They Got Their

Guts in Gear!

How does one describe a weekend that is charged with energy, filled with emotion, and characterized by the intense efforts of 102 dedicated individuals, all working toward overcoming Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?  GYGIG's riders and crew will tell you that it cannot be described.  To understand the bonds that were forged, the awareness that was raised, and the empowerment that was experienced, you've got to be a part of this Ride.

On June 10 to June 12, 2005, 61 riders, supported by 41 volunteer crew members, came together from 15 states and Got their Guts in Gear from June 10 – 12.  A wide range of cyclists, from novices to experts ranging in age from 17 to 67, all rode the distance from New York City to Saratoga Springs, NY.  Riders and crew included Crohn's & colitis patients, ostomates, parents, siblings, spouses, partners, and friends of IBD patients, and some cyclists just looking for a scenic ride for a great cause.

Riders and crew gathered at Pace University in lower Manhattan for check-in and meetings on June 9th.  After months of training, fundraising, and preparation, these 102 heroes were fully ready for an enthusiastic start from Pier 26 in the Hudson River Park bright and early on June 10th.  The riders were given a sendoff by Iris Coon of the IBD Quilt Project, Roger Koman of CCFA, Nancy Italia of the United Ostomy Association, and Judith Pacitti of Get Your Guts in Gear, Inc.

The weather outlook was for warm, humid temperatures - - but little did anyone know that the skies would open up and the route would immediately be hit by thunderstorms.  All riders made it safely through the deluge to the first rest stop of the day, where they patiently waited for the weather to abate.  The weather in fact cleared, and gave way to a sultry, sunny day.

Sweating through the first leg of their Hudson River Valley tour, riders were greeted at camp by a swimming pool and a hot meal prepared by the Elks club of Beacon, NY.  A special guest visited the riders and crew at dinner in Beacon:  Congresswoman Sue Kelly (co-sponsor of the IBD Bill) addressed the riders and crew and brought them energy bars and Gatorade to help fuel their efforts.

The next day proved even hotter than the first, but GYGIG's intrepid riders kept at it.  GYGIG's sweep vans and rest stop crews were kept busy providing plenty of water, Gatorade, ice, and air conditioned vehicles when needed.

Several riders and crew found a break from the heat at Camp 2's swimming hole, and those who were not too hot took a turn sitting by the campfire that night.  Everyone awoke ready for the push to Saratoga Springs the next and final day.

Day three's route wound through country roads back to the Hudson River, and ended with a journey through thoroughbred horse country and past the racetrack in Saratoga Springs.  After welcoming the last riders at the finish line, Riders and Crew were treated to a celebratory closing ceremony and a post-ride barbecue at Skidmore College.

GYGIG's 61 riders raised more than $274,000 (and still counting) in pledge donations, and its crew members voluntarily raised more than $3,200.  Equally as important, riders and crew reached well over 2,500 individual donors, educating them about Crohn's, colitis, and the lives of people with ostomies.  Corporate sponsors contributed $39,000 in funds, as well as thousands of dollars of in-kind support.

During the Ride itself, both riders and crew were stopped and asked why they were riding, giving them the vital chance to explain more about these diseases.  One crew member's car was even chased down by a mother who has three children with Crohn's, who was thrilled to become aware of organizations that care about her kids.

After the event, rider Vern Poole, who has Crohn's disease, wrote:  "This was the single most inspirational event in which I have ever participated.  Meeting this strong group of people who have overcome so much will definitely be the highlight of my summer.  I can't stop thinking about the ride and the people I met along the way."

Gary D'Angelo, who signed up to ride in support of his wife (a mere 3 weeks before the event), stated:  "after seeing all the people at registration and hearing some of the stories of riders with Crohn's and colitis doing the ride and all the new riders who also never did a ride like this I had to give it my best.  There must have been a dozen times I said I can't do this, but with the outstanding support of the crew and all the riders I did something I thought not possible.  I WENT 208 MILES ON MY BIKE!"

Get Your Guts in Gear, the charity that creates and produces the Ride, would like to thank Nancy Italia, Executive Director of the United Ostomy Association, Roger Koman, CCFA's VP of New Business Development/New Enterprises, and the board of directors of the IBD Quilt Project, Inc. for their continued support of the Ride for Crohn's & Colitis.  GYGIG is pleased to help support these worthy fellow charities as it continues its mission of spreading awareness about IBD and empowering those affected by these diseases and /or ostomy surgery.

In addition, GYGIG thanks its board of directors:  Karen Kincaid Balmer, April Buther, Alison Dodson, Laryssa Kachmar, and Judith Pacitti for their service.  GYGIG also thanks its stalwart year-round volunteers:  Susan Balmas, Barbara Levine, Lois Fink, Iris Coon, Patricia Pacitti, and Dorothy Langer.

GYGIG is extremely grateful to its sponsors, four of whom sent riders or crew:  Edgepark Surgical, ConvaTec, Fifth Third Bank, and Long Island Clinical Research Associates, as well as Centocor, Kincaid Consulting LLC, Raich Ende & Malter Co., Six Foot Studios, Berlex, Byram Healthcare, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Coloplast, Empire Asset Management, Hollister, KEM Enterprises, Pace Law School, Peak Bar, Elete Water, and Lady Bug Industries.

GYGIG's 2006 Hudson River Valley ride is scheduled for June 9-11, 2006.  Registration has already begun, and we invite you to join our returning riders and crew for the Ride of Your Life!

For more information or to pre-register for the 2006 ride, please e-mail infor@ibdride.org or call (646) 536-7408.

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