totally booked, but entirely filled by alumni and friends of the organization.

I love to see the engagement over voting for a Great Lakes or Grand Canyon tour next year! It says something special about Bike the US for MS, that they keep drawing people back for another trip.

I am honored to be a part of the BTUSFMS alumni community now and look forward to paying forward the generosity we experienced this summer to the 2024 teams!

Adam Hunter – 2016 Alumni

It was awesome to connect with alumni from every era of our long mutual journey. I particularly enjoyed connecting with folks from the very early days of Bike the US for MS and hearing all the cool stories about how everything got started.

I particularly enjoyed riding with Kevin and also meeting Mason at the end of the ride; it was so cool to hear their perspective and think about how long we’ve been around! Here’s to many more years ahead.