J Brut Magnum for Team Brut Force in Support of Multiple Sclerosis via Bike MS!

Team Brut Force had a great weekend at the MS150. We had a solid team of riders and we worked hard all weekend.

The weather was perfect and we were able to ride day one in 5 hours, 44 minutes. Actually, it was the MS 170 for our team. A missed turn added 8 miles to our ride for a total of 108! I am not going to lie, the first 10 miles of day two hurt, but by the second half of the ride we were ready to drop the hammer again. Banged out the 62 miles in 3 hours 19 minutes.

Totals over the two days - 9 hours of saddle time, 170 miles, total average ~19mph. I must say, we were driven on by some 'friendly' competition within Team Brut Force - our last place finisher took some good natured abuse. (Note: It wasn't me; I was on the Podium both days).

We all rode strong and hard and served a worthy cause. The J Champagne at the finish was fantastic! Thanks again!

I’ve attached some pictures of the team. We also took a picture of the top three team riders on “the podium”. (I was second. On the right)

Thanks again for your help and support! Marc O’Connor of Team Brut Force

What is the Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride?

Endorsed by ardent cyclists and novices alike, the ride offers a two-day fundraising ride through the beautiful surrounding countryside of Callaway Gardens and Pine Mountain, Georgia, a short distance from Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson Airport, with spectacular views and historic towns along the way. Georgia's Two-Day Cycling Tradition is a non-profit sporting event celebrating its 23rd year in the fight against multiple sclerosis benefiting the National MS Society-Georgia Chapter.

Like its sister ride, the Bike MS: Georgia Power Savannah Ride, the ride is reaching new heights in an effort to better the lives of all Georgians living with MS. By joining hundreds of riders, participants will be making a profound difference in the lives of people living with MS who are served by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Georgia Chapter. The Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride is one of two rides hosted by the National MS Society-Georgia Chapter and together will raise more than $1.4 million for client programs and research in 2009. Both rides are regarded by cycling enthusiasts as premier rides in Georgia with experienced management, well-coordinated routes, and special attention to riders' safety, comfort and enjoyment.

Proceeds from the ride will help support various programs that aid the 8,500 Georgians with MS and their families in all 159 counties of Georgia. The Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride also joins thousands of cyclists nationwide in raising $77 million in an effort to fund research and local client programs. By joining the movement and riding in the Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride, you have the power to create a world free of MS.

Ride History

Bike MS began winding through the spectacular beauty of Georgia's scenic routes in 1986, raising $40,000 in its first year and setting the ground for what is now the Georgia Chapter's largest annual fundraising event.

After spending the majority of its history nestled between Conyers and Eatonton, GA, Bike MS made a bold move for its 20th Anniversary and relocated to the stunning Callaway Gardens in 2006. This year, we're fortunate to have Cox Enterprises as our title sponsor.

For more information on this very rewarding and enjoyable fundraiser visit: http://www.bikemsatlanta.org/

And for more information on J Vineyards & Winery visit: www.jwine.com