Spinning Success: Valero Takes the Lead in 2007 MS 150 Charity Ride
This wonderful article was written by Diane Mitchell from Valero's Corporate Communications Department. Diane has been a member of Velo Valero for many years.
Under clear, blue skies and heady winds, nearly 600 Valero employees, friends and family members came together in early October for a 150-mile charity ride to fight multiple sclerosis.
The 2007 Valero MS 150, which takes riders from San Antonio to Corpus Christi over two days, helped raise nearly $2 million for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Lone Star Chapter – a record fundraiser for this event. Velo Valero, the company’s official cycling team, raised about $200,000 through pledges made in their support.
Cool weather set the stage for an early-morning start Oct. 20 at San Antonio’s AT&T Center. Rider No. 1 – Valero Chairman and CEO Bill Klesse – was the event’s top fundraiser for the second straight year. With excitement in the air, Klesse thanked the crowd of participants for doing their part to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis.
“That’s a terrific feat,” Klesse said. “It’s just a matter of time before a cure for this debilitating, chronic disease is found. With everyone’s help, that cure will be here soon.”
Klesse’s remarks set the stage for an inspirational, a cappella performance of the National Anthem by Valero employee Alisa Lomas. Silenced by Lomas’ sensational voice, the crowd began to cheer only after the release of dozens of white doves.
“There is just something very special and unforgettable about rallying with 3,500 fellow riders and countless volunteers and spectators to help raise money to research the cure for multiple sclerosis,” said rider Megan Lehnhoff, an advisor in Valero’s Organizational Development department.
Lenhoff was among 243 Velo Valero cyclists who pedaled 94 miles from San Antonio to Beeville, Texas, on Saturday, and 60-plus miles from Beeville to the finish line at Corpus Christi’s Texas State Aquarium on Sunday. That group was joined by hundreds of Valero volunteers, including Valero’s Motorcycle Club, who served as Support and Gear (SAG) volunteers and were staked out in various towns along the 150-mile route.
Riders and volunteers represented 10 Valero locations: Aruba, Corpus Christi, Houston, Krotz Springs, McKee, Memphis, Port Arthur, San Antonio, Texas City and Three Rivers.
“This has turned into a huge event,” Valero Volunteer Coordinator Sammy Nieto said. “We can’t even use our one, big barbeque grill for all of the brisket that we cook for Saturday’s dinner in Beeville.”
Saturday evening’s entertainment included a performance by an Elvis impersonator and other rock ‘n’ roll fanfare. Valero employee Lucy Hernandez and her team of volunteers staged the entire event on a $300 budget.
“Who would’ve thought Valero would turn this into something this huge,” former Velo Valero Team Captain Rusty Ferguson said. “It’s amazing how things have changed. Eight years ago, I would have thought you were crazy if you told me Valero’s CEO would ride. Bill Klesse has impressed me greatly in not only his ability to ride but his leadership in this event.”
Klesse served as an inspiration for donors, sponsors, volunteers and fellow cyclists.
“Saturday’s ride goes 94 miles with an option to do a Century Ride (to hit 100 miles),” rider Lenhoff said. “All along, I planned on doing the century ride, but by Mile 80, I said, ‘Scrap that!’ Everyone in my group agreed. When we got to our last rest stop … we ran into Mr. Klesse. I asked him if he was going to do the Century Ride, and he enthusiastically said, ‘Of course!’ So, we felt inspired to do it, too.”
Eddie Gamez, business services manager at the Valero Bill Greehey Refinery in Corpus Christi, agreed the ride was grueling but fun. “You know it’s windy when you have to pedal downhill,” he said.
First-time riders included Valero Chief Information Officer Hal Zesch; Jim Kuhl, Vice President of External Reporting; and Keary Lambrecht, Senior Vice President of the Valero Federal Credit Union.
“This was my first 150, and I can only imagine how much work and energy went into pulling off such an event,” said another first-time rider, Ronnie Hatter, IS Project Manager at the Valero McKee Refinery. “Thanks so much to all who poured their heart and soul into making this a great ride.”
Several Velo Valero members also rode alongside their children. Veteran rider Glenn Dodson and his two sons completed parts of the ride. And Jeff McCracken and his son, Davis, completed the 150-mile ride.
“Talk about managing the emotional game plan!” McCracken said. “One time, I kicked into coach mode and tried to explain to Davis that if he couldn’t master the mental aspect of this challenge, then he had no chance of conquering the physical challenges. Davis fired back (we were a bit testy by then) … ‘Dad? I lost the physical challenge about 15 miles ago!’ So much for being the Vince Lombardi of the road cyclist scene.”
The challenges only made the finish sweeter, however, as everyone celebrated raising a record amount toward finding a cure for multiple sclerosis. No doubt, they’ll be ready to do it again in 2008.
Velo Valero team members get pumped up for the 2007 MS 150 Bike to the Beach. The 150-mile charity ride from San Antonio to Corpus Christi raises money to fight multiple sclerosis. Valero was title sponsor of the event