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2024 Knoxville Gran Fondo and Trail Run

2024 Knoxville Gran Fondo and Trail Run

June 22, 2024
Baker Creek Preserve

Pedal for Alzheimer’s is proud to present the 2024 Knoxville Gran Fondo and Trail Run! 

Come join the first 2024 Knoxville Gran Fondo and Trail Run on Saturday, June 22! This event will bring awareness to Alzheimer’s and welcomes everyone to be part of a great cycling and running event. Route distances will include 25-mile, 60-mile, and 85-mile options. Plus a timed trail run (approx. 5K distance). Come out and ride for fun or compete for your fastest time. Enjoy winding roads, fun climbs, fun descents, and some of the beautiful scenery South Knoxville has to offer.

REGISTER

Ride Includes

Full Custom 2024 Knoxville Gran Fondo Hat

Rest Stops

Awards to Top 3 Finishers (Male/Female)

Post Ride Food and Beverages

Fondo Awards

KOM/QOM Competition will be awarded to the fastest climber (Male and Female) to the top of Sevierville Pike climb at mile 4.

Awards to 1st Place Finishers (Male/Female)

Trail Run Awards

Top male and female individual winner.

Awards to the top male and female winners for age categories of 10 and under, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.

Awards will not be mailed.

Event Agenda

Friday, June 21

Packet Pickup and Social:
3:00pm-8:00pm

Hi-Wire Brewing
2020 Barber St.
Knoxville, TN 37920

50% off beer ticket for each registered participant to use Friday at Hi-Wire Brewing.

Saturday, June 22

Gran Fondo Start/Finish Location:
Baker Creek
3726 Sevier Heights Rd.
Knoxville, TN 37920

Gran Fondo Day of Registration and Packet Pickup:
6:00am-7:15am

Gran Fondo Start Time:
7:30am

Gran Fondo Routes:
25 miles, 60 miles, 85 miles

Saturday, June 22 (Trail Run)

Start/Finish Location:
Baker Creek
3726 Sevier Heights Rd.
Knoxville, TN 37920

Day of Registration and Packet Pickup:
6:00am-8:30am

Start Time:
9:00am

SHOP CUSTOM KITS

Gold Sponsor

Visit Knoxville Logo 2023 Horizontal Curved GREEN

Sponsors

Solinity Marketing
jakroo_logo.ce138c47
Eddie's 550 Tee Off for Alzheimer's
Onward Physical Therapy Logo

Sponsorship Levels

*Subject to availability.

Title Sponsor –
$10,000 Donation
  • Sponsor branded event
  • 3+Complementary registration
  • Logo on kit
  • Yearlong social media promotion
  • Logo on website
  • Logo on all printed materials
  • Logo featured in newsletter campaign
  • Invitation to start/finish lines + Expo area
  • Designation as Official Partner of Pedal for Alzheimer’s
Gold Sponsor –
$6,000 Donation
  • 1+Complementary registration
  • Logo on kit
  • Yearlong social media promotion
  • Logo on website
  • Logo on all printed materials
  • Logo featured in newsletter campaign
  • Invitation to Expo area
  • Designation as Official Partner of Pedal for Alzheimer’s
Festival Sponsor –
$2,000 Donation
  • Be the exclusive sponsor of our post-ride festival
  • Collateral/promotional materials
  • Invitation to Expo area
Rest Stop Sponsor –
$1,000 Donation
  • Individual/business name posted on signs at designated rest stops.
  • Social media recognition during and after PFA event
  • Logo on website
  • Logo on all printed materials
CONTACT US
Pedal for Alzheimer’s announces new partnership with professional cycling team, Nashville Local Cycling (NLC). NLC photo with PFA Ambassador.

Pedal for Alzheimer’s Announces Partnership with Professional Cycling Team

Pedal for Alzheimer’s announces new partnership with professional cycling team, Nashville Local Cycling (NLC) making Pedal for Alzheimer’s the official non-profit charity of NLC. The two organizations are committed to utilizing cycling events and teams to further the growth and mission to spread awareness and raise funds for Alzheimer’s research, education, support and care.

