When I decided to ride in the MS-150, it started with some friends whom I ran in the Houston Marathon with, wanting to continue a training regime for early Saturday mornings. I got on a bike for the first time in years about 2 months before the big event and gradually, with some coaching from a colleague at work, I physically worked myself (and my bum!) up to long bike rides. When the physical training was done, I finally realized that mentally, I hadn't prepared myself for this ride, and I wasn't exactly sure what my reason for doing it was. My good friend's father had MS, so I had decided a while back to ride in honor of him, but I hadn't really thought about what the actual ride was going to be like, other than the fact that it was a long way from Houston to Austin! 
The day of the ride was frantic and exciting; thousands of riders lined up behind the starting line. The first half of the day was easy; the wind was at our backs, flat terrain and the excitement of the morning start. The afternoon that followed was a test. The hills came pretty suddenly and it was all I could do not to get off my bike and walk it up the hill. At a particularly steep hill, the thought "why am I out here doing this to myself?" crossed my mind, and right then I saw someone in a wheelchair, paralyzed from the waist down, using only his arm strength to wheel himself up this hill. That was when I realized I had no excuses not to do it, and that I should thank God every day I am healthy and physically able to do this. It was a humbling experience to see that. The amount of volunteers and supporters out there was great motivation and everyone was very friendly! When we would go through these little country towns on the way, the entire community would be out clapping and cheering us on. Riding into Austin the second day, I have never been so happy to see the University of Texas tower (my alma mater!). It was pure joy crossing the finish line in front of the capital, with my family and friends cheering me on... 
I would encourage the Polish community to get involved in events such as this one. It is physically demanding, and the training requires discipline and focus, but the rewards and feelings when completing it are indescribable.