Team Mitsubishi, Bike MS 2016

I got a brief message from the Captain of Mitsubishi Motors Bike MS Team. The message was brief and refers to a promo video I did for the National MS Society's Pacific South Coast Chapter's Bike MS on KTLA channel 5 in Los Angeles  seven or eight years ago. The message reads:

• "Hi Frank. Heads up. KTLA5 may use  a portion of the promo you made in this years spot. They asked me to be  apart of it this year. I mentioned that you are our MS Champion and did the gig a few years ago. Point being is they may use a portion of that spot as part of the promo. Hope all is well."

We moved from Orange County, California to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 5 years ago...And I'm still Team Mitsubishi's MS Champion for the MS Bay to Bay Bike Tour!

Here is the inspirational message that Team Captain David Brooks has added to this year's Bike MS Webpage:

STAND

• We stand at the dawn of a new day. Grateful for a past that was filled with wonder and amazement of both natural and humankind creations. Looking toward a future where imagination and vision are limitlessness.
  To truly live in the world we must always try to see the world as it is. We should always drive to understand, to be open and be ready to listen. We always should question and debate, never fear criticism or consequence. We must always speak from the heart. Always to remember that when we can openly recognize our brothers and sisters and live together as one we can truly claim to be diverse, progressive, spirited and free.
  We are part of Bike MS because some of us have a direct connection with MS but all feel strongly about what we are doing and are passionate about supporting the MS Society. Sixteen years ago our team accepted the call to action from the MS Society. During this time we have seen many advances in MS Research, treatment and assistance to families affected by this disease. We have learned and tried to be strong advocates for the MS community. And we have engaged others to join the MS Movement.
  What does this mean to you? Action from the heart is a force stronger than the physical monuments we have built for our society. These actions mold the present, shape the future and last forever. Your actions fuel others to move closer together, ignite ideas and spark change.
  Let us examine some of our common personal attributes for a moment. We seek meaning, not to just survive. Quality and spirit of life justify and support all of our efforts. All have performed an act of kindness or healed a wound. It is our nature to want to build and create something beautiful. Vitality, passion, will and determination are parts of who we are. Compassion, Love, Trust, Faith and Honor lie in our own hands. These are things that have built the true sum of our souls.
  So you see, when it gets down to it we are very much alike. The key is that responsibility does not lie with leaders or with anyone who is appointed or elected. It lies within each of us.
  As a Team we are identified by a social and ethical balance beyond isolated entities. It’s important not only to have a clear understanding but also an intense sense of performance. A team provides a wider view- that each member will give their time and talent to the common cause. Contribution transitions into a passion to perform. This passion is what fuels the team and ignites will. 
  Whatever form the team takes on also has to serve well-being. It must also include a process of continual self-improvement.  Not as a creed or fixed promise but an attitude. It is about pride in the task, with people knowing that they are pushing themselves to achieve the best that they can. Having genuine interest and excitement in the team’s actions are as important as actual achievement. 
  
  
  It may always seem simple, not always easy. But humanities reason and spirit have often solved the seemingly unsolvable. The engine is a desire to be empowered and fulfilled. The motivation is to achieve, a pride in the task and the peaceful joy of discovery while pushing oneself. We are not discussing an absolute, infinite concept. Not of a dramatic change in the way you live or in your belief. It requires concrete motion and practical application. It is a day to day conviction to do what we can. To do what is right.
  
  This is not a finish, but it is a start. It starts right now. Please join the movement to make the world free of MS. Together we are stronger. Join our team or make a donation. Should we let this dream slip away; we will never truly understand its promise of peace.
  
  
  This year's ride is dedicated to: Frank Austin- Champion (of MS), Bob Dew, Kelly Clark, Starr Velez, Barbara Ferrante, Iginia Felix, Krista Anderson, Matt Bolcer, Diane Foti, Karen Patterson, Amy Courington, Maria Orozco, Dominick Codispodo, Richard Hausman, Joanna Bremner, Stephanie Cole, Donald Songster, Maria Elena Ortega Pew, Yvonne Cofer, Joe Chochrek, Maggie Finn, Yaz Taley, Kim Boileau and Dorothy Witzke.