Spirit and spirits of 'Gears and Beers' bike ride for ALS awareness still alive in Iron Horse Ride
If you drive from Ann Arbor to Livingston, Jackson or Ingham counties on Saturday, don’t be surprised by a wave of bikers sharing the road. On Saturday, the Michigan chapter of the ALS Association will conduct its fourth annual biking fundraiser.
All proceeds go toward research and raising awareness about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease.
For the past three years, the ride has gone by the name “Gears and Beers,” but has changed this year to the “Iron Horse Ride.” Executive director Stacey Orsted said the organization decided to change its name to be more appealing to corporate sponsors, but that the spirit -- and spirits - of the event remain intact.
Cyclists gather at Olson park before the 2010 "Gears and Beers" ride.
Photo courtesy of Brad Orsted
There are three routes, a 100-mile course, coined the “Century Route”, a 100-kilometer course “Metric Century.” and a 25-mile course aka the “Iron Pony.”
Even the 25-mile course is not for the faint of heart and has many challenging uphill portions.
“We wanted something to raise awareness and money, but also something that is more physically challenging,” Orsted said. “Something that you wouldn’t have to have a tie to (ALS) to want to do.”
The test of endurance that is the course - as well as to attract cyclists looking to challenge themselves -- pays homage to the Iron Horse. Gehrig played 2,130 consecutive games for the New York Yankees and whose fame is even more connected to his longevity than the impressive numbers he produced during those 14 years.
Gehrig was diagnosed with ALS in June 1939 and died in 1941.
Orsted noted that there will be plenty of rest stations along the course and that Two Wheel Tango -- a bike shop in Ann Arbor -- will provide bike support before and during the ride.
“They’ll have a tent set up at Olson make sure bikes are in proper condition and have vehicles on route for any issues that may arise,” Orsted said, “They’re all over it.”
Last year’s event raised $35,000. Orsted said the goal for this year is to exceed $40,000.
For registration information visit the ALS Association Michigan Chapter website. Riders can also register the day of at Olson Park, but should arrive before the ride begins at 8 a.m. if they plan to complete one of the longer courses.
Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at petercunningham@annarbor.com or by phone at 734-623-2561. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.