2008 Zimmerman MS Bike Ride

Monday, May 4, 2009

2009 Zimmerman MS 150 Bike Ride



What an amaZing weekend. This weekend, almost 2,800 cyclists converged on Miami to participate in the Multiple Sclerosis 150 ride. Not only was Zimmerman Advertising the title sponsor, the ZMotion team brought almost 600 riders to the starting line.

The ride started at 7am on Saturday and followed a zig-zag path through Miami to John Pennecamp Park in Key Largo via Card Sound road. ZMotion lead the first wave of over 200 cyclists. The quick pace was slowed a little by some rain and poor breaking surfaces for part of the Miami trek, but ZMotion had lots of power up front to keep driving the pace. There were several late ride breakaway attempts to ensure that ZMotion was first to the line (yes, it is supposed to be a ride, but who are we kidding). With less than 8 miles to go Flaco charged off the front with Calixto hot on his heels and they both stayed away to make ZMotion proud and be the first to the line. The rest of the group came in soon after in around 3hours and 2minutes with an average close to 25mph even with the rain.

Saturday afternoon was spent by the pool at Holiday Inn with the weather just perfect. Zimmerman (as always) took great care of their riders and hooked us up with much needed pool side massages. The pool was full, the mood was euphoric and the friendships among the team were evident.

Saturday evening saw a party to behold with a live band and yummy food. Many people spoke on behalf of both the Florida MS Society and Zimmerman, but the crowning moment was the words shared by Alie Rothman who was diagnosed with MS at the age of 14 in 2006. She brought the effort home and attached a face to this terrible disease. In her sharing of her struggles and the help that rides like this has provided, she made every effort and contribution truly worth it. ZMotion raised 1.3 million dollars this year towards MS and next year we plan on being 1,000 strong!!

Sunday greeted us with good weather and by 6:45am we were off and flying. On Card Sound road, the riding was more like a Pro 1,2 criterium race than anything else and the speeds were hitting 30+ for miles until finally a small group of 5 went off the front with Pat (aka: The Boss) right there. The group was powered by the driving forces of Calixto and Winston and they delivered Pat to the number one spot back in Miami. Way to go ZMotion and especially Pat.

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