Gregg's BlogCycle: ALS Double Day Ride 2007

For the fourth year in a row we've supported the ALS Double Day Ride. Just what is ALS? Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease, first described in 1869 by the noted French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. Although the cause of ALS is not completely understood, the last decade has brought a wealth of new scientific understanding about the disease that provides hope for the future. Lou Gehrig first brought national and international attention to the disease in 1939 when he abruptly retired from baseball after being diagnosed with ALS. Most commonly, the disease strikes people between the ages of 40 and 70, and as many as 30,000 Americans have the disease at any given time. We're very proud to support this ride and it's been great to see it grow over the years. This year the riders raised at least $80,000 for the cause and after the matching gifts they are sure to break last year's record of $100,000.

We were out there to make sure all the bikes were running properly and provide support on the road. We also donated some prizes to the event for the great raffle that the event puts on during their annual Pasta4PALS Dinner.

The weather was great for the ride. It started out a little cloudy in the morning but the temperature was great and the sun made an appearance later in the day.

While these riders look pretty serious, the ride was great for all abilities. The people that came out to ride (close to 200 people) almost all have a direct connection with ALS and ride as part of a team supporting a family member or friend with ALS or in remembrance of someone who has passed from the disease.

ALS is takes people, often in their prime, and takes them quickly. The average lifespan after a diagnosis is less than 3 years. The families and sufferers of this disease are amazingly brave and generous.