“The nationally recognized cycling team brings a new element to Pedal for Alzheimer’s as we proudly partner with NLC to take both organizations to the next level,” Josh Crisp, Founder of Pedal for Alzheimer’s said. “The group’s level of competitive drive along with a shared passion to fight Alzheimer’s makes for a great partnership.”

NLC is a cycling team with a footprint large enough to encourage true change and growth in the sport. The team features professional, club and a junior level of cyclists. Through cycling events such as crit races, group rides and fondo series, the partnership encourages increased use of cycling events to rally passionate individuals to carry the fight to Alzheimer’s.

“Nashville Local Cycling is thrilled to partner with Pedal for Alzheimer’s. The level of passion and work ethic these two groups bring together is fantastic and I expect great things,” Michaelee Bowes, President of Nashville Local Cycling said. “Always surround yourself with people that elevate you. With this partnership, I see our race team and our ability to help a wonderful cause taken to a whole new level.”

Since the inception of NLC, the team has focused on growth. Through racing bikes locally, encouraging new individuals to enter the sport and live healthier lifestyles, NLC provides a unique experience for both club and professional riders to promote cycling through community outreach, and competition at all levels.

“NLC has a legacy of using their well known and established platform to help organizations like Pedal for Alzheimer’s. This partnership is a testament to two organizations striving to make a difference not only in the cycling community but a passion for helping those affected with Alzheiemr’s,” said Monk Feehery, Event Manager for Pedal for Alzheimer’s. “I couldn’t be more excited to be working hand in hand with the NLC team to continue the fight against Alzheimer’s together.” 

The organizations will provide opportunities for events nationally in 2024. Learn more about events and ways to get involved at pedalforalzheimers.org.

Pedal for Alzheimer's cyclist Ride Tennessee drinking skratch

How To Train for Your First Century Ride

Have you ever wanted to complete a century or metric century ride but don’t know where to start? Training for your first big ride can be daunting, but follow these simple steps to prepare your mind and body to accomplish your goals! 

Step 1. Build a Solid Base and Plan

You want to start your training conservatively. Make sure you know your limits. It is better to go on a shorter ride at first to see how much your body responds. Start with 30 minutes to hour-long rides to establish a solid base. If you accomplish a 30-minute ride and you have enough energy to keep pedaling, consider adding 10-15 minutes to your next ride. It is not encouraged to feel completely exhausted after completing your first few rides. This could set you back with more recovery time needed, or worse, it could lead to an injury that could take you off course for completing your first century. 

Step 2. Gradual Increases and Consistency 

Consistently add 15-20 minutes to your rides weekly, focusing on longer days on the bike. You don’t need to ride every day but make sure you are staying consistent with training. As you feel stronger on longer rides start to increase your time, intensity and mileage gradually. Weekends are a great time to add more time and distance on the bike. 

Step 3: Fueling and Recovery

When training for your first century, it is crucial to fuel your body properly and get enough rest and recovery. As your weekly training miles increase, your energy expenditure will increase. You need to fuel your body with the proper nutrition on and off the bike. Plus, don’t forget to eat and drink often while on your rides. Carry plenty of food and water for your rides or have planned stops to refuel while on the road. Fueling properly before and during your rides will help the body keep running at peak performance and reduce the risk of dehydration and bonking (the inability to continue, extreme physical weakness, usually caused by lack of glycogen in the body). Consuming the proper nutrition after a ride will help with the recovery process and add those essential nutrients that were depleted during the ride.

For more on what to eat during a ride, read tips from Susan Kitchen, Sports Certified Registered Dietitian, USA Triathlon and Ironman Certified Coach.

Sleep is also a very important part of the recovery and building process. Your sleep is important because it helps reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that breaks down tissues in the body for energy. Logging proper sleep allows the body to produce growth hormones to rebuild injured tissues from your training. Enjoy the opportunity to reward your body with recovery and sleep.

Step 4: Training Partner or Groups

Training for a century can lead to many hours of pedaling alone. Why not make it more enjoyable and train with others? Not only is it fun to have the same goal and accomplish that goal together, but there are many great aspects to training with people. Your training partner or group can help keep you motivated, stay on track with your training, help you push through those tough times, and have a fun social aspect to boost morale. 

