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  • Travis White, a 61-year-old Denver man shown here with the Rocky Mountains in the background, moved through Mankato Tuesday on his way from the West Coast to the East Coast. He and a group of bicyclists are raising money for charity. White is riding to combat multiple sclerosis. Submitted photo

    On a mission

July 19, 2011

Denver man on a mission to combat MS

By Robb Murray The Free Press

— Minnesota was a cruel ride for Travis White.

The Denver man, on a 3,700-mile bike ride across the country to raise money for multiple sclerosis research, endured not only the blazingly obnoxious heat with heat-index readings surpassing 100 degrees, but also two flat tires in quick succession.

No matter. White’s on a mission that’s a lot bigger than biking through a few hot days and repairing a flat or two.

“I’m 61 years old,” he said. “I was just wondering if I could do it.”

It doesn’t appear, at least at this point, that White has anything to worry about.

He and more than 30 other riders came through Mankato Tuesday on their way from the West Coast to the East Coast, a 50-day journey to raise money for the charity of the riders’ choosing.

Some are riding for cancer or other charities. White is riding for MS, the disease that hit him in 2008.

He said the disease hasn’t devastated his life. But it did prompt him to retire from his job at St. Paul’s Lawson Software. He has what is called remitting relapsing multiple sclerosis. His doctor said he’s not a good candidate for drug therapy but put him on a new lifestyle that emphasizes stress reduction, infection avoidance and staying in shape.

All three, he said, are very much on track, which is why he has joined this ride, the longest one he’s done since he became an avid biker in 1982.

He’s hoping to raise $3,700 or roughly $10 per mile. To check on White’s progress, visit travisbikesamerica.com, or follow @TravisBikeGuy on Twitter.

Also, an MS family outing in is set for Saturday in Waterville. Families affected by MS are invited to Camp Singing Hills for food and activities. For more information call Bethany at the Minnesota chapter of the National MS Society at 612-335-7954.

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