Bike tour raises money for MS

One of about 800 bicyclists makes his way up Highway 130 from Shelbyville to Motlow College Saturday on the first part of the two-day, 150+ mile Bike to Jack and Back Bike Tour. The event raises thousands of dollars for multiple sclerosis. (T-G Photo by Mary Reeves) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Did you happen to see the bicyclists speeding silently though the county Saturday and Sunday?

No, 800 bike riders didn't suddenly decide to hit the road on a beautiful October weekend for a casual tour -- they were out there for a reason. Together, they were riding 150 miles in two days, and raising about a quarter of a million dollars for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The annual Bike to Jack and Back bike tour is part of the MS Society's bike tour series, one of about 100 nationwide and 16 in the Southeast. Riders have to pay at least $300 each to participate, but with sponsors and other donors, most bring in much more.

"This is a VIBE jersey," said Steve Burgess of Nashville, pointing to his blue shirt. "You have to bring in a thousand or more to wear it. You'll be seeing a lot of these."

Despite tough economic times, the donations do come in.

"It's tight," said David Lancaster of Elizabethton. "But my wife still raised $1,800. Last year, it was about $2,400."

Lancaster was one of several volunteers manning a rest stop on Highway 130, just before the turnoff to Bottle Hollow. It would be the riders' last chance to grab a drink, some fresh fruit, or even popcorn and bubblegum, before the final leg of the Saturday trip.

"This is the last of eight stops on the way," said Justin Sowder of Nashville. A bicycle technician, he was there courtesy of REI, Recreational Equipment Inc., a co-op that provides everything from gears to inner tubes free for the participants.

The tour begins at Page School in Franklin and ends up at Jack Daniel's, where the participants are invited to shop, eat, and tour the distillery. Some camp out at Motlow, some get shuttled to hotels where they can get a good night's sleep before heading back to Franklin Sunday morning.

The riders are all at least 18, but many are in their 50s and older. One team took teamwork -- and marriage -- seriously, but not without a bit of humor. Lem and Christina Stevens of Franklin, the Louisiana Pacific team, made the trip on a bicycle built for two.

"We stick together," said Lem.

"This way, we can talk," said Christina. "Plus, he used to race so I can't keep up with him."

Nonetheless, Lem grinned and claimed she did all the work when they were riding tandem.

As the cyclists rounded the hill and approached the rest stop, volunteers applauded -- each and every time, whether the riders stopped or not.

"There are no prizes," said Lancaster. "It's all for charity. They just like to go out and ride."