Shortened BP MS-150 doesn't change the reason for the ride

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The ride will now be half the distance but it's not stopping riders from making the trip to La Grange. Rider Rachel Clevenger says, "I'm just glad so many people are still going to continue to do the second half of the ride. The goal is not to see what a great cyclist I am. The goal is to help people with MS."

While the rain has stopped, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says four inches of rain have fallen in the last 48 hours in the area. All riders will have to take the Lunch Express Route after the Bechtel Challenge Route was closed.

Riders drove to La Grange Saturday. Early birds from out of state are already parked at the La Grange High School where shuttles will return cyclists after crossing the finish line in Austin.

Phil Clevenger names the people he is riding for, "Miss O'Connor from Bastrop who has MS." The motivation to ride is as different as the people and bikes headed to La Grange. It was a way for Clevenger to get back in shape after a serious illness. He says, "It ruined a year of my life. My son said dad why don't you get a bicycle and ride the MS 150 with me next year."

While Mother Nature modified the route, Clevenger says, "This morning I got a message from a fellow rider saying I want to ride in the rain." She can't touch the reason for riding.