ANN MONICA / L’Observateur / October 18, 2000

The day was very cool and windy. Clouds filled the sky, and there was not aray of sunshine to be seen anywhere. Rain was in the forecast, and the nextday wasn’t showing a whole lot of bright promise, either. Still, for at least1,200 bike riders, all those weeks and months of training were not going to waste. They were ready and even eager to begin that long, tedious trek toPercy Quinn State Park for the annual MS Tour for Cure.

For some, it was a familiar story. Many had experienced the rigors of thisride before and looked forward to doing it again. For others it was a journeyinto the unknown, and there was a little anxiety about having made this commitment, especially since the first day was so unpleasant. But foreveryone, the determination was the same, and somehow or other they were going to be at Percy Quinn State Park that night whether or not they had peddled every one of the 75 miles over all those hills.

For me, after having made the ride for 10 years, it was my second year to go as a volunteer. For Charles “Mr. Charlie” Watkins, it was about the 16thyear he was serving his favorite charity as a bicycle mechanic and giving a helping hand wherever needed. This year, though, was Charlie’s first as an MSvolunteer grandfather. He and wife, Carolyn, have their first grandchild,Donald Alexander, born Aug. 11 to son Chuck and wife Lisette Giraud ofLaPlace. Maternal grandparents are Lucien and Debby, and someday Charliewill probably have his grandson along on the ride.

This year the MS riders had to raise a total of $200 to participate. Thedecision was made nationwide since most riders brought in that much, anyhow. Some riders bring in much more, and all of this goes into the workthe MS Society does in searching for a cure for multiple sclerosis. The ridersget a commemorative T-shirt, sag wagon support, mechanic support and refreshments at rest stops along the way. Rest stop No. 4 is the lunch stopand a good place to meet up with friends or to ride to or from for a shorter ride on Saturday and/or on Sunday.

Actually, a rider can hitch a ride on a “sag wagon” at any time. No one cares. Also, there is continuous highway patrol in Louisiana and in Mississippi, and medical aid and ambulances are there in the event of emergencies. All kindsof support is available and, really, there isn’t a whole lot to dampen the spirits of the riders. Just ask Terry Montz of Reserve, who made his firstride this year. When I saw his wife, Bridget, at the tennis court last week,she said he couldn’t wait for next year to do it again.

Our River Parishes riders make us proud that they commit to this event.

Danny Hebert of St. Charles Parish was there as was Mike Pittman, LarryHebert, Al Poche, Angela Patorno, Pam McNulty and Kyle Carlson and son Greg, of LaPlace, Johnny Clark of Mt. Airy, Mickey Warner and sons Nicholasand Cliff of Reserve and Bonnie Lousteau, Dale Louque and son Chris of St.

James. Some names may be left out, but they all deserve great credit!Usually, the highlight of the trip, besides the fact that you can still walk (which you would rather do than sit down at that point), is the social after a good, hearty meal on Saturday evening at the park. Live music is provided,and there is beer and soft drinks. However, this year, blankets would havebeen welcome as the weather encouraged riders and their guests to turn in much earlier than usual.

Sunday morning of the ride came much too soon with shivering riders determined to mount their bikes under a very gray sky with wind as strong as the day before. Plus, it was so very, very cold! Still, there was more goodfood and refreshments and more live music back at Southeastern Louisiana University, where it all began. If you have never made that ride, you cannotimagine the sense of accomplishment and pride; you cannot imagine the fatigue – and exhilaration! As MS head, Darby Barthelot of Luling says, and I believe I told you this last year, “Our former riders never die; they just become volunteers.” Sometimes volunteers become riders again. Indeed we do like to stayconnected, to serve in any way possible. It does so many people so muchgood. It’s just great knowing you have done so much good for such a goodcause by doing something you enjoy anyhow. Next year, give it a try!

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