We completed the MS S.U.N. 75 inline skate from Hinckley to Duluth, Minnesota (with an overnight stay at the midway point in the booming metropolis of Barnum) this weekend. The event was a fundraiser with all proceeds going to the Minnesota Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. To all of you who have generously made pledges to our team we thank you mightily. To those of you who wish to donate you still have an opportunity. Simply hit the Pay Pal button on the left of the page or drop me an e-mail at rightwinger23@hotmail.com and I'll let you know where to submit your pledge. More information on pledging is available here.
This is a shot of our team on Sunday morning. I'm the grinning jackass in the yellow domestic partner beater. The Atomizer is in the white Radio K shirt on my right.
The skate itself went about as well as it possibly could for our squad. The weather was gorgeous. We managed to maintain a decent pace throughout and the spills were kept to a minimum. The Atomizer was even able to overcome his training injury and put in a solid effort on the trail.
On Saturday night we stayed at the Black Bear Hotel Casino & Hotel which proved adequate for our needs. It's been a few years since I've been at a casino here in Minnesota and I had forgotten what dismal places they can be. After only a few moments of watching the expressionless faces of people pumping money into the flashing, beeping, ringing, dinging machines I came to the conclusion that, after the 2002 election night DFL "victory" celebration this was probably the second most depressing scene I have witnessed in recent years. Usually when people are having fun or are being entertained they tend to smile and laugh. Not at the casino. Apparently losing money is a very serious business for these folks.
On Sunday we were able to enjoy the scenery of northern Minnesota, particularly once the trail entered the Jay Cooke State Park. We even took a few minutes to stop and smell the flowers or take in the view from a bridge over the St. Louis River.
After we rolled into Duluth and completed the trek we feasted on a lunch catered by Famous Dave's BBQ and the Atomizer celebrated in a manner befitting his idiom.
For next year's MS75 we're looking to get the Commissioner up here to participate and help us raise some real money. Surfing is okay for some Hugh but real men skate.
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