HAMILTON – Cyclists will gear up for change at the second annual ALS Canada Revolution Ride taking place on Sunday, September 25 in Dundas, Ontario. Participants will cycle to build awareness and fundraise in support of people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The event is powered by a team of ALS Canada volunteers, led by Revolution Ride Committee Co-Chair Adam Foley, who are fueled by a passion for cycling and a commitment to working toward a future without ALS.
Adam, an avid cyclist, rides for his brother Matthew, who was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 30 and passed away a few years later in 2014. “My brother passed away eight years ago but it remains my goal to ensure that money is raised to provide much-needed support and services for people affected by ALS and for research that may one day bring new hope and improved quality of life for people with ALS,” says Adam. “It’s important for the ALS community to experience the commitment participants in the Ride have for them as they rally together for the cause.”
Fifty-one-year-old Guelph resident Darrell Kane’s father passed away from ALS on September 24, 1992. Thirty years and one day later, Darrell will participate in the Ride on September 25 in memory of his father and for himself. Darrell, who is also a cycling enthusiast, was diagnosed with ALS in July of this year. “When my father passed away, it was too painful for me to be part of the ALS community,” says Darrell. “Now that I have been diagnosed with ALS, and for as long as I have quality of life and mobility, I want to do what I can to support the cause. Families caring for a loved one with ALS are in need of support services, which the ALS Society of Canada can provide with the help of our fundraising efforts.”
Today, more than 3,000 Canadians are living with ALS – a terminal disease that progresses with devastating swiftness. Unforgiving and relentless, people living with ALS face progressive paralysis and, over time, will lose the ability to walk, talk, swallow, eat, and eventually breathe. Each year about 1,000 Canadians are diagnosed with ALS, and another 1,000 Canadians will die from the disease.
Proceeds from the ALS Canada Revolution Ride go to community-based support services for people and families living with ALS in Ontario, provincial and federal advocacy initiatives for access to treatments, and investments in the most promising ALS research in Canada. Last year, the first-ever ALS Canada Revolution Ride raised more than $250,000, exceeding its original fundraising goal of $150,000. “This year, we are hoping to match last year’s success and we encourage cycling enthusiasts to come out and ride for those who can’t,” adds Adam. “The event kicks off with opening festivities and everyone is welcome to celebrate in post-ride celebrations.”
Revolution Ride will take place in picturesque Dundas, Ontario, where the escarpment’s beauty will be revealed atop climbs and long and winding countryside roads. Cyclists will be challenged to complete a 40km ride or a 90km ride. Both routes start and finish at the Shawn & Ed Brewing Co., which will be open for lunch and refreshments. For those not able to make the trip to Dundas, a virtual option from a location and date of the person’s choice is also available through Strava.
Participants can register in one of three different categories: as individuals challenging themselves to complete a personal goal; as a team of family and friends in support of someone with ALS; or as a corporate team looking for a rewarding activity to do with colleagues. Individuals or teams raising more than $1,500 become a Revolutionary and will also earn special perks, including a custom cycling jersey, recognition along the route and more.
ALS Canada Revolution Ride Event Details:
When: Sunday, September 25, 2022
Location Shawn & Ed Brewery Co. – 65 Hatt Street, Dundas, Ontario
Time: 8:00 a.m. for 90km cyclists / 9:00 a.m. for 40km cyclists
Distance: In-person 40 & 90 km routes or virtual participation on Strava
Who: Revolution Ride participants showing their support for people and families living with ALS. The event will be followed by a raffle, live music, food, and drink at Shawn & Ed Brewery Co. for friends and family to join the cyclists to celebrate the ride.
The following individuals are available for interviews:
Adam Foley
ALS Canada Revolution Ride Co-Chair and Ride participant / Brother and an aunt both passed away from ALS
Alisha Martins
ALS Canada Revolution Ride Co-Chair
Darrell Kane
Guelph resident recently diagnosed with ALS / Father passed away from ALS in 1992
Tammy Moore
ALS Canada, CEO
To join the ALS Canada Revolution Ride, support the ALS community and learn more, visit: http://www.revolutionride.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Norma Meneguzzi Spall / The Results Group Public Relations
norma@theresultsgrouppr.com / O: 416-686-9110 | M: 416-209-1216