Each spring a pack of cyclists take to the road for 2 days to make the 180 mile trek from Houston to Austin to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in the Lone Star Chapter’s BP MS 150 ride. This year’s event took place April 21-22. Joining the group was Haynes Whaley’s Mark Merryman and Tan Tran. Both started riding in the MS 150 a decade ago. Mark’s children Sarah, 16 years old, and John Burk, 13 years old, also participated, marking the 4th time the 3 family members have made the MS ride together. The Merryman clan traveled on a triplet tandem bike. Tan rode as part of the Houston Builders team, made up of A/E/C industry professionals and their family and friends.
Riders faced challenging headwinds on day 1 during the route from Houston to the overnight stay in La Grange. Beautiful weather prevailed the next day and provided a scenic ride into the Texas Hill Country.
The Merrymans had a malfunction on their tandem bike on day 2, which required non-stop pedaling to prevent their bike chain from spinning backwards. Not letting this mishap stop them, they worked together with some tricky maneuvering to navigate the rest of the ride. Tan ended his ride with a record finish and arrived in Austin an hour earlier than previous years. Way to go, Tan and Merrymans!
The BP MS 150 ride helps inform people about Multiple Sclerosis, a debilitating disease, and raise funds to aid in research, treatment and activism. Last year, the event raised more than $16 million and the goal for 2012’s campaign is $17 million. Click here, if you are interested in donating to the cause.
Tan Tran at the Houston Builders Tent
Team Merryman L-R: Sarah, Mark, John Burk