News & Stories
Join us at the 3rd Annual Central Coast Ride & Rally to Cure ALS
The ALS Network proudly announces the 3rd annual Central Coast Ride & Rally to Cure ALS on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Bang the Drum Brewery, in San Luis Obispo. This annual event brings incredible energy and an outpouring of support for those affected by ALS in the Central Coast. Participants are invited to join other members of the community in honor or in memory of those impacted by ALS for a family-friendly morning of celebration, exercise, education, awareness, music, food, and kids’ fun.
“My family and I are so grateful for your interest and support of the Central Coast Ride and Rally to End ALS,” said Katey Kennedy, founder and committee chair for the Central Coast Ride & Rally to Cure ALS. “This is the 3rd official year of the Ride and Rally, and the Mike Kennedy Surf Club’s 11th year supporting the ALS Network.”
Since its inception in 2022, the Central Coast Ride & Rally to Cure ALS has been a yearly opportunity for the ALS community to connect and fuel the search for effective treatments and cures for ALS. The Central Coast Ride & Rally will be held at Bang the Drum Brewery (7150 Laurel Ln Ste 130, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401). Proceeds from the Central Coast Ride & Rally will be used to support our California programs and services for Central Coast’s ALS community.
Everyone must check-in upon arrival and start time schedule is as follows:
- 6:00 AM – Volunteers Arrive
- 7:30 AM – Day-Of Registration/Check in Opens for 34 mile riders
- 8:00 AM – 34 mile ride begins
- 8:00 AM – Day of Registration/Check in Opens for 25 mile riders
- 8:30 AM – 25 mile ride begins
- 8:30 AM – Day of Registration/Check in Opens for 18 mile riders
- 9:00 AM – 18 mile ride begins
- 10:30 AM – Day of Registration/Check in Opens for Walkers
- 11:00 AM – Walk begins
Online registration closes at 12 PM PDT on Friday, August 23, however, supporters are welcome to register the morning of the event beginning at 7:00 AM. This special community event is open to the public and is designed to appeal to every level of walker and supporter of the ALS Network. Registrants can also participate virtually from anywhere in the world! Choose YOUR way of supporting the ALS community from wherever you are, and join the community to walk, or roll in support. All funds raised support the interdependent mission priorities of the ALS Network in care services, public policy, and research.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a fatal, neurodegenerative illness that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. People with ALS lose the ability to move, speak, swallow, and, eventually, to breathe – all while their minds and senses usually continue to function. People who have served in any branch of the military are diagnosed with ALS nearly twice as often as the general population. Currently, there are no known cures for ALS and only modestly effective treatments.
“While we conduct that urgent effort to cureALS, it also means we’re supporting people living with ALS and their loved ones with critical care services. I can’t tell you how much that means to me and the many people that I’ve met with ALS,” Katey said. “My brother, who died of ALS in 2013, lived in New Zealand at the time and there was no local organization, like the ALS Network, to help. It’s a huge reason why I support this organization and will continue to do so.”
The mission of the ALS Network is to partner with the ALS community as we drive the discovery of prevention strategies, treatments, and cures for ALS; provide access to quality care and connection; and promote initiatives to improve health outcomes. The ALS Network, formerly ALS Golden West, serves people with ALS and their families throughout California and Hawaii.
Sponsors for the 2024 Central Coast Ride & Rally to Cure ALS include: Sunset Honda and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America.
For more information about ALS and the ALS Network please visit our website at alsnetwork.org or email us at info@alsnetwork.org. You can also find us across social media channels at @yourALSnetwork.
For more information, to register for the event, or make a gift in support, please visit alsridecentralcoast.org. For questions, please contact the Community Outreach team at centralcoast@alsnetwork.org.