Step 5: Tapering for your Century

When your event is on the calendar, begin tapering two weeks before. You will want to reduce your training volume by 20-25% in week one of the tapering process. During this week, you want to focus more on recovery time, sleep and nutrition.

One week out, aim for a 2-3 hour steady paced ride. Mid-week, cover half or just over half of the event distance. During this week, you will start preparing the body to complete your first century. Continue with a proper nutrition plan to give your body the fuel it needs to complete the ride. Also, make sure you are getting enough sleep to aid in the recovery process and be ready to crush your goal!

Step 6: Enjoy the Journey

Remember, start slowly and progressively work your way up to your cycling goal! Most importantly, relish the process and have fun achieving your cycling milestones. Make sure you are riding fun routes that will keep you motivated and wanting to ride more. It’s time to hop on your bike and go for gold.

To learn more about Pedal for Alzheimer’s or resources about cycling, click here.

Brandon Monk Feehery cyclist Monk, PFA, pedal for Alzheimer's, cyclist, cycling,
WRITTEN BY:
Brandon “Monk” Feehery

Feehery is a professional crit and road race cyclist who has raced in the USA Professional Cycling Championship for the past ten years. He has won multiple stages, been on the overall podium eight times and won the overall two times in the ten-day crit-racing series, Intelligentsia Cup Chicago. He currently races for the Miami Blazers and uses his global reach to share the mission of Pedal for Alzheimer’s. Feehery won his first National Championship in the overall and crit at the Collegiate Road National Championships in Richmond, Va. He also placed third in the 2016 Tour of Fuzhou and fourth in the 2015 Delta Road Race. Over his professional cycling career, Feehery has over 50 professional wins.

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The Pedal for Pat charity cycling event announces it raised $50,000 to benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation. The 501(c)3 nonprofit, Pedal for Alzheimer’s, hosted the 12-day, 1,098-mile cycling event in honor of each of Coach Pat Summitt’s 1,098 victories.

Pedal for Pat Event Raises $50,000 to Benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation

The Pedal for Pat charity cycling event announces it raised $50,000 to benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation. The 501(c)3 nonprofit, Pedal for Alzheimer’s, hosted the 12-day, 1,098-mile cycling event in honor of each of Coach Pat Summitt’s 1,098 victories. The team pedaled through five states with stops at some of the South’s finest universities to honor Summitt’s legacy and spread awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.

“The mission of the organization is made possible due to elite humans like those who pedaled, volunteered, and supported Pedal for Pat,” Josh Crisp, Board President said. “It is through generosity and commitment that we are able to support the great work of the Pat Summitt Foundation.”

The organization was pleased to team up with Lady Vol MVP and Hall of Famer Michelle Marciniak to show respect to her beloved basketball coach and mentor, the late-legendary coach Pat Summitt.

“This team accomplished so much together, and I know Pat would be proud,” Michelle Marciniak, Summitt Cyclist said. “The Pedal for Alzheimer’s organization is doing great work, and I’m proud to work with them and the Foundation to carry on the fight against Alzheimer’s in Pat’s honor.”

Marciniak continues to show dedication to making a difference in memory of Pat Summitt by reflecting on the profound impact that the legendary coach had not only on her life but on the lives of countless others.

Pedal for Pat Team 2023 Pat Summitt Foundation beneficiary of event by Pedal for Alzheimer's raised by cycling team from across the country

The Pat Summitt Foundation was started by Pat and Tyler Summitt in 2011 to advance research for a cure, provide support for patients and caregivers, and promote education and awareness. The Foundation carries out its mission by supporting nonprofit organizations throughout the region, including the Pat Summitt Clinic. In conjunction with UT Medical Center, the Clinic opened its doors in 2017 and has since treated over 5,000 patients from 25 states. More information on the work of the Foundation can be found at PatSummitt.org.

“Pat was determined to beat this disease and make an impact. We are proud to continue her fight. We couldn’t have the success we do or reach the amount of patients and caregivers without the help from groups like Pedal for Alzheimer’s and the Summitt Cyclists,” said Morgan Vance, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Pat Summitt Foundation.

