About Ride Ataxia

The Ride Ataxia Cycling Team has traveled 3,100 miles in the past two years raising invaluable ataxia awareness and bringing together $350,000 in research funds in collaboration with the National Ataxia Foundation and the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance.

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.

Ride Ataxia I
In January 2007 Kyle and his recumbent tricycle were joined by his dad Mike, his Uncle Steve, fellow Ataxian David (Spinner), his elementary school friend Andy and other dedicated supporters for the 2,500 mile ride from San Diego to Memphis to raise awareness and research funds for Friedreich’s Ataxia. The trip was a HUGE success! Despite knee injuries, harsh weather and other challenges, the team visited FA researchers and patient families along the way, and made it to Memphis on time and in good health. The team raised more than $40,000 and even more exciting was the uniting of the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) and the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) for the first time ever. Both of these internationally-reaching organizations contributed matching funds creating the $100,000 Kyle Bryant Translational Research Award. By June 2007, the grant was awarded to Dr. Nuri Gueven at Queensland Institute of Medical Research in Australia for research into the catalytic antioxidant CTMIO as a possible treatment for Friedreich's ataxia.


Ride Ataxia II
Ride Ataxia II started on March 15, 2008 in Sacramento, CA and traveled 650 miles in 13 days to the National Ataxia Foundation Annual Membership Meeting in Las Vegas, NV. The ride involved many new teammates including six Ataxians. The team was 50 riders strong for the first day and 21 participants finished as a team at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. Ride Ataxia II raised invaluable awareness and $142,000 for friedreich’s Ataxia research. Once again the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) and the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) helped fund two Kyle Bryant Translational Research Awards for $125,000 each. One award was to Repligen Corporation, Waltham MA, who in collaboration with an international team of researchers is advancing compounds called HDAC inhibitors that target increased levels of frataxin – the protein that is severely reduced in FA. The second award went to a team of investigators at Ohio State University, Drs. Subha V. Raman and Roula al-Dahhak, who propose a series of sophisticated imaging studies to better understand, prevent and treat heart disease in FA.

Ride Ataxia III
Ride Ataxia III will start in Portland, OR on March 16, 2009. The Ride will travel 200 miles in 4 days to the NAF Annual Membership Meeting in Seattle, WA. The ride will be fully supported with freshly stocked rest stops every 25 miles and Sag vehicles roving the course for safety. The team will have meals together in the morning and the evening and will stay in low cost motels to keep expenses low. The fundraising goal for Ride Ataxia III is $100,000.
Register For Ride Ataxia III