I flipped over the handlebars of my bike when I was 8 and didn’t get back on until 14 years later when Don and Kristen convinced me to give bikes another chance. Soon afterward I bought my mountain bike. When Don decided to Bike the US for MS again in 2009, that pair convinced me to get a touring bike and give biking across the country a first chance. I’ve been saving up ever since. I’m currently an AmeriCorps volunteer making about $11,000 this year, so when I say I’m saving money to be a part of this bike ride, you have an idea of how much I care about Bike the US for MS.

I work for a non-profit food distribution group called SHARE, and I plan to continue in the vein of non-profits when my year with AmeriCorps is over next fall, so being a part of Bike the US for MS fits into my long term goals perfectly. To be honest, I’ve never done anything like this ride before. Previously I’ve only run a few half marathons, but I’m up for the challenge.

Amanda, Nina and Kristen

I’ve known Don and his family for three years now, and Nina is my main inspiration for this ride. She is a wonderful person, and it’s the least I can do to bike across the country on her behalf. Of course this trip is much bigger than just Nina. I am so excited to meet and help other individuals with MS while simultaneously raising public awareness and money for MS research. This will be a powerful experience: biking further than I’ve ever gone, seeing amazing things, and meeting incredible people. I will grow as a person to say the least. I’m so proud to be a part of this, surrounded by good friends and knowing that I will make many more along the way.

Watch out America! Here comes the Shark☺

Amanda “the shark” Clark