Tour de Moose

We Ride Because They Can’t

Hello again, fellow Tour de Moosers.  It’s that time of year again; time to laugh with your friends, feel the wind in your hair, have some delicious beverages, and celebrate the 1^st anniversary of Moose’s 40^th birthday.

By now, you probably are familiar with these sweet faces.  If you need to refresh your memory, take a few minutes to read these posts from 2009 and 2010. Three years ago, Matthew and Andrew Akin were the inspiration behind the first charitable portion of the Tour.  In 2009, over 35 selfless Tour de Moose participants donated cheek swabs in order to be added as potential donors to the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) AND raised over $400 to help defray the cost of joining the NMDP for other individuals.  In 2010, over $1200 was raised and donated to The Matthew and Andrew Akin Foundation.  What are we capable of raising in 2011?

In 2011, we welcome two new participants to the TDM.  The Tour is honored to be hosting Kristin and Justin Akin; parents of Matthew and Andrew and founders of The Matthew and Andrew Akin Foundation.  Kristin and Justin have been working tirelessly the past year to raise money for the Foundation and bring awareness to the disease that ultimately took the lives of both their sons. 

In February, Kristin and Justin hosted the 1^st Annual Trivia Night and Silent Auction for the Foundation.  400 people gathered to raise money for the Akins and have fun with friends.  In May, Justin undertook a feat that I’m sure would interest many of you bicycle enthusiasts.  Justin embarked on a 15 day, 1500 mile bike ride (and you thought 20 miles was hard!) from Amarillo, Texas to Chicago, Illinois ending on what would have been Andrew’s 4^th birthday.  On Justin’s 3^rd day, 85 miles into the 86 mile leg, Justin has a terrible crash going 30 mph.  The crash certainly was worthy of a Tour de Moose “Crash and Burn” Award.  Justin suffered a broken shoulder, severe road rash, and numerous gashes and soft tissue injuries. Justin's ride may have ended earlier than expected but with a father's dedicated heart, he has vowed to complete the ride for his sons in the very near future.

In September, Kristin and Justin made the journey to Yosemite State Park for their 3rd Hike for a Cure.  The summit of Half Dome is a very strenuous 18-mile round trip hike. It typically takes 10 to 14 hours to complete. Yosemite Valley is at 4000 feet, and the top of Half Dome is at 8800 feet, for a gain of 4800 feet.  As you can see, they have been hard at work raising money in memory of their sons.  Can we help them?  You bet your sweet (sweaty!) asses, we can! 

2011 brings a few changes to the charity portion of the Tour.  Because you all have been so kind and generous contributors to the Foundation, Moose has added a little incentive for you to donate.  The winner of the “Mooseheart Award” (the biggest financial contributor to the Foundation) will receive their own table of 8 to the 2^nd Annual Matthew and Andrew Akin Foundation Trivia Night and Silent Auction.  Michelle Aldridge has won this award for the past two years!  Thanks, Michelle (and can anyone top her?)  Also, for every dollar you donate, you will be entered into two raffles.  Donate money and win exciting prizes such as fine wine, tequila, and vodka, restaurant gift certificates and more!

At the 2011 TDM, as you are enjoying a lovely bike ride with friends, please remember the two little boys who continue to inspire us to live better, love more, and be kinder to each other. 

Matthew and Andrew, we will ride because you can’t.

Be Thankful The Tour Avoids Single Track Trails

While some of the crashes in this video look like they have sprung from the pages of tour's past -- the sweet single track and freestyle bike action in this video have little to do with the leisurely jaunt that we take though the streets of St. Louis.

Which begs the question -- have you registered for the 2010 Tour de Moose yet?

Use Your Head - Just Not Like This

There is no getting around it - helmets are manditory for the Tour de Moose. Every year we have folks who crash into the ground, other riders and cars. And while you may crash, we want you to have the best chance to walk away, brains intact, and hey you may even win an award for biting it.

Here are some real world examples of bike vs object / earth / person / car contact to bring the point home.

Seriously, helmets are cheap and will protect your noggin. If you plan on riding in this years race - plan on investing in some head gear.

I Don't Always Drink At Work, But When I Do...

I prefer it to be out of my 2009 Tour de Moose mug. Remember your entry fee is not just for coke and hookers, although lets be honest, part of the cash probably goes towards that. No sir, it also covers things like the post party, awards and cool give aways like this.

Registration will begin soon - what are you planning on doing October 23rd?

Required Reading For All Tour Participants

By the power invested in me by the honorable Kevin "Moose" Werner -- I hearby command you all to absorb and make part of your daily lives the contents of this web site.

There will be a test. You will be judged. That is all.

Not So Great Moments In Tour de Moose History for August 3rd 2010

6th year rider and 2 time Tour De Moose Champion Brett Egger discusses his experience with bike and car contact while riding in the Tour de Moose.

Great Moments In Tour de Moose History for October 7th, 2009

A Challenge - Contributed by Karen Jacobsmeyer

Did you feel brave during last years Tour when you faced a car (or was it a truck?) head on?  Or how about that little bit of courage (no, not liquid courage) when you decided to run the yellow light to catch up with the rest of your friends?  Maybe it was strength you were feeling as you pedaled up the hill from Three Monkeys to Stella Blues?  I’ll bet the best feeling of the day was as you pulled into Lemmons parking lot at the end of the road…ahhhh, triumph.  And then you celebrated your small victory with a nice cold beer.  That was a great moment, wasn’t it?

Let me tell you about two little boys who will make you look at bravery, courage and strength in a whole different light.  And then let me challenge you to turn your 2009 Tour de Moose triumph into their small victory.  Because you know what feels better than finishing a Tour de Moose?  Finishing a Tour de Moose AND helping save lives at the same time. 