The Pedal for Pat team, led by Josh Crisp and Michelle Marciniak, will present a check to the Pat Summitt Foundation at the Lady Vols basketball game at Thompson Boling Arena on Sunday, January 7th at noon EST.

Regan Craig and Carl White, Grandaddy during the Holidays

Why I Ride: Ambassador Regan Craig

While I’m not sure he ever owned one himself, my grandfather bought every bike I owned as a child. He grew up in the Great Depression and had neither finances nor the time for a bicycle, but that didn’t stop him from wanting to ride. 

He was one of those guys who exemplify the Greatest Generation. He had to leave school at age 12 to take over the family farm, then served in Europe during the Second World War. He took advantage of the opportunities military service provided including earning his high school equivalency. 

Grandaddy was able to build a successful construction business and start a family. Grandaddy either lived next door or across the cotton patch all the years we shared on this Earth. I often rode the bike he gave me down a field road to get from my home to his. 

We lost Grandaddy to Alzheimer’s in 2001. I started cycling a few years later. When Kyle Dortch shared about Pedal for Alzheimer’s in late 2022, I knew I had to be involved. 

I’ve lost many other family members to Alzheimer’s, but my grandfather, Carl White, is the reason I ride. He comes to mind on lots of solo rides, especially passing a field road on the edge of a cotton patch.

Regan Craig Pedal for Alzheimer's ambassador 2023
WRITTEN BY:
Regan Craig

Reagan Craig is a Pedal for Alzheimer’s Ambassador from Jackson Tennessee. 

Luca Giori Why I ride Pedal fro Alzheimer's Ambassador cognitive functioning

Why I Ride: Ambassador Luca Giori

Pedal for Alzheimer’s, a 501c3 non-profit charitable platform, holds a special place in my heart. As a soccer player turned cyclist, I embarked on this incredible journey in 2019 after rupturing my ACL. While I’ve always been an athlete, the world of road cycling opened up new horizons for me. Little did I know that my newfound passion would intersect with a cause that’s deeply personal to me.

Luca Giori Why I ride Pedal fro Alzheimer's Ambassador cognitive functioning

Luca Giori Why I ride Pedal fro Alzheimer's Ambassador cognitive functioning In 2011, one month after arriving in the United States from Italy, I received the news of my grandmother’s passing. It wasn’t Alzheimer’s, but rather a brain tumor that had slowly grown over the past year. Although different, her decline in mental faculties bore striking similarities to the mental deterioration experienced by Alzheimer’s patients. Witnessing her gradual loss of the ability to perform even the simplest tasks was heart-wrenching. It was a stark reminder of the relentless nature of diseases that rob individuals of their cherished memories and abilities.

Beyond my own experience, I’ve seen the profound impact of Alzheimer’s on several of my close friends who are caring for parents battling this relentless disease. Alzheimer’s affects not only the afflicted individuals but also their entire families, who bear the emotional and physical burdens of caregiving. It’s a disease that touches the lives of countless people, leaving no community untouched.

Luca Giori Why I ride Pedal fro Alzheimer's Ambassador cognitive functioning


Luca Giori Why I ride Pedal fro Alzheimer's Ambassador cognitive functioning As a veterinarian, I’ve dedicated my life to the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence. This commitment extends beyond the health of animals to the well-being of all living beings. Cognitive decline is a recognized condition not only in humans but also in our beloved animal companions. In the spirit of “One Health,” a collaborative approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of people, animals, plants, and the environment, I felt a calling to become an ambassador for Pedal for Alzheimer’s.

My mission as a Pedal for Alzheimer’s ambassador is twofold. First, I aim to educate and raise awareness about Alzheimer’s, a disease that affects not only people but also our cherished animals. The shared suffering and the potential shared solutions underline the importance of comprehensive research, embracing the interconnection between our well-being and that of our animal companions.

Luca Giori Why I ride Pedal fro Alzheimer's Ambassador cognitive functioning
My journey with Pedal for Alzheimer’s is not only a testament to my personal growth as a cyclist but also a commitment to a cause that touches my heart deeply. I ride with Pedal for Alzheimer’s not only for those who are afflicted but also for the hope of a brighter future where Alzheimer’s is no longer a source of pain and loss. Together, we pedal towards a world free from the shadow of this devastating disease, where memories are cherished, not stolen, and where the health and well-being of all living beings are valued and protected.

