Name: Emily Penn
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Current Location:
Murphy, TX
Age: 20
Occupation: Student
Club: Cycling Center Dallas
About you in your own words:
I’m a Reese’s peanut butter cup eating, cowboy boot wearing, Eli Young
Band listening kinda gal!
How did you get into cycling?
I was initially inspired by Kyle but after watching other
people cycle in Ride Ataxia, I felt called to do it myself. I was at times
excited about being a part of this event. At other times apprehensive, and not
sure if I could do it. Yet I knew I had to do it! To prove to myself that no
matter what this disease thought it could do to me, that my mind was stronger.
I did 6 miles at Ride Ataxia Dallas and felt so free. The feeling was amazing.
There were a few bruises but they were my "badge of honor." (or, you
could say, "there was an awesome flip on my trike during the ride but I
was proud of those bruises (my ego not so much).
I was so inspired that day that I believed I wanted to go
for 25 miles the next time. Then, when some amazing people with the Texas IrishBike Club and Richardson Bike Mart gave me a trike, I knew it was what I had to
do! Cycling has given me my freedom. It gives me the time to forget what I
don't want to think about, and it reminds me of my strength.
What is your favorite
local route?
I ride this simple route by my house that I enjoy. It was
the first route I did by myself on my new trike. Each time I go a little
further, I am reminded of the sheer joy I felt that day, reminded of how strong
I really am & how much I have accomplished.
What is your favorite item of cycling gear?
My FARA jersey of course!
Longest ride?
15 miles
Cycling goal for 2013?
Complete the 50 mile route at the ‘’Hotter Than Hell’ ride
in August in Wichita, TX
Favorite cycling snack?
Not gels!
Junk food Weakness?
It's a toss up between Rice Krispy Treats and the
aforementioned Reese's :)
How many times at Ride Ataxia Dallas for you so far?
I volunteered the first 2, rode 6 miles in my first ride
last year and this year I am doing 25 miles with some incredible family and
friends!!
What distance will
you be riding this year?
I plan to rock 25 miles!
Tell us one thing you know about Friedreich's Ataxia (FA)
without using the internet.
It is a progressive, debilitating and life-shortening
neuromuscular disease. I have it but it DOES NOT have me!
What do you love about Ride Ataxia?
The dream for the future, the freedom it offers, the hope
that it fuels and the high-fives along the way.