Meet Andrew and Matthew Akin (cute, aren’t they?).  Andrew was born in 2007 and diagnosed at 10 weeks old with a rare, life-threatening immune deficieny called HLH or Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.  The only cure is a bone marrow transplant.  After undergoing a stem cell transplant and a bone marrow transplant in St. Louis, both which failed to engraft, Andrew’s parents took him to Cincinnati to be under the care of the world’s expert in his disease. Thanks to the gift of yet another anonymous marrow donor, Andrew received his third potentially life-saving transplant.  These transplants gave Andrew 2 years and 3 months with his Mom, Dad, and Brother before he passed away on September 5th, 2009.  

While being treated in Cincinnati, it was found that Andrew’s HLH was caused by a rare genetic mutation (XLP-2) that his brother Matthew also was found to have.  The Akin Family then had to make the heart-wrenching decision to put Matthew through a bone marrow transplant to save his life.  Matthew is currently waiting for his new bone marrow to engraft and fighting for his life. 

You can read more about the Akin's journey at their personal blog - registration is required for privacy reasons.

At the start of the 2009 Tour de Moose, representatives from the Be the Match Registry (formerly known as the National Marrow Registry Drive) will be on hand to register potential donors swabs to the national registry. Please take a moment and review the instructions for registering before the race.  A simple cheek swab will be taken from potential donors.  In the future, should you potentially match a recipient, you will be contacted by the Registry for further testing.

Please, strongly consider joining the national registry.  It is free of charge and you may one day save the life of a child, a son, a daughter.  You may give someone back their mother, their father, their brother.  Could there be a greater victory in your life than saving a life?

To thank you for your kindness, Moose has established a NEW 2009 Tour de Moose Award.  Introducing…the Mooseheart.  The winner will be the participant with the most charity chips at the end of the day.  Chips can be won by donating money at any stop along the tour route to Moose’s Angels.  All money raised will be donated back to the Marrow Registry.

Make 2009 a Great Moment.

In Memory of Andrew.
In Honor of Matthew.
In Support of the Akins.

Great Moments In Tour de Moose History for September 17th, 2009

 

Quite possibly the GREATEST moment in Tour de Moose history - the actual birth of Moose.

Amazing classic photo from 1993.

Will the next great moment in tour history happen to YOU this year?

You'll never know unless you register. The cost of this year’s tour is $15.00 for pre-registration, via Paypal until 12:00 PM October 15th. Day of registration will cost $20.00.

Your registration fees cover the costs of running the race. These costs include awards, games, snacks, the post race awards dinner and race support services.

Tour de Moose Stage 3 - By The Numbers

What stage 3 of this years ride lacks in distance, clocking in at only 1.8 miles, it clearly makes up for in the form of "sightseeing" as it rolls through some of the more "exotic" parts of St. Louis City and makes a pack separating climb into the downtown area.

Pulling away from The Square One Brewery, riders move past the tall Victorian brownstones along 18th Street and Hickory before entering the gateway to manufacturing and shipping that is Chouteau Avenue.

Avoiding the temptation for a quick smoke break in between dark and dirty warehouses, riders should progress with caution up to South Jefferson where the scenic views continue in the form of highways, construction and train yards. The climb in this area is steep but quick, covering an ascent of over 130 feet in tight quarters shared with vehicles and other riders.

However, much like Dorothy was surprised when the Land of Oz went from black and white to color, and conveniently where Pink Floyd kicks into "Money" if you start from the right spot, riders emerge from this industrial artery and into the downtown area.

Traffic should be light in this area on our Saturday ride, but riders should be aware of traffic on these busy city roadways.

Turning onto Olive, riders are encouraged to let gravity take over and enjoy the sight of the Gateway Arch as the final half mile follows a steep incline towards 22nd Street and The Schlafly Tap Room.

As in past years, our stop at the Tap Room is usually the longest with people enjoying extra tall beers, pumpkin beer and ordering food from the kitchen. Others complain about the service and lack of indifference to 75 + thirsty bike riders looking for beer and can't wait to hit the pavement again. No matter what, take a moment and enjoy the second of two visits to our fair city's craft breweries before heading off for our next stop, a victorious and sloppy return to the Laclede Street Bar.

Stage 3 - Change in Elevation

Great Moments In Tour de Moose History for September 8th, 2009

"All of my TDM experiences are nothing short of fantastic. However, due to my annual pursuit of the Biggest Boozer award, my memories are well... a bit blurry. However, I clearly remember the first year when three of us were plotting to catch Brett Egger, who had a big lead because he kept running red lights ;). We determined that I had the best chance because in that first year, each beer meant a full minute off your time. So people started buying me beers in bulk to help me knock time off. It got out of control. By the last leg I was up to twenty beers and I was a complete mess (but a happy mess). I couldn't catch him, but the camaraderie among all the Brett chasers was really fun. I still think I would have won if I didn't screw up the Milo's leg. I went straight to the bar, and came in dead last by minutes because the check-in was further up the street. Still, I didn't know too many folks in the Moose crowd that first year... Now I am firmly entrenched in his circle of debauchery and sin. I'll take that."

Cameron Collins - Tour de Moose Legacy Rider and all around Tour champion

Will the next great moment in tour history happen to YOU this year?

You'll never know unless you register. The cost of this year’s tour is $15.00 for pre-registration, via Paypal until 12:00 PM October 15th. Day of registration will cost $20.00.

Your registration fees cover the costs of running the race. These costs include awards, games, snacks, the post race awards dinner and race support services.