Ride For Doug was an idea born when the pain of a cry for help met the roaring thunder of a biker's resolve. Doug is, and always will be, my Little Biker. He was a perfectly happy 2 year old - fascinated with motorcycles - when the shock of a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy diagnosis rocked our world. Our world was turned upside down faster than a high side at Sears Point.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a lifelong challenge - one we are just embarking on. Doug is gradually losing his muscle strength. He can't run and jump with the other kids in his class. Some days, just climbing the stairs is workout enough. Day by day, DMD is stealing the strength of his muscles. It is hard to watch as a parent, knowing that I'll never get to take Doug to hockey practice, or teach him to drive a car, or ride a motorcycle. Sometimes it feels like life just isn't fair.
If there's one thing that I have learned over the years, it is that you should never underestimate the strength of a motorcyclist's spirit, nor the kindness of their heart. I'm drawing on that strength with Ride For Doug. By riding with us, you are showing the world that we will not ignore those who are suffering. You are showing my family that you care, and that when our strength begins to wane, that we will not be alone.
But most of all, you are making Doug one of us. You are giving my Little Biker one heck of a group ride to be part of. And doesn't that beat the pants off your regular Sunday afternoon ride?
