Team Navy Jax rides for special cause

The group gathered early Saturday morning at the St. Augustine Airport on U.S. Highway 1 with about 2,000 other riders to participate in the grueling but scenic ride along the coast.

''This is our second year and we are very proud to participate in such a worthwhile ride,'' said team captain Miriam S. Gallet. ''Our team continues to grow and its presence is felt at all charitable events around the First Coast. Our fund-raising efforts are indicative of our commitment to the Jacksonville community and even though Team Navy Jax was the smallest team present, this weekend we managed to raise almost $15,000 and placed ninth among the top fund-raising teams.''

Members of Team Navy Jax gather in front of the start/finish line with members of the NAS Jax Honor Guard shortly before the 2006 MS150 Bike Tour. Photo by Kaylee LaRocque

The team dedicates its annual MS ride to a NAS Jax family member who was diagnosed with MS in 1991, Ann Bushick, wife of Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Director John Bushick. ''It's wonderful that the team is riding in the MS150 once again and supporting this important cause,'' said Ann Bushick ''I am deeply touched that Team Navy Jax is dedicating the ride to me. They are a terrific bunch and we are all proud of them.''

Since its very successful participation in Tour de Cure in May, Team Navy Jax has spent numerous hours holding fund-raising events out in the community, participating in spinning classes at the NAS Jax MWR Department Fitness Center and getting together to ride in locally sponsored events.

By Saturday morning, they were ready to go and excited about participating in such a worthy cause. The event was kicked off by the presentation of colors by the NAS Jax Honor Support Team.

After the national anthem was played, the NAS Jax Weapons Department 40mm Saluting Team fired the guns to signal the beginning of the ride.

Team Navy Jax members proudly display the Northrup Grumman banner with Northrup Grumman representative Suzanne McQuinston for the race. Northrup Grumman supplied the team with the jerseys. Photo by Kaylee LaRocque

''I've always been an avid cyclist. Anytime there is a charity ride, I try to participate because it's always for a good cause, they are fun rides and it's a great way to meet people. I've never done the MS 150 before. I've done a lot of other charity rides in West Virginia,'' said Lt. Aaron Ramey of VS-24. ''I joined Team Navy Jax because I was out on a ride one day

and saw a jersey that had Team Navy Jax on it with the three aircraft. I found out they were a group that got together to ride in charity rides. I had just missed the Tour de Cure because I was on deployment so I joined when I got back.''

''I've been training with several of my co-workers. There are three of us riding from VS-24. I'm really excited about this,'' continued Ramey.

''This is a great way to support the MS-150 through the U.S. Navy. I'm really looking forward to this. It's the third year I've participated. My mother has a form of Multiple Sclerosis, so this ride is right up my alley,'' added Donald Bell, a fitness instructor at the NAS Jax Fitness Source, personal trainer and licensed therapist. ''I've been training hard and my legs are bulging from all the exercise.''

The ride, which began at the St. Augustine Airport, took the riders through the back roads of North Florida, across rivers, along the ocean, up bridges and through winding roads to their final destination in Daytona Beach, Fla. While some only chose to ride one leg of the race, many spent the night in Daytona and got up the next morning to pedal back to the finish line.

Capt. Miriam S. Gallet stretches out during a break while riding in the 2006 MS150 Bike Tour last weekend from St. Augustine to Daytona Beach. Photo by Team Navy Jax

''The hardest part of the ride was trying to find all of our teammates in a group of 2,000-plus riders. Now that the event is over, I see that I severely underestimated the fundraising potential. There are a lot of generous people out there looking to give to a good cause. This was evident when I started talking to other riders and found out how much they raised. I look forward to raising much more money next year,'' remarked Lt. j.g. Dave Winchester of VP-30, who completed the ''famous'' MS150 Century on Saturday and then rode 82.4 miles on Sunday. ''I was amazed at how organized it all was. It was a great time and I can't wait to do it again.''

Since 1946, the society has spent nearly $460,000,000 on research of the disease. By participating in races such as the Cycle to the Shore, donations can be raised to help those currently suffering from this disease and those who will be diagnosed in the future.

Team Navy Jax members raised approximately $15,000 towards this effort through sponsorship and pledges.

''We have one team member that went out all out to raise money for this year's MS150 and the entire team is very proud of him,'' stated Gallet. ''Wes Battle managed to raise a combined total of $7,641, enabling Team Navy Jax to be one of this year's top 10 teams.''

Team Navy Jax members Dave Winchester (left) and Nick Hvozda check into the registration desk the morning of the MS150 Bike Tour at the St. Augustine Airport. Photo by Kaylee LaRocque

The MS North Florida Chapter hopes to raise $1 million during the two-day event. The last day to make a donation is Oct. 20. If you would like to support Team Navy Jax, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/fln and click on ePledges.

''Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) was our main sponsor and we are grateful for their generosity,'' said Gallet. ''NFCU Regional Marketing Director Erica Vest and the entire NFCU Team have stood by us from day one. This 164-mile ride was much easier this year because of the top quality shorts NFCU bought us. Also, the team could not have done this ride without the support of Lorie White and Overseas Corporation, USO, NAS Jax Commissary and MWR.''

Team Navy Jax members include: Team captain Miriam Gallet, Chuck Tamblyn, Wes Battle, Brett Beisker, Patrick Beisker, Chris and Hope Bell, Robyn Cicero, Nate Davenport, Donald Bell, Elysse Poole, Tom Mezzanotte, Patrick Hall, Bradley Hardie, Nicholas Hvozda, Allen Johnson, Ed Kirby, Ernest Mattison, Aaron Ramey, Christina and Sean Rocheleau, David Santillo and David Winchester.

For more information on Team Navy Jax and the charity rides they participate in, call 635-1654.