Team FARA Races Across America to Raise Awareness for Friedreich's
ataxia
February 4, 2010- The Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance is fielding
a team of four cyclists in the "world's toughest bicycle race" - Race
Across America (RAAM). Beginning on June 12, 2010 in Oceanside, CA, Team
FARA will ride in a relay format until reaching the finish in Annapolis,
Maryland approximately 9 days later. Over 215 RAAM competitors will
travel a 3,000+ mile route with 100,000 vertical feet of climbing at an
average minimum speed of 14 mph.
Team FARA in RAAM consists of 4 members- FARA's Spokesperson and Ride
Ataxia Program Director- Kyle Bryant as well as Ride Ataxia cyclists-
Sean Baumstark, John Lockwood and Mike Mellott. Bryant states,
"Sometimes it takes a crazy idea to get noticed. Our Team is excited to
use our RAAM journey as a vehicle to draw attention to the rare disease
which affects both me and Sean and so many others. We also hope that it
encourages all people- with and without physical limitations to maintain
a healthy and active lifestyle and challenge their preconceived notions
of what is possible."
Team FARA's strategy for crossing the country in under 9 days is to
create 2 man sub-teams that ride for 8 hour shifts, alternating 30
minutes each on the road. This will allow the team to have at least one
rider on the move 24 hours a day. This endeavor will require a great
deal of planning and coordination from the team's 8 person support crew
as well as the assistance of the FA community.
Team FARA in RAAM needs your help. YOU can support the team with:
Sponsorships
* Volunteering
* In Kind Donations
* Local Media Outreach
* Support Along the Route
*
To find out more about the team, the route they will travel, and how you
can help please visit http://teamfara.blogspot.com
About RAAM
RAAM is currently the most recognized, longest endurance cycling event
in the world, and garners worldwide respect for the sheer magnitude of
its fitness challenge. www.raceacrossamerica.org
About Ride Ataxia
The mission of Ride Ataxia is to Educate the public about ataxia by
drawing attention through acts of physical endurance, Enable the
advancement of ataxia research through collaborative financial support,
and Empower ataxians by inspiring, motivating, and providing
opportunities to develop physical and mental strength.
There will be four Ride Ataxia events in 2010- Tampa Bay, FL, April 13;
Northern California- Folsom, CA, May 15-16; Philadelphia, PA October
TBD; Southern California- Los Angeles, CA, December 3-4.
www.rideataxia.org
About FARA
The Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance's (FARA) mission is to marshal
and focus the resources and relationships needed to cure FA by raising
funds for research, promoting public awareness, and aligning scientists,
patients, clinicians, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies and
other organizations dedicated to curing FA and related diseases.
www.CureFA.org
Contact
Jennifer Farmer
Executive Director, Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance
(484) 875 3015
info@curefa.org
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