Honorary Co-Chairmen

Honorary Co-Chairman - Bob Stimson's Story

Bob was one of TCBC's (Twin City Bike Club) founders and an avid cyclist. After a six year battle with ALS he died on January 12, 2011. One of Bob's important dreams was fulfilled May 2010 as he witnessed the first annual ALS Bike Trek Minnesota for which he was the person most responsible for making it happen.

Please bike in memory of Bob and in support of all the other PALS (people with ALS) and their families and friends that are affected by this cruel disease where currently no cure exists.

"When I turned 61, I was feeling great and just hitting my stride. I had traveled and lived around the world, started several businesses, played music professionally and flew the Concorde twice! There were so many more things that I wanted to accomplish. However, my life as I knew it came to a halt when I was diagnosed in 2005 with ALS; my future was about to drastically change.

Research money is hard to get because ALS only strikes about 30,000 people in the United States each year. It is considered an orphan disease and subsequently gets limited research dollars from foundations or the government. Most money is raised privately. ALS is not an incurable disease; it is just underfunded.

My love for bicycling started in the early '90s, when I joined TCBC. I am honored to have the support of my fellow members of TCBC, along with ALS TDI and MDA's Augie's Quest to sponsor this event. I want to use my voice to bring awareness to this devastating disease by inviting you to join our fundraising ride in beautiful Big Marine Park Reserve in Washington County"

Bob Stimson, February 2010

Honorary Co-Chairman - Michael Winston's Story

When Minnesota resident Michael Winston was diagnosed with ALS at the young age of 24, friends and family were stunned that such a young person could be affected by such a tragic, terminal disease. While this dreadful disease typically affects people over the age of forty, recently increasing numbers of young people are being diagnosed. From diagnosis to death, life expectancy is typically two to five years!

This progressive, terminal disease claims new victims in the thousands yearly. Patients diagnosed typically suffer gradual and devastating weakness and eventual total paralysis of the body while the brain itself continues to function normally. Hopelessly trapped in a body that cannot function, victims suffer great physical and emotional trauma.

Michael Winston was diagnosed on October 1st, 2008. He continues to travel and enjoy family, friends and activities. But the disease is progressing. As he experiences increasing symptoms, he remains committed to bring awareness to ALS through fundraising for the premiere organization dedicated to research and a cure, ALS TDI. To read more about Michael, his family, and their fundraising efforts, please visit http://community.als.net/winningforwinston