Going the Distance for ALS

On May 25th, Stuart Chapin, a lifelong New York cyclist, will embark on an epic solo, unsupported cross-country bike ride to raise funds and awareness for ALS research. His incredible journey - Going the Distance for ALS - will benefit and support critical research at the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI). He begins this epic endeavour with his rear wheels in the Atlantic Ocean at Brighton Beach in New York City, and completes it with his front wheel touching the Pacific Ocean at Ocean Beach in San Francisco on August 8th.

Starting at Coney Island Beach in NYC and ending at Ocean Beach in San Francisco. At just over 5,000 miles, this custom route is made up of interconnected segments of other Adventure Cycling Association (ACA) published routes. It connects twelve different routes, including the Atlantic Coast,
CHI>NYC, BR 66, Golden Gravel, Trans-Am, GDMBR, and Pacific Coast.

1963 - 2013

My father, Scott Chapin, was raised in Mammoth Mt., California, on a diet of horse riding, skiing, and mountaineering. These cowboy days, with their closeness to nature, shaped who he was.

My parents settled in Greensboro, North Carolina, to raise my sister, Kate, and I. He always had a project to work on; whether it was rebuilding an old boat, RV, car, making us toys, or inventing games.

We moved to Southern California when I was in third grade. With new areas to explore, Scott's love of projects doubled down. Soon he was building a go-kart, then a dune buggy, then more boats, and dirtbikes.

He always craved adventure and worked hard to foster this sense of adventure and wonder in us kids. He made sure that we knew that we could grow up to do anything. He supported us through any new interest, even if it was something totally new to him; he just loved seeing us excited.

Of course, I remember the months that he was sick just as vividly as the years that he was healthy. The moment he brought me to the kitchen table to break the news to me is something I'll never forget; neither are all the painful moments that came after that. He was a large-and-in-charge guy, at 6'5" and 240lbs with a bright and charming smile. It was hard for him to feel like he was losing that. He tried to be as brave in death as he was in life. Anyone who has been around ALS knows how hard that is.

In the end, he requested we throw a party to celebrate his life, rather than his passing. He wanted us to feel that the best way to honor him was to live our lives vibrantly. To do the things that brought us happiness, to travel, to be engaged with the world, and not to be afraid to put ourselves out there and meet new people.

I am taking this trip in his honor because I know that if he were alive, there's no way I could stop him from coming with me. And still, I feel him next to me any time that I am out there,

Going the Distance.

Inspired by last year's Cross Country biker, Timm and Pedal vs ALS, this year, Stuart is taking the challenge to another level by making the journey by bike and connecting with the ALS community along his route, adding more mileage. His ride will not only raise critical funds but also foster a greater sense of community and shared purpose in the fight against ALS. We hope that his journey will encourage more community members to support and help fund research at ALS TDI.

Stay tuned here for Stuart's videos

Help Stuart hit his fundraising goal to develop cures for those who courageously face ALS. Donate, sponsor, and spread awareness for Going the Distance for ALS! LET'S GO!

Read more about Stuart's Journey on the blog here! (coming soon)