Learn more about the Pedal for Alzheimer’s Ambassador program. 

Donate in honor of Luca and to help further his impact.

Luca Giori Pedal for Alzheimer's ambassador 2023
WRITTEN BY:
Dr. Luca Giori

Luca Giori, DVM, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical & Diagnostic Sciences at The University of Tennessee in Knoxville. 

Lady Vol Alumni Michelle Marciniak Gifts $50,000 in Honor of Pat Summitt

Lady Vol Alumni Michelle Marciniak Gifts $50,000 in Honor of Pat Summitt

Pedal for Alzheimer’s announces a generous donation of $50,000 from former Lady Vol MVP and Hall of Famer Michelle Marciniak. This donation was given in memory of her beloved basketball coach and mentor, the late-legendary coach Pat Summitt.

Marciniak’s generous donation will enable Pedal for Alzheimer’s to further its mission of spreading awareness for Alzheimer’s disease through fundraising events like Pedal for Pat. This 1098-mile, 12-day endurance cycling event will feature a team of Summitt Cyclists who will pedal in honor of Summitt’s career NCAA wins.

“I witnessed the most powerful woman and coach in the world suffer and be taken from this earth because of Alzheimer’s and I have made it one of my life’s missions to continue her fight through raising funds and spreading awareness,” Michelle Marciniak said. “I am honored to continue her legacy by supporting the mission of Pedal for Alzheimer’s in this way as we fight this disease together. To this day, the most common question I am asked is, ‘what was it like playing for Pat Summitt’? Even after playing for Pat nearly 30 years ago, I still hear her voice in my head. She made an impact like no other.”

Pedal for Alzheimer’s is thrilled to host the Pedal for Pat cycling event September 11-22, 2023. The team will pedal in five states and stop by some of the South’s finest universities to honor Summitt’s legacy and spread awareness for Alzheimer’s.

“The organization is grateful for the commitment and generosity from Michelle,” Josh Crisp, Board President said. “Gifts like this allow the organization to carry out its mission of raising funds for Alzheimer’s research, education, support, and care.”

In addition to her renowned basketball career, Marciniak has shown immense compassion and dedication to making a positive difference in the world. Her donation in memory of Pat Summitt reflects the profound impact that the legendary coach had not only on her life but on the lives of countless others.

Show your support by participating in the upcoming Pedal for Pat charity cycling event or by making a donation today at PedalforPat.info. Learn how you can join the Summitt Cyclists, or pedal for one or more days with the team. Visit pedalforpat.info for details.

PFA, pedal for Alzheimer's, cyclist, cycling, bike, group ride

Group Ride Etiquette

So you are going on a group ride, here are the most important group ride etiquette rules for cyclists.

Make Sure to Point Out ANY Hazards in the Road

Riding in a group makes it hard to see all hazards out there. The best way to make sure everyone is staying safe is to point and call out all hazards. Making sure everyone knows about the hazard is key. Not just the front of the group but everyone needs to know about the hazard. Making sure to physically point and call out anything from a pothole, a dog off leash, glass, or cars pulling out. Key is to stay safe and have fun. 

Being Safe on the Road

The riders at the back should keep their attention on cars that are behind the group. Using hand signals to let the car know when it is safe to pass the group or trying to hold them off until it is safe to pass. They should let the group know when a car is passing or trying to pass. The riders in the back should know when it is safe for the group to double up or to ride single file.

Group Ride Pace

The group should always know the pace before the ride. Whether it is a no drop, tempo, or race pace. This is key so you don’t have riders left behind or getting pissed off and never coming back to the ride because it was supposed to be a no drop ride and you have riders pushing a pace that other riders can’t keep up. If you want more of a workout stay on the front longer but don’t increase the pace.

Stay Off of the Brakes

When you are riding in a group you want to stay off the brakes as much as possible. If you need to make minor adjustments to your speed it is best to coast or lay off the pressure on the pedals whenever possible. This allows the riders behind you to do the same thing. When you tap on the brakes the rider behind you needs to make a quick judgment on how hard to hit the breaks. 

