Sailors, civilians pedal to the shore to benefit MS Society

"This is the third MS 150 tour for Team Navy Jax and we are thrilled by the opportunity to raise money for the MS Society," said Team Captain Miriam S. Gallet.

"MS prevents people from moving, but our team exists to be sure it doesn't happen. We will continue to pedal for this worthy cause as long as we have our co-workers, family and friends supporting us."

"This year, the team is extremely grateful to internationally-renowned military cartoonist Hank Caruso," she continued. "Hank donated his very valuable art work to be incorporated in our logo and MC1 Melissa-Robertson Leake designed the logo which adorns this year's jersey. Because of Hank's gracious generosity and patriotism, our jerseys are now a collector's item. Just think, there are only 30 in the entire world and they are priceless!"

Immediately after completing the Tour de Cure in May in support of the American Diabetes Association, Team Navy Jax resumed their training by spending hours preparing for the 164-mile, two-day event. Team members could be seen at spinning classes at the NAS Jax Fitness Source, riding in locally sponsored races and in weekly North Florida Bicycle Club sponsored rides.

Team Navy Jax members gather at the starting line of the MS 150 Bike Tour at the St. Augustine Airport Saturday morning.

Just before the ride began at the St. Augustine Airport, 2,200 cyclists gathered at the starting line for the presentation of the colors by the NAS Jacksonville Honor Support Team and the roaring sound of the NAS Jax Weapons Department Saluting Battery cannons signaling the beginning of the event.

As they hit the road, the cyclists headed out through the country roads, across rivers, along the ocean and up bridges to their final destination in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Most spent the night in Daytona and got up the next morning to pedal back to the finish line. One team member and a tri-athlete in training, Lt. Nate Davenport of the Sea Control Weapons School, took the MS Century (100 miles) Challenge and completed his century on the first day.

"I felt great throughout most of the ride, but the last 10 miles on Saturday hurt the most," remarked Davenport after completing the ride Saturday.

"I rode 108 miles Saturday and 82 on Sunday. I plan to compete in the Ironman competition in Panama City, Fla., in November so this was a training ride for me."

Team Navy Jax members gather with the NAS Jax Honor Support Team and MS 150 Coordinator Mona Hover (in orange on right) for a photo at the starting line.

Every year the team dedicates their ride to a NAS Jax family member who was diagnosed with MS in 1991.

"I'm really touched that the team continues to dedicate their ride to me. Three years ago when my husband came home from work and told me that Team Navy Jax was riding 164 miles for me, I became very emotional. It's wonderful that they are doing the ride to support this important cause," said Ann Bushick, wife of NAS Jax MWR Director John Bushick.

"I truly feel that I have accomplished something important by participating in this event. I set a goal to ride for the cause and to have completed it is fantastic. I had a lot of people supporting and encouraging me and I hope they realize how far their dollars will go for MS research," stated IS1 Janie Williams of VP-30. "It is also a personal thrill to know that I have 'been there, done that and to the T-shirt' and represented the Navy and VP-30. My command has been especially supportive of my endeavor to participate in this ride."

Last year, Team Navy Jax members raised $16,244.50 towards this effort through sponsorship and pledges. This year they hope to raise $20,000 by the Oct. 31 deadline.

Jerry Dryden (on three-wheeler) of Team Navy Jax leaves the starting line at the beginning of the two-day event.

If you would like to support the team visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/fln and enter Team Navy Jax.

"When we participate in events like this one everyone wins. However, we could not do it without the support of our sponsors. VyStar Credit Union and Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) were our two main sponsors and we are grateful for their generosity," said Gallet.

"Terry West at VyStar and Rachel Fox from NFCU have stood by us from day one and it is because of them that we have awesome jerseys and shorts. We'd also like to thank

the folks at the NAS Jax Navy Exchange, commissary, Lorie White of Overseas Corporation, Publix at Fleming Island and USO. They ensured we had sports bags, energy bars, water and sports drinks for the ride. We are all very appreciative of their support."

"Team Navy Jax does so much to support the Jacksonville community and sponsoring part of their uniforms is Navy Federal's way of support all that they, as a team, do," said Fox, regional director of marketing for NFCU.

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

IS1 Janie Williams of VP-30 is presented her MS 150 Bike Tour completion medal by Patricia Jacabos-Haydu after crossing the finish line after the challenging 164-mile two-day event. Jacabos-Haybu who is living with Multiple Sclerosis said, "It is an honor for me to present this medal to this Navy Sailor and hero. Her participation in this event gives us hope." Photo by Miriam S. Gallet