Shane Merz : Why I Ride

After Shane’s mother passed away in 2002, he became more involved with the MS Society. He participates in the annual ride to support the Society but also to honor Mary Ann. “As I’ve gotten older, I ride slower and take in more of the scenery. I try to connect with the other people who are involved,” adding that with her birthday being May 12, just after the annual race, “it’s a good time to remember Mom.”

He acknowledges that while others may not relate to MS the way he can, he believes that people should seek acts of service that speak to them. For example, when friends donate, he generously matches their donations (sometimes 3-to-1!) to show his appreciation for their support of his participation and his cause.

One tradition for MS 150 riders is to wear a bandana or tie one to their seat post. The bandanas are provided by the MS Society and are signed with a note from someone with MS to connect riders to the lives they are working to improve. Shane rides with a bandana embroidered with a poem that his mom liked. It is a way to remember, cherish, and honor her.

Shane, like many other competitors, has had periods where he had been ill or out of shape during the last twenty-five years, but he has never missed a ride. In fact, he’s gone on to participate in MS 150 rides all over the country, including San Francisco, Colorado, and his home state of Oklahoma.