Usually causing them to slam on the brakes so they don’t run into the back of you. This doesn’t give the rider behind them a lot of time to react and could cause the rider behind you to slam into the back of you and could potentially cause a crash. There are times when you need to use the brakes, but try to make minor speed adjustments without slamming on the brakes to avoid any issues.

Pace the Climbs for the Middle of the Group 

When the pack hits rolling hills it can be hard to keep the group together, especially when “that guy” drills it on the front. When drafting is less of a help to the riders in the middle and rear of the group ride, it’s important for the riders at the front to consider everyone when establishing the climbing pace. On social group rides it’s typical to wait at the top of longer climbs, but to minimize the frequency of these soft pedal periods or stoppages, try to set a pace that’s comfortable for the middle of the group. This may mean it’s a bit easy for the fast guys at the front and pretty challenging for some folks at the back, but this pacing strategy is good for keeping the group together over the majority of hills.

PFA, pedal for Alzheimer's, cyclist, cycling, bike, group ride

Standing Up Out of the Saddle

When you stand up to pedal your weight shifts back and causes your bike to move back.

Sometimes when you do this, your wheel could almost move a full wheel length back and could cause the rider behind you to overlap wheels or run into the back of your wheel. This could cause a crash. If you want to stand up out of the saddle, make sure the rider is a safe distance behind you. If they are not, you can let them know you are getting out of the saddle by flicking both elbows or simply tell them you are getting out of the saddle. Doing this will allow the rider behind you to move away from your wheel without causing a crash.

Don’t Overlap Wheels

In a group never overlap wheels with the rider in front of you. We can’t always see what is going on in front of us and at any moment a rider might swerve to avoid a pothole or they get hit by a gust of wind. When you are overlapping a wheel this could cause them to take out your front wheel and end up on the ground.

Have Fun!

We all go on group rides to have fun and enjoy being on the bike with others. The last thing we want is someone getting hurt or not being able to finish the ride because of something that could be prevented. Follow these simple steps to have a fun group ride.

Brandon Monk Feehery cyclist Monk, PFA, pedal for Alzheimer's, cyclist, cycling,
WRITTEN BY:
Brandon “Monk” Feehery

Feehery is a professional crit and road race cyclist who has raced in the USA Professional Cycling Championship for the past ten years. He has won multiple stages, been on the overall podium eight times and won the overall two times in the ten-day crit-racing series, Intelligentsia Cup Chicago. He currently races for the Miami Blazers and uses his global reach to share the mission of Pedal for Alzheimer’s. Feehery won his first National Championship in the overall and crit at the Collegiate Road National Championships in Richmond, Va. He also placed third in the 2016 Tour of Fuzhou and fourth in the 2015 Delta Road Race. Over his professional cycling career, Feehery has over 50 professional wins.

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Ambassador Julie Dortch and Grandfather with Alzheimer's cyclist Why I Ride

Why I Ride: Ambassador Julie Dortch

Tapping into my “why” for riding bicycles actually begins with my background in running. For years, I ran recreationally and always called it ‘jogging’ instead of running. It wasn’t until my friend and her sisters convinced me to join on their long-run Saturdays that I realized moving my body at any pace was considered running for me, and after my first half-marathon in the heat of Tennessee in July, I was hooked. Throughout my miles pounding the pavement, I began to use the time as reflection on God’s blessings in my life. Many miles were spent praying for others and receiving promises on my own life.

Fast forward through a few running-related injuries and my gears shifted towards riding bicycles with my husband, Kyle. We met so many amazing people through years of riding and racing road bikes. Pedal for Alzheimer’s stood out along the way as an organization that we were introduced to by a mutual friend and knew we had to support. At the time, my grandfather, Kenneth Stafford, was only in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and still mostly the same, walking every morning and joining my parents for supper every night.

When I think about my journey with cycling, I’m reminded of the natural ebb and flow of life. Putting in hard work, grinding on days that seemed to be a chore, but enjoying the sense of accomplishment and the company of amazing people.

As the years progressed in my grandfather’s disease, I witnessed firsthand the work ethic of my mother in caring for him. I am quickly reminded the grit and determination that I love about cycling was more than likely ingrained in me from my grandfather’s hard work ethic. Observing my mother caring for her father was a true display of a long line of character traits that I still admire and aim to emulate.

