Finding Hope and Your Folks in the Spokes

Figuring out a path forward from my diagnosis was scary, but early on I reached out to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for resources. I first connected with a group of peers with an NMSS group called “Generation OptiMiStic,” who were all people living with MS in their 20s-30s. These were my first MS friends; they made me realize that I might be okay living with MS. They helped me turn a corner and I opened up to other friends and family about my diagnosis. One friend in the MS group, Scott, introduced me to Bike MS in 2008. I watched him cross the finish line of the MS 150 which was in Madison that year. Little did I know what a profound impact that one event would have on my life in the years to come.

My first year of Bike MS was 2009 with 9 riders. Upon registering my team, I had to determine a team name and didn’t want it to be “Team Curt.” I decided to go with the acronym CCC and knew I could weave “Curt” in there somewhere. My mom then came through with “Curt’s Conquest for a Cure,” and Team CCC was born! In 2012 we added our signature polka dot jerseys. This gave our team a fun, quirky identity that was attractive enough to triple the roster size that year! In 2015 we moved forward with incorporating the team and got recognition as a 501c3 non-profit entity. The years 2015 through 2018 were crazy fun, and busy with many fundraisers! Each of these years we had over 100 riders on the team and our fundraising was well over $100k.

The non-profit entity was fun but was a lot of work to keep up with. One of the founding members, Rick, was diagnosed with cancer and had to step away from the team. Trying to manage a board of directors and a non-profit corporation suddenly became much more work. I decided that my main priority was being a great team captain and riding 150 miles during the first weekend of August every year. We decided to dissolve the corporation and keep the team and the mission. It is humbling to think about the “good old days!” Now it is 2025 and even with smaller ridership and fundraising levels, Team CCC is approaching our million-dollar milestone in lifetime fundraising.

Through the 17 years of my participation in Bike MS each year is unique. Different people show up to ride, new people donate, the ride community changes, the ride changes. Yet, the mission remains central. We raise money to cure MS and help people with MS live their best lives. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s vision is a world free of MS. Although this diagnosis is terrible, the quantity and quality of new friends I’ve made along the way are nothing short of incredible. I am so very fortunate to have good health and the ability to ride my bicycle to raise money to fight multiple sclerosis. As I view the successes I’ve had on many levels, in relation to the MS diagnosis, I sincerely view it as a blessing in disguise.

The 2025 Bike MS: Best Dam Bike Tour will be held on August 2 & 3, 2025 in Baraboo. The two day fully supported ride features 6 scenic loops across Sauk County. Riders have the option of riding 1,2, or all 3 loops each day. This equitable tour route allows riders of all levels to find their challenge and ride 25, 50, or 75 miles each day. Rider Village is the central space for camaraderie, meeting new friends, eating lunch, and enjoying a beer once the helmet is off. Themed rest stops and fun event experience missions make this weekend one for you will always remember. Come join me and hundreds of other riders as we move forwards towards beating MS for good.

• If you are interested in joining or donating to Team CCC, you can do it HERE.
• If you are interested in learning more about Bike MS: Best Dam Bike Tour, you can find more information HERE.