Local Cyclist Hits the Road for Family and Fitness in Bike MS: SAM’S CLUB Ride
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Cedar Hill resident Erin McClendon will pedal for the cause and the physical challenge in his fourth Bike MS: SAM’S CLUB Ride on the weekend of May 2 – 3. Until four years ago, Erin was 65 pounds overweight and started biking to get in shape. During training, he discovered the Frisco to Fort Worth ride and was encouraged to join the challenge in support of his sister, Julia, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1995.
Erin says his sister is his primary motivation for joining and continuing the fight against MS. He is constantly inspired by Julia, who lives in the Chicago area and serves as the Executive Director of the YWCA of Elgin outside of Chicago.
Erin has seen first-hand how funds raised for MS research can benefit those living with MS, like his sister. Julia is currently in a state of remission with her disease, and she enjoys staying physically active through running, though restricted to a treadmill in her basement to manage the symptoms of MS such as limited depth perception.
“Over the course of her illness, Julia has had to cancel trips to visit her children and grandchildren because of the side effects of the experimental medication and brain lesion flare-ups,” said McClendon. “But through it all, she has maintained a positive attitude. She participates in the MS Walk in the Chicago area each year.”
Erin will celebrate his fourth ride by training another cyclist, local teacher Nancy Ford, for the two-day, 150-mile ride this May. Nancy will be riding for her husband, Dan, in honor of his sister who suffers from MS. As they continue to train together, Erin believes that this is an effort that will be fun and safe for the both of them.
“I ride for those who can’t ride,” said McClendon. “I ride because, in a small way, I believe I am helping others less fortunate than myself. I will not stop until the day a victory over MS comes for all.”
Erin says his sister is his primary motivation for joining and continuing the fight against MS. He is constantly inspired by Julia, who lives in the Chicago area and serves as the Executive Director of the YWCA of Elgin outside of Chicago.
Erin has seen first-hand how funds raised for MS research can benefit those living with MS, like his sister. Julia is currently in a state of remission with her disease, and she enjoys staying physically active through running, though restricted to a treadmill in her basement to manage the symptoms of MS such as limited depth perception.
“Over the course of her illness, Julia has had to cancel trips to visit her children and grandchildren because of the side effects of the experimental medication and brain lesion flare-ups,” said McClendon. “But through it all, she has maintained a positive attitude. She participates in the MS Walk in the Chicago area each year.”
Erin will celebrate his fourth ride by training another cyclist, local teacher Nancy Ford, for the two-day, 150-mile ride this May. Nancy will be riding for her husband, Dan, in honor of his sister who suffers from MS. As they continue to train together, Erin believes that this is an effort that will be fun and safe for the both of them.
“I ride for those who can’t ride,” said McClendon. “I ride because, in a small way, I believe I am helping others less fortunate than myself. I will not stop until the day a victory over MS comes for all.”
