Rider with a cause

  • Published
  • By Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  A 512th Airlift Wing member participated in the MS Bike to the Bay, a two-day sporting event designed to raise funds for individuals who suffer from multiple sclerosis, Sept. 29. 

Master Sgt. David Guenthner, an explosive ordnance technician with the 512th Civil Engineer Squadron, took part in one day of the event biking 75 miles in 5 hours and 40 minutes, raising $500. 

The money funds research, programs and services for the 1,350 Delawareans living with mmultiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, according to the MS Bike to the Bay website. The annual event is hosted by the Delaware Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a Combined Federal Campaign charity. 

"The ride was fun," he said. "About 65 miles into it, my rear was so sore I couldn't sit; my knees hurt so bad I couldn't stand, but there never was a point when I thought I couldn't make it." 

The 40-year-old reservist said participating in the event started out as a personal fitness goal, but then it became more about helping people. 

The event began Sept. 29 at 8 a.m. at the Delaware Technical Community College-Terry Campus in Dover. Riders can bike the full 150-mile route, which is 75 miles from Dover to Rehoboth the first day and then another 75 miles back the second day. Bikers also have the option to start at Lake Forest High School near Killens Pond, which is a 45-mile ride. There's also an alternate starting point where bikers could ride the last two miles of the race. 

"Riders came from every demographic," said Sergeant Guenther. "Some came to finish fast; some came to just finish. Some finished hours before me, some finished many hours later." 

Bikes varied from high-end racers to beach cruisers, he added. 

"There were a few incumbent bikes, the kind you lay back in, and one of those old-fashion bikes with the 8-foot-tall front wheel," he explained. 

The MS Bike to the Bay two-day event is designed to offer both challenge and enjoyment for novice bikers or serious cyclists. 

"If you think you can only do the second half, that's still quite an accomplishment," he said. "As for me next year, I'll be riding the second day for sure." 

For more information on the event, log on to http://bikeded.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BIKE_DED_homepage.