Spike and RockSports team up to help find a cure for MS

Richard Tapia has been a good friend of RockSports for some time. This weekend he will try to do what no mascot has done before, pedal more than 160 miles fully out-fitted as part of the 2009 BP MS 150. All of us at RockSports wish you the best of luck in your race!

Here is the latest update from Richard before the big race:

Everyone in Austin, be sure to tune in tonight (4-16-09) to Fox 7 in Austin at 9:00 for a story that is being done on Spike riding in the MS 150. Also, tune in to KVUE (CBS) after that at 10:00 for another similar story on Spike and the MS 150. The media in Austin has been great about this and we’re really starting to gain some steam to bring awareness and raising funds for this event.

Some of you have expressed an interest in meeting Spike and my spot rider (my cousin, J.R. Thomas) at the finish line on Sunday. If you’d like to do so, the finish line on Sunday will be at the Bob Bullock History Museum located on Congress between MLK and 18^th St.

Something new that we’re doing is selling Spike bike ride merchandise. Our good friends and t-shirt company, RockSports, have signed on the help us out with the ride and to raise some money. I realize this is last minute, but you can click on the link below to see the t-shirt, towel and bandanas that are available for purchase. The money for each item goes to cover the cost associated with producing the item, while the rest will go to the National MS Society.

http://store.rocksportsoutlet.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=RRXP&Store_Code=2008&Category_Code=RREXPRESS

There is a tradition on the MS 150 where riders tie bandanas to their bikes in honor of someone who is affected by MS. If you know someone that have been affected and would like Spike to ride in their honor, you can purchase a bandana before Saturday and I will write their name on it and tie it to Spike’s bike. After the race is done, Spike will autograph it and send it back to you to have as a keepsake.

If you’d like to buy a t-shirt to wear at the finish like to cheer on Spike, J.R. and the rest of the riders in the race, RockSports will be doing a run of t-shirts that will be ready in time for Sunday. In order to get your shirt in time, you need to order by 10:00 AM tomorrow morning. You can choose to pick it up at RockSports in Round Rock (Address at www.rocksports.net), the Express offices (Address below in my signature) or my fiancé, Nicole, will be at the finish line and you can get it from her there. She’ll most likely be the only red head wearing a Spike shirt! You can also e-mail me back if you need to make special arrangement. Again, a good bit of this money is going back to the charity.

Also, if you haven’t donated, it’s not too late! We can still accept donations on the fundraising site through May 19. To donate, go to http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/TXHBikeEvents?px=6239177&pg=personal&fr_id=10222

Thanks again for everyone’s support. This has been a lot of work, but an absolute blast to be a part of and I’m extremely excited about the ride this weekend. Wish me and J.R. luck!