Tri-State Trek, July 23-25

We need more cowbell!

The 2010 Tri-State Trek, a 3-day 282-mile bike ride from Newton, MA to Greenwich, CT to benefit the ALS Therapy Development Institute, will take place on July 23-25. 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 world’s first non-profit biotechnology company – and the world’s largest research facility solely dedicated to finding effective therapeutics for this devastating “orphan” 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 $1.6 million since 2003 for ALS research.

In 2006 I rode in the Trek myself. It was one of the best – and most difficult – experiences of my life. 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 are looking for a fulfilling volunteer experience – the Tri-State Trek is the event for you. 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.