Ambassador Julie Dortch and Grandfather with Alzheimer's Why I Ride

He worked a full time job as postmaster of my small hometown while running a local dry-cleaning business. He then stayed busy even in retirement with fishing, woodworking, and gardening. When I explain that I honor my grandfather’s memory by cycling, it is not because he loved to ride bikes. Actually, I’m not sure I ever saw him on a bicycle. But, his drive, hard work ethic, and love for family time are some of the same qualities that I connect with cycling, and I’m determined to continue those qualities in his honor. 

Learn more about the Pedal for Alzheimer’s Ambassador program. 

Make a donation in honor of Julie and in loving memory of Mr. Kenneth Stafford.

Julie Dortch Ambassador Pedal for Alzheimer's cyclist
WRITTEN BY:
Julie Dortch

Julie and her husband, Kyle, reside in Springfield, Tennessee where she is an assistant principal for the local school district. They enjoy riding mountain bikes, camping in their van, and loving their 12-year-old furry family member, Gunner.

PFA, pedal for Alzheimer's, cyclist, cycling, bike, tire tube

Cycling Tools to Always Bring With You on a Ride

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist, just starting out, or somewhere in-between, these are the necessities for any ride.

Always Carry Your Cell Phone

You should always have a fully charged phone on you when you go out for a ride. You can use it to call for help, find directions if you get lost or as a light if you get stuck riding in the dark. It could save you in multiple situations. When you are out on the road you could have an issue with your bike where you are not able to make it back home safely. You could use your phone to call someone to pick you up. If you don’t have anyone in the area that you know who can pick you up, you could always call an uber. We all know cycling isn’t the safest sport out there and anything could happen to your or another rider. You can use your phone to call for help. The cell phone is the #1 thing to bring on every ride.

Make Sure to Have a Tube, Pump/CO2 and a Tire Lever

When you get on the bike make sure you have a proper tube that will fit on your bike. You do not want to just bring any tube. Make sure the valve stem is long enough and the correct size. If you flat and go to pull out your tube you don’t want to see that it is a mountain bike tube for a road wheel or too small of a stem that you can’t inflate your tire. With this you want to make sure your pump/CO2 works. You don’t want to get stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire wondering how you are going to get home.

PFA, pedal for Alzheimer's, cyclist, cycling, bike, tire tube

Bring a Multi-tool with a Chain Tool

A multi-tool will allow you to fix most things on a bike. If your seat slips or you need to tighten your handlebars you can pull out the multi-tool to fix the issue. Make sure the multi-tool has the proper sizes to fix most bolts on your bike. If possible you want to make sure you have a chain tool that is connected to the multi-tool. If you are out on a ride and your chain breaks, without that chain tool you might be stuck out there. You can use the chain tool to connect the chain back together to get you home.

Money/Credit Card is Important When Going Out for a Longer Ride

This could save you from bonking or suffering from dehydration. If you run out of water or food you can stop at a store, gas station or restaurant to refuel and get back on the road.

Always Bring Extra Food and Water

Even if you are going on a short ride, it is smart to pack a snack and bring extra water. You might plan on only riding for 45 minutes but you take a wrong turn or get a flat and that 45 minute planned ride turns into a 2 hour ride. This extra fuel will help give you the extra energy you need to get home.

Brandon Monk Feehery cyclist Monk, PFA, pedal for Alzheimer's, cyclist, cycling,
WRITTEN BY:
Brandon “Monk” Feehery

Feehery is a professional crit and road race cyclist who has raced in the USA Professional Cycling Championship for the past ten years. He has won multiple stages, been on the overall podium eight times and won the overall two times in the ten-day crit-racing series, Intelligentsia Cup Chicago. He currently races for the Miami Blazers and uses his global reach to share the mission of Pedal for Alzheimer’s. Feehery won his first National Championship in the overall and crit at the Collegiate Road National Championships in Richmond, Va. He also placed third in the 2016 Tour of Fuzhou and fourth in the 2015 Delta Road Race. Over his professional cycling career, Feehery has over 50 professional wins.

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