Great weather. Great ride. Great cause.
KS-Energy Services Team Wisconsin couldn’t have asked for a better day in Waterloo, Wis. as riders from all over the state participated in the 26th annual Trek 100 Ride for Hope to support the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC) fund.
The Red and White was out in full force on Saturday leading the effort both on and off the road. Team Wisconsin raised thousands of dollars in support of the fight against childhood cancer and the Ride for Hope was the culmination of the effort.Participants enjoyed food, beer, music and the company of good teammates.
“It was great to see all our teammates turnout,” said Team Wisconsin teammate Andy Reiland. “Just pretty cool to be a part of it. I am sure the other riders were pretty impressed.”
Trek 100 lets cyclist do what they do best: ride. Participants could go various distances but the destination was the same for everyone: the Trek factory campus. The more experienced riders, like Team Wisconsin’s Al Krueger, were on hand to give newcomers a boost.
“It’s cool to see and connect with other people along the way and try to help out as many people as possible,” Krueger said. “Even if it’s just taking an extra pull or two.”
Two of Team Wisconsin’s riders had especially notable rides. Carlos Guzman, at only 13 years of age, completed a full 100 ride. Senior rider Andy Reiland, now retired from competitive racing, did the same.
“ I set out the day thinking I was going to do 62 miles and I felt good at the point where you either go one way for 62 or the other for 100.”
At that fork in the road, Reiland had to make a decision: go for a solid 62 miles, or push himself to go the full 100. He chose to go the distance.
“I started to question my decision after 50 miles since my longest ride of the season to this point was 55 miles. But Dino and Freddy looked after me and kept me out of the wind. I felt pretty tired and was glad when the Trek facility was in sight, but very satisfied. “
But for Krueger and many others at the event, it’s so much more than a bike ride, it’s about making a difference in the lives of those who have been affected by cancer. Krueger’s family has experienced first-hand the effects of the disease.
“It’s tough,” he said. “But, helping make sure kids and their families with cancer get the best treatment and are comfortable is a big motivation.”
Overall, the team had a great experience bonding together and pushing each other to do their best on and off the road.
“Bike racing is just bike racing,” said Krueger. “But helping raise money for the MACC Fund through Trek 100 actually helps save lives. It’s as simple as that.”
To learn more about the MACC Fund go to: http://www.maccfund.org/