HAZARD, Ky. (WYMT) – A Seattle, Washington man is riding his bike on the trans-American trail, in an effort to raise awareness and funds for ALS research. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that can cause the loss of motion.
Timm Fenton with Pedals vs. ALS started his journey on May 1 with his rear wheel in the Pacific Ocean in Oregon and will finish with his front wheel in the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia. He is riding through 10 states, a total of 4,200 miles. He said it will take anywhere from 65 to 70 days to complete his journey.
WYMT met with Fenton on day 57. He made a stop in Hazard and was heading 25 miles to Hindman.
“This bike was loaned to me by a Seattle shop called ‘Shots and Sprockets’ and their former mechanic, Aaron Turner, died of ALS a couple years ago and they offered to lend me the bike on this endeavor,” Fenton said.
Along with the special bike to accompany him, Fenton said he knows first-hand the effects of ALS and the need for treatments.
“My mother passed of ALS in 2017,” Fenton said. “I do it in her memory, but it’s really about raising funds for those who are suffering today.”
He said throughout his journey he was met with hard weather, including the heat, but he is grateful for all of the support he has been given.
“I feel like I’m in that final phase and I’m anxious for the end to be honest,” Fenton said. “It’s been a super super long endurance journey. Full of surprises.”
As he put one pedal in front of the other, he also tested his biking abilities throughout the Appalachian Mountains.
“It’s not just about raising the funds, it’s creating awareness for ALS,” he said.
Fenton is staying in Hindman Monday night as he pushes to finish the last portion of his journey. As of Monday morning, he has raised $38,709 of his $50,000 goal.
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