Chico Velo Announces Celebrity Guests At Challenge Fondo On Sept 10
Blind Mountain Biker Bobby McMullen and Triathlete/Amputee Jordan Lea at ‘All Abilities’ Ride
Chico, CA - The 5th Annual ‘All Abilities’ Challenge Fondo rides again on Saturday, September 10, featuring rides and races for handcyclists, recumbents, tandems, and adaptive (upper or lower leg disability, visually or hearing impaired) and fully-able road bike riders. Blind mountain biker Bobby McMullen, back for his second year, will be joined by Triathlete/amputee Jordan Lea to compete and inspire all participants.
Local celebrity Bobby McMullen, known as ‘Blind Bobby’, was born and raised in Redding and has close ties to Chico. A survivor of diabetes and loss of vision, and two-time double transplant (kidney and pancreas), Bobby competes on challenging downhill mountain bike courses like Downieville and the Megavalanche on Alpe D’Huez following a ‘guide rider’. An inspirational speaker, Bobby exemplifies optimism, enthusiasm, discipline and determination, and encourages all to find the best within themselves. He says, “I am exceptionally thrilled to ride in the Challenge Fondo for the second time. My goal is to increase awareness of, and appreciation for disabled athletes, and the Fondo provides a great platform by offering support, inspiration and motivation to ALL participants.”
Joining Bobby is Cyclist/Triathlete/amputee Jordan Lea from Vancouver, BC. A survivor of Non- Hodkins lymphoma and a 10 year battle with osteomyelitis which lead to two amputations, first his foot and then below the knee, Jordan has used competition as a motivator to not just survive but thrive while facing life’s challenges. In addition to training competitively, being an ambassador/athlete for Swiftwick, RYDERS eyewear and working a full-time job, he finds time to support other amputees through public speaking engagements and one-on-one mentorships. Jordan says, “It is my goal to show what is possible, and to motivate and mentor other amputees who might not have support to follow their dreams. Competing in the Challenge Fondo gives me the opportunity to do just that - I believe the best success comes in the face of challenge, hardship and uncertainty.”
The Challenge Fondo offers timed routes and fun rides. Timed options include hilly 100, 65 and 50 mile, and a flat, fast 30 mile course. With leisurely flat 20 and 3 mile fun-ride (not timed), there is a Challenge for everyone. “We are so excited to have Bobby and Jordan at the Challenge Fondo to inspire all our participants”, says Janine Rood, Executive Director of Chico Velo. “They both reflect our goals of raising awareness by bringing together the cycling and ‘other- abled’ communities and of challenging and celebrating the accomplishments of cyclists of all abilities.”
Pre-registration is open until 11:59 PM, September 7, and on-site registration will be available Friday, September 9, and on Race/Ride day, Saturday, September 10. Learn more/register online at challengegranfondo.org
About Chico Velo
Chico Velo encourages and promotes safe bicycling through education and advocacy. As a 501.c.3 nonprofit, Chico Velo hosts cycling events including the Chico Wildflower, attended by 4000 bicycle riders, and manages bicycling programs in the community like Trailworks mountain bike advocacy, Light Up Chico which offers free bike lights to those who cannot afford them, and KidsPedal! which brings bike safety training to local children.
To learn more, go to chicovelo.org.
About Bobby McMullen
Downhill mountain bike racer Bobby McMullen has survived diabetes, loss of vision, kidney failure, dialysis, two kidney/pancreas transplants, open-heart surgery and a particularly aggressive form of cancer. In spite of challenges that would take most people out, Bobby continues to live full-on. He is a passionate extreme sport competitor – a tenacious adrenaline junkie who competes alongside fully-able racers, and an inductee to the National Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame. He is an inspiring public speaker who captivates audiences with humor and conviction, and is a member of the US Olympic Committee Athlete Speakers Network.
To learn more about Bobby, go to rideblindracing.com.
Photo: Bobby McMullen
About Jordan Lea
Jordan Lea is a competitive road cyclist and triathlete who happens to be an amputee. When he’s not on his bike, he works as Operations Manager at Ryders Eyewear in North Vancouver, BC. He is a survivor of Non-Hodkins lymphoma and a bone infection leading first to a trans-metatarsal amputation (front of the foot) and then a trans-tibia amputation (just below the knee). In the wake of his battle with cancer he competed in more than ten marathons, five ultra-marathons, four Ironman triathlons, and an Ultraman triathlon. He returned to active competition in 2014, just 18 months after his amputation. He is driven to inspire and motivate fellow amputees through speaking engagements and mentorships.
To learn more about Jordan, visit https://www.ryderseyewear.com/athletes/jordan-lea/
Photo: Jordon Lee, Credit: Ryders Eye Wear
Stage 1 to Fribourg 165km
