BY ZOEY RITCHIE

Local DeLand couple Brain and Emily Shea are taking to the Florida trails for their third multiple sclerosis fundraising biking event this March. With the goal of raising $5,000 for multiple sclerosis research, The duo will begin a journey not just together but in tandem as they ride a bicycle built for two.

Traveling with “Bike the US for MS,” a global nonprofit, the recently retired couple will be representing an organization that hosts regional and cross-country biking trips for multiple sclerosis research and awareness. The group has collectively raised more than $3.3 million since its organization in 2007 by pedaling around the United States. It is one of the largest charity cycling series in the world.

While neither one of the Shea’s suffer from MS, the couple is passionate about charity work. Brian and Emily have backgrounds in community service and take pride in the work they have done over the years,

“I was volunteer for hospice — we didn’t know each other then, but I mean, I taught kids swimming for the Red Cross years ago,” Emily said.“Throughout our life, we’ve always done things. It’s amazing, and it’s our been our profession as well.” 

Do not let the profession comment fool you though — while they regarded it as their career, the two did this work simply because they wanted to do their part. 

“We feel society’s hard enough, things are tough enough, people need a break,” Brian said.

Their drive to help others does not change with their upcoming ride. In addition to raising money and awareness, the group also gives assistance to people with MS. 

“We actually cut down trees, we cleaned people’s homes, we raked lawns, we did a whole bunch of work. And when you had a volume of folks for a couple hours, a lot of things got done. And that is what MS (multiple sclerosis) is about, is not only meeting the financial assistance, but also the physical assistance,” Brian explained.

Their upcoming ride will stretch from Saturday, March 1, through Sunday, March 9 starting in Jacksonville and going south to Key West, covering a total of 590 miles. They plan to bike about 60 to 70 miles each day, taking on the nine-day route. Local churches along their route will provide shelter during the night, while they bike through the day, stopping only to snack and take a quick breather. 

To get ready for this biking journey, the duo spend many mornings on biking paths. 

“Right now the goal is riding every day for 30 miles per day, and then we need to squeeze in 250-mile days just to build our mental confidence,” Brain said. 

While the physical training is important, the Sheas’ said, the mental component is just as — if not more — key.

     “The physical will come, but the mental confidence,” Brian said. “Because you get tired, and you just have to say, well, I gotta keep going, because we’re not done yet.” 

Their current training regime has the two biking locally and in beautiful Florida state parks, including biking up to The Beacon for an interview, from their home in DeLand

“It’s really a beautiful area for cycling. ECHO has been extremely generous in helping develop well-refined, very safe trails,” Brian said, referring to the Volusia County taxpayer-funded program that helps pay for area biking trails. 

While this may be taxing to most, the Sheas’ are more than ready to tackle the challenge together. 

“It helps our relationship, because we’re together, and we’re solving problems, solving problems,” Emily said. “When we were off on the bike, it gives us private, solo time to be able to talk.”

With this ride, they hope do more than just raise funds and awareness, but to give a message of support to those who were diagnosed with MS,

“We got your back. We’re really here for you, and we’re willing to dedicate the training and fundraising.”

Brian and Emily Shae will be riding through Daytona Beach around Monday, March 3. While cheering them on is appreciated, they would prefer that you visit the “Bike the US for MS” website at biketheusforms.org to donate to the cause. 

To find their campaign, click on the Florida Coast route and select their profile under teams. From there, all you need to do is click “Support me.” It’s a simple yet powerful action for an amazing cause.