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Wednesday, June 4, 2008
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IN JAN'S MEMORY Area man pedaling to raise funds for MS cure Staff Writer On Saturday, Jim Eisler will begin his two-day, 150-mile bike ride to raise funds to find a cure for multiple sclerosis.
Eisler, an East Gull Lake resident, is not only riding in honor of his late sister, Jan Donnelly, who died at age 46 of complications from her battle with MS. He's also riding for the many people in the lakes area who are dealing with their own MS struggles each day.
"It's not just for my sister," Eisler said, but he had always wanted to do something personal in her memory since her death in 1996 but hadn't yet found the right opportunity until now. "There are people here who we're trying to make life better for."
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Jim Eisler, East Gull Lake, plans to participate in the Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Bike Ride to raise funds to support programs and research for multiple sclerosis. Eisler's sister, Jan Donnelly, died in 1996 as a result of complications from her battle with MS. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
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Eisler, managing broker of Edina Realty in Brainerd and Crosslake, will be riding with more than 3,500 bicyclists in the Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Bike Ride from Duluth to Blaine. The weekend event starts Friday but the actual ride begins Saturday.
Eisler's 23-year-old son, C.J., also plans to participate in honor of his late aunt.
Eisler only recently became a biking enthusiast through another cause. Last summer he helped with fundraising efforts for the Brainerd Family YMCA to purchase 20 "spinning bikes" so Group Cycle classes could be offered. He became a diehard Group Cycle fan and faithfully attends three classes a week.
"This gives me the most efficient workout without hurting you," Eisler said of Group Cycle. "I hate running, running is not me. There's no impact and you can burn a lot of calories (while spinning)."
"Jim is very faithful in coming and a hard worker," said Julie Anderholm, a YMCA Group Cycle certified instructor. "It can be for any fitness levels."
While at an Edina Realty manager meeting in the Twin Cities in March, he learned that more than 140 riders, all Realtors, were planning to ride in the Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Bike Ride. The spinning classes not only gave him the confidence to know that he could complete this 150-mile ride, but he's become more fit and has lost 18 pounds. He decided to join the team.
"It's awesome," Anderholm said of Eisler deciding to participate in this MS bike ride after taking Group Cycle classes. "Jim is really a good participant to have in class. He's not shy and I think people have really gotten to know each other well."
Last Saturday the YMCA hosted its monthly two-hour "radical ride" Group Cycle class but on this day the money raised was donated to Eisler's MS efforts. Each participant paid $5, which was donated to Eisler.
Eisler said if someone would have told him a year ago he would be doing this, he wouldn't have believed it. But his workouts at the YMCA, along with his current bicycling training regimen, have paid off. In fact, several of his colleagues have bet him that he won't make it.
"I'm just having fun making bets with people because I'm going to get so much money," Eisler said with a laugh.
Eisler said if his sister were alive today, not only would she support his efforts but she would probably be riding along with him this weekend. Despite living with MS for 18 years, Donnelly continued to have spunk and tenacity, said Eisler.
"She'd be thrilled," Eisler said. "She'd just as soon be on the ride and kick my butt. We were slightly competitive."
Those who would like to donate to Eisler's ride may visit the Web site, www.realestateriders.org, and on the right hand side, click on "Our MS 150 Team Page." Clicking on Eisler's name will bring you to his donation page.
For more information about MS, visit the National MS Society Minnesota Chapter at mnm.nationalmssociety.org.
JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.
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