Bicyclists Making 270-mile Trek to Raise Funds for ALS Therapy Development Institute

On June 21, bicyclists will set out to make a three-day, 270-mile journey to raise funds for the ALS Therapy Development Institute.

The Tri-State Trek expedition begins at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, and ends in Greenwich, Connecticut. Proceeds go to the institute to advance its research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To participate, register here until June 12, or visit this site to donate to a rider or team.

Teams have the option to ride, at their own pace, for up to three days. Three-day riders must deposit $100 and raise at least $2,000. Registration will generate a fundraising page, which may be customized and shared on social media.

The marked course includes rest stops every 15–20 miles and overnight stays at college dormitories along the way. The event will end with a victory ride down Greenwich Avenue and a picnic on the banks of Long Island Sound. Awards will be given for top team and individual fundraisers, as well as for 10-year participants.

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“Our crew individually already had a passion for bikes,” said a statement by participating team What About Bobby. “Some of us did or still do work as pedicab drivers; strong legs with a penchant for having a good time. When our friend and fellow pedicab driver Bob got ALS we needed an outlet for our group to help our friend and do what we do best! The Trek was the perfect answer and in that, we have also found an extended family of like-minded individuals.”

The Trek, which has raised more than $10 million for institute research, began in 2003 with just 16 riders pedaling from Boston to New York and raising $30,000. The event has grown to 270 miles and roughly 450 riders, crew members, and volunteers. Last year, more than 270 riders raised more than $700,000.

Touted as the world’s foremost drug discovery center focused exclusively on ALS, and conducting preclinical, clinical and translational research, the nonprofit ALS Therapy Development Institute works to advance prospective ALS therapies.

Events such as the Tri-State Trek have helped the institute move dozens of therapies through preclinical tests. The total number of therapies tested at its labs has exceeded 350 — more than any other research lab in the world, according to the organization.