History of the ALS DoubleDay

The ALS DoubleDay was started in 2000 as the “Ride 4 Life” by ALS patient and bike enthusiast Mark Reiman. Mark sought every opportunity to raise awareness for ALS and was inspired by a group that started the Ride 4 Life in New York ALS patients who rode their wheelchairs from New York City to Washington D.C. in 13 days! Having never heard of a bike ride for ALS, Mark took it upon himself, with the help of former classmates from Mount Vernon High School, to organize a ride that would raise awareness and funds in the fight against ALS and take place in the beautiful Skagit Valley, the area where he grew up.

Changed to the ALS DoubleDay in 2001, the ride has grown each year of its existence and has now raised over $896,000 since its inception, reaching a new record of 322 riders and over $159,000 raised last year! As we celebrate our Tenth Anniversay, we look forward to achieving the Million Dollar Milestone and then some! Mark passed away in 2003, but his memory and that of fellow PALS (persons with ALS) continue to inspire new and returning riders to keep pressing forward under the banner of “Nothing less. Cure ALS.”