Every year, I do a little charity ride called...well, it used to be called the MS150, but this year it's called BikeMS 2009 for some reason (I get the 2009 part, really).  Anyway.  It's a two-day ride, day 1 being routes up to 100 miles and day 2 being either 35 or 55 miles. I plan on doing the century day 1, and legs willing the 55 miler on day two.

I've been doing this ride since 1995, and in that time have raised close to $8000 to fund research into the causes of Multiple Sclerosis, and to support people in Oregon living with MS.  Why do I care?  I care because my mother had MS for years.  I'm no scientist, nor can I do medical research, so all I can do is pedal the crap out of my legs for two days and hope that I raise a decent amount of money in the process.

This year's ride is August 1st and 2nd, and I'm starting to fundraise now, which is why I'm posting this diary.  Jeff graciously gave me permission to use this space to beg for donations, so that's what I'm doing - I'm shamelessly monetizing my hopefully-not-shambolic reputation 'round these parts so I can raise money to go to this great cause.

It doesn't matter if you've met me or not - if you know me from here, and want to support what I'm doing, throw me a few bucks.  Hell, if you want to pay me money to stop talking, I'd take that too - the donations are what's important.  For those of you in the corporate world, check with your company about their matching gifts program - that's a great way to double your donation without even trying very hard.

Any amount you can afford is awesome - there's no minimum, even $5 is appreciated.  Of course, there's no maximum either, so if you wanted to sell your house, cars, and offspring, and give me all the proceeds, that'd be cool.  No pressure.

Seriously, though, thanks for indulging me, and thanks for your time and generosity.

If you want to donate, click here and then click "donate to Paul" at the top left.  If you'd prefer to send me a check, drop me an email and I'll let you know where to send it.

And, if you're in the Portland area, at some point in late June or early July I will hopefully be doing an in-person fundraising thing, with beer tasting.  Stay tuned.