On a June morning at dawn, some 700 cyclists will gather in the cool morning light in Boston, ready to embark on a 3-day, 270-mile charity cycling event that raises money for ALS research.
Among the eager cyclists will be Sun City resident Bob Higgins, age 66, ready for his fourth consecutive year of participating in the Tri-State Trek, which begins at Boston College and concludes in Greenwich, Conn. Higgins says heâs looking forward to the thrill and adrenaline rush of cycling alongside so many others, all for the common cause of raising money for ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI).
Sun City resident Bob Higgins decided to dedicate his passion for cycling to help ALS research. (Photos by Tony Pratt/Sun Day)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrigâs disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes muscle weakness, paralysis, and respiratory failure. To date, there is no cure or effective treatment for this disease. So far, the Tri-State Trek has raised nearly $10 million for ALS research at ALS TDI, a non-profit biotech located in Cambridge, Mass.
Higgins, an attorney and cycling enthusiast, was invited by a client to participate in the event for the first time in 2015. Higgins went because of his passion for cycling, but along the way, became passionate for ALS research, too.
âOn the second night of the ride, we all have dinner together in New Haven,â said Higgins. âAnyone can stand before the crowd of cyclists, interns, and crew. We hear from patients who are suffering from ALS, most of whom are no longer able to communicate other than through computers. They tell us what their life is like, how their life is improved by [ALS TDI]. Though they know there may never be a cure for themselves, they hope someday the disease will be eradicated.â
âALS TDI not only does research, but they find ways for people to have less difficulty living with ALS,â said Higgins. âALS is the exact opposite of Alzheimerâs. Your body is gone, but your mind is with all its faculties. You know itâs happening. But at its worst, you canât even talk.â
On the last leg of the ride, cyclists must conquer the âJohn Street climb,â a 13% grade that is about three-quarters of a mile long. With many miles already behind them, the John Street climb can be taxing, but ultimately exhilarating to the cyclists. Last year, Higgins recounted the experience on his blog:
I raised from the saddle and increased my speed over the final (and worst) part of the climb ⌠But we all know by now this is not about cycling. On the entire climb up John Street, the names of persons afflicted with ALS or persons who have already succumbed are written in chalk for the riders to see. Hours before we arrive, friends and families of the riders, the victims and the support staff, each of whom has a particular connection to ALS, gather on the slopes of John Street, etching tributes to their loved ones on the pavement and ringing cowbells for each rider as he or she approaches. With literally hundreds of voices and bells cheering you on, and the names of all of these special people written on the pavement before you, there is no lack of motivation to meet this small challenge as an inspiration to those who daily face much larger obstacles.
Higgins typically rides 4-5,000 miles per year, which means a lot of time away from home. Before the Tri-State, he puts in extra training to prepare.
âSince spring was cancelled this year, itâs been a little difficult,â he said, adding that his indoor bike comes in handy when the weather doesnât cooperate. âItâs a bit of a challenge. Each year it gets a little harder.â
Tri-State Trek for ALS TDI
Without the support of his wife, Jo, Higgins says his love of cycling wouldnât be possible.
âIn a cycling event, there are sag wagons that offer support, assistance, and gear. Jo is my personal sag wagon. Sheâs retrieved me from many locations with flat tires. She keeps my clothes clean and my bottles filled,â said Higgins.
Last year, Higgins raised $15,000 for the Tri-State Trek. This year, his goal is $20,000.â¨The Tri-State Trek takes place June 22-24, 2018. To support Higginsâ efforts, please visit: tst.als.net/roberthiggins. For more information on riding, volunteering or donating, call 617-441-7211 or visit www.TriStateTrek.com.
