The 2014 Ride to Defeat ALS is a fundraiser for anyone who wants to do something to raise money to find a cure for ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that slowly robs a person of his or her ability to walk, speak, swallow and eventually, breathe. It is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The bicycle ride in and around Mount Angel is set for Saturday, July 12 beginning at the Mount Angel Festhalle. The registration fee and required fundraising amount is $150 for participants ages 11 and up. Volunteers are always needed. There will be food served in the Festhalle.
According to the ALS Association, about 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year. The incidence of ALS is two per 100,000 people, and it is estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans may have the disease at any given time.
The ride offers a Century Challenge (100 miles), 50 Mile Challenge, 25 Mile Challenge, Family Fun Ride (3 miles), and new this year is the Metric Century Challenge (62 miles). Every participant can count on support from start to finish with crewed rest stops, SAG vehicles, and the safety team.
Upon completing the tour, riders are welcomed back by cheering crowds and finish line festivities that include entertainment, complimentary massages, a healthy lunch and exciting demos. Registration for cyclists is available day-of but all participants ages 11 and up will be responsible for meeting their $150 fundraising minimum by the day of the event.
For information about the event, visit www.RidetoDefeatALS.org, email [email protected] or call 800-681-9851, ext 106.
