Ride Ataxia



Early bike training with mom

The Timbies like bikes!  And I know a fair amount of the blog readership also rides.  Both the east and west coast cyclists can help support FARA at a Ride Ataxia event this year. 

Ride Ataxia began in 2007 when founder Kyle Bryant decided to ride from San Diego to the National Ataxia Foundation Annual Meeting in Memphis, TN.  Kyle had been diagnosed with FA two years prior and his balance had deteriorated to the point that he didn't feel safe on his bike.  Rather than give up the freedom and the challenge of cycling, Kyle found a "trike" and had so much fun riding 2500 miles with friends and family that the rides haven't stopped!  In 2010 there were Ride Ataxia events in Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, and California.   The 2011 Nor Cal ride is scheduled for Saturday, May 14 in Davis.  Maybe I'll see you there?

Riding my bike, Ironman Canada 2010

The east coast ride is held in October, but the 2011 date hasn't been announced yet.  The east coast Timbies have made a strong showing at Ride Ataxia, PA for the past two years.  Two of the three guys pictured below even rode some "bonus miles" in 2009 and almost ended up on the PA turnpike.



Timbie brothers in 2009

In 2010 JPT was on injured reserve, so Mama T rode to represent to D.C. Timbies.  Cousin J also rode while the rest of the PA Timbies manned an aid station.


Mama T on two wheels

How cute is my mom?  If you need even more inspiration, check out Kyle's FARA team that completed RAAM (a 3000 mile bike race across the U.S.) last summer!  Wow!