The route has been finalized, barring unexpected events as the time approaches. The daily routes will be similar to last year with a few changes to make it even better and more picturesque. With the help of Maureen Stockover, we have come up with 3 routes that combine bike trails & city streets to make this year's walk a truly unique & enjoyable experience. All of your walking will be downhill, with a tailwind, only in the shade (unless of course you want to be in the sun) and with the most enjoyable companions. Okay, so only the part about the companionship is true, but I think the route is as good as can be expected for August in Colorado. There will be some sun, some shade and mostly flat. Most of the trails are concrete, but do have dirt alongside for comfort. Oh yeah, you will have at least 1 cheerleader along the way. Just listen for me and you'll never get lost! Click here for a map of each day:

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

Here is a list of the volunteer opportunities available. Please know you may volunteer for as little as 2-3 hours or all of 1 day, 2 days, or all 3 days. Some positions are only one day as noted, otherwise volunteers are needed each day at that position. We provide fabulous food, sports drinks, and water to all Volunteers throughout the day! If you can help please contact Maureen Stockover at STOCKOVER@aol.com

Pit Stop Volunteer: 2 Volunteers at each Pit Stop pass out water and encouragement to the Walkers.
Rest Stop Volunteer: 3 or 4 Volunteers pass out snacks, water, and encouragement to the Walkers. Volunteers can choose to decorate their Rest Stop or choose a theme. We provide all water and snacks.
Pit/Rest Stop Setup and Takedown: Setting up and taking down rest stops and pit stops through out the day.
Bike Support: On your bike, riding the route each day, providing water, bandaids, etc. to the Walkers.
Route Marshal: The Volunteer escorts Walkers across intersections and directs them along the route.
Volunteer Check-In: Check in Volunteers.
Floater: Able to assist where needed.
Cheerleader: Cheer for Walkers along the route and at the finish line each day.
Meal Volunteers: Help serve breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner.
Friday (August 24th) Early Morning Setup: Help with last minute setup for breakfast and the opening ceremony.
Parking Attendant (Friday August 24th): Help direct traffic the first morning of the Walk.
Sunday (August 26th) School Breakdown: Help breakdown the school where the Walk is headquartered.
Sunday (August 26th) Finish Line Setup: Help set up for the Finish Line Festival.
Sunday (August 26th) Finish Line Breakdown: A fancy way of saying cleaning up after the closing Festival!

We appreciate any time you are able to give. We have a lot of flexibility in the volunteer positions. If you have any questions about volunteering please contact Maureen.

Discounted rates are available to Walkabout participants from August 23-27 at the following locations. Rooms are limited to 10 at each hotel so make your reservations now. Be sure to mention the Walkabout to get the discount.

Courtyard Marriott
1200 Oakridge Drive
Ft. Collins, CO 80525
970-282-1700
10 Rooms available at $99.00 per night.

Residence Inn
1127 Oakridge Drive
Ft. Collins, CO 80525
970-223-5700
10 Rooms available at$119.00 per night
1 Bedroom Suite, Full Kitchen, Pull out couch

Remember Burgers and Brats for a Buck on Saturday, July 21, at the Sunflower Market in Ft. Collins. We will need lots of helpers from 10:00 until 3:00. Can you help for any or all of that time? Helpers are also needed from 7:00 to 10:00 for set-up. Contact Maureen Stockover at stockover@aol.com or Christy Dittmar at cdittmar@brainrecov.comif you can pitch in.

Walkabout participant Kimberly Mycoff has graciously agreed to host a pre-Walkabout get together for Metro Denver. Kim lives in Aurora. Come meet your fellow walkers and enjoy some food, fellowship and good, old-fashioned fun.

Saturday, August 4, 2:00 pm.
RSVP to Kimberly Mycoff at kimber_md@yahoo.com or call 720-218-9629. She will reply with directions.

Donna participated in the Walkabout last year and is a new member of the Mighty Spirits in Motion team. The Mighty Spirits have participated in every 3-Day walk from the very beginning and have always had several members who live with MS, including team captain, Casey Nikoloric who was diagnosed five years ago. The team has raised over $120,000 for the cause!

This year Donna will attempt to walk 4 to 5 miles every day on her own. The team will push her wheelchair the rest of the way. The Might Spirits could use your help with that and with making Donna's dream of crossing the finish line again come true.

Hear from Donna in her own words:

"I was diagnosed just after my 17th birthday. I had gone through 3 attacks. The first one my eye doctor didn't connect my optic neuritis with MS. People really didn't know about MS back in 1978. After that episode was over it wasn't any problem until I was all most 21. That time I went from optic neuritis, to vertigo, to stomping my foot, to a nervous eye twitch, and back to optic neuritis . This exacerbation lasted for 13 to 14 months. In 1993 I lost control of my limbs. My doctor suggested I give up my alcohol, soda pop, chocolate, & driving, which I did for 3 and a half years!

In spite of it all, I keep a smile on my face and take one step at a time. At times I have found my self just crying, this does help relieve tension. But if a person has a sense of humor it is the best way to help deal with every day issues. You'll find out that I have a big sense of humor!

I am really looking forward to the Walkabout and to doing as much of the route as I can under my own power and without my wheelchair. Thanks to all of you and the Mighty Spirits for getting me the rest of the way and for everything you do for all of us who live with MS."