MAY 3 - Sorta Cutting Edge News

TYLER FIGHTS THE GOOD FIGHT
Tyler Hamilton made the news last year when he finished fourth in the Tour de France despite breaking his collarbone in a horrific crash during the first few days of the race. While Hamilton's courage is inspiring, I think his most noteworthy characteristic is his devotion to others--particularly those suffering from multiple sclerosis.

The Tyler Hamilton Foundation was created to help find a cure for this disease and to help individuals diagnosed with this debilitating condition lead a high quality life. Founded in January 2004, the foundation's launch event was attended by over 600 supporters and raised over $60,000 for the cause.

Multiple sclerosis is still a largely mysterious disease. It tends to strike people in their 30s and 40s and wreaks havoc upon their nervous system. It's a terrible disease that certainly deserves more attention and research.

This year, the Tyler Hamilton Foundation is holding three bike rides (the Pedal for Progress Cycle Series) in an effort to raise funds and awareness. The rides will be held in Massachusetts, Colorado and California during the summer and fall months.

The first event (June 13) will be in Tyler's home state of Massachusetts; the remaining two will take place in October. Individuals can register online now at www.tylerhamiltonfoundation.org. Tyler is scheduled to join the rides in Colorado and California.

Pedal for Progress: New England
The June 13 event will start and finish at the Worcester Centrum. Participants will travel over rolling hills and through quaint New England towns during either a metric century of 100 kilometers (62 miles) or a full century (100 miles). The route will be traveled by fully equipped support vehicles driven by mechanics and include check points/rest stops after each 20 miles. There will be food and festivities at the finish including a junior race and safety rodeo for Tyler's Tough Tykes (kids ages 5-9).

Pedal for Progress: California
The October 17 event will be preceded by an evening with Tyler Hamilton. Tyler will comment on compiled footage of his 2004 cycling season. The next morning, Tyler will join riders on a 75-mile ride from San Francisco through Northern California and back to San Francisco. This event will be held in collaboration with Clif Bar.

Pedal for Progress: Colorado
Tyler returns to his Colorado home to participate in the third and final Pedal for Progress event for the 2004 season. On the evening of October 22, Tyler will comment on compiled footage of his 2004 cycling season for event participants in Denver. The next morning he will join riders on a 75-mile ride through Denver and its surrounding towns. This event will be held in conjunction with the Denver VeloSwap.

Registration for each of the Pedal for Progress rides, a full list of additional events, information on Tyler's Tough Tykes, Tyler's Tornadoes, volunteer opportunities and general foundation information can be found at www.tylerhamiltonfoundation.org or by calling 508-529-1THF.