MS GLOBAL 2007
The 2007 MS Global Team. The ride took place in the Dolomites of Northern Italy.
At the close of the 2006 edition of this event our group voted on this year's destination. After a week of conquering the high mountains in Switzerland and France, everyone thought it would be a great idea to experience the storied cycling terrain northern Italy had to offer. So we set out to plan a trip that would be both challenging and inspiring.
Our group flew into Venice and made the trek north by van into Canazei. Many had flown in a few days early to enjoy one of Italy's most popular destinations and get acclimated to the time change. As they left the famed city behind and headed north, it became more and more evident that this year's ride was going to be different than previous years. As the three hour drive crept along through one switchback after the next, and they began to pass by some of the most storied ski villages in the world, the sky turned grey and a light snow started to fall. By the time they reached our hotel the temperatures hovered just above freezing.
But there was no time to fret about the weather. Bikes had to be built and a warm up ride was scheduled. Luckily everyone arrived with luggage and bike boxes in tow. Except for Tyler, who's suitcase was stuck somewhere out in the airport network, waiting to be discovered. But a quick trip home to repack resolved that minor setback.
The group was really motivated to get out see some of the area in which they just arrived. It was also a great opportunity for the alumni and rookies to say hello. Bikes were built in what seemed to be warp speed and they were off. A cold wind howled from every direction as they zigzagged around the nearby towns, but everyone seemed to enjoy being able to get on their bikes before today's first real ride.
The cooler weather is a bonus for our participants currently combating MS, as extreme heat has been known to cause exacerbations of the symptoms of the disease. So we figured the climate might work in our favor. A quick check of the weather reports indicated that afternoon temps would be between 60 and 80 degrees for the remainder of our trip, which was going to be ideal. And after the warm up, this was welcome news!