2009 Tri-State Trek

The 2009 Tri-State Trek, a 3-day 270-mile bike ride from Newton, MA to White Plains, NY to benefit the ALS Therapy Development Institute, will take place on July 24-26. For those not familiar with this ride, it is an incredible event that raises critical funds for ALS research. ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease with no known cure. ALS TDI is the only non-profit biotechnology company dedicated to finding effective therapeutics for this devastating disease.

The story behind the founding of ALS TDI is as inspiring as they come. When Stephen Heywood was diagnosed with ALS in 1998, his brother Jamie founded the ALS Therapy Development Foundation (now ALS TDI) in an effort to save Stephen’s life.  Although Stephen passed away from complications related to ALS in 2007, ALS TDI’s fight to discover effective drug therapies continues. The Tri-State Trek is one of the Institute’s premier fundraising events, and has raised more than $1.2 million since 2003 for ALS research.

A few years ago I rode in the Trek myself. It was one of the most difficult experiences of my life – physically and emotionally – but it was also one of the most inspiring. The energy and passion of every single rider, crew member, volunteer and cheerleader is not something I’ll soon forget.

If you are looking to participate in a charity ride this summer or next – or are looking for a fulfilling volunteer experience – the Tri-State Trek is a first-class event that benefits a groundbreaking organization. The ride is fully-supported with rest stops every 20 miles. Overnights are in Storrs, CT at the University of Connecticut and New Haven, CT at Southern Connecticut State University. One day rides are available if you aren’t up for all three days. Transportation from the finish line is available for those heading back to Boston.

For event details and volunteer information, please visit www.tristatetrek.com.