Chico Velo announces Challenge Fondo celebrity guest Blind Mountain Biker Bobby McMullen: Nation’s First All Abilities Fondo with categories for Age Group and Adaptive Bicyclists

Chico CA – Chico Velo’s 4th Annual Challenge Fondo will roll on Sunday, September 13 with some exciting new changes in store for riders. By widening the scope of the event to include cyclists of ALL abilities, the Challenge Fondo seeks to broaden and integrate the cycling community. The event will include timed events at distances of 100, 65, 50 and 30 miles, as well as a non--timed 20 mile ‘fun ride’. The event will also feature an expo at the start-finish and the presence of blind mountain bike racer Bobby McMullen will provide motivation to all who attend!

“I am incredibly excited to be a part of the Challenge Fondo and I believe the Fondo will provide a great platform for achieving my goal of spreading awareness of and appreciation for disabled athletes, to inspire and motivate thousands of people world--wide and to demonstrate all that is possible in life,” says Bobby McMullen. Born and raised in Redding, Bobby has close connections with Chico and indeed, as a survivor of diabetes, loss of vision, two--time double transplant (kidneys and pancreas), Bobby is a walking and breathing inspiration to all he comes in contact with.

“Bobby McMullen’s presence reflects our commitment to provide a level playing field for competitive athletes of all abilities at the Challenge Fondo. Our 20 mile ‘fun ride’ also offers the community a chance to come together and celebrate the fun, health and joy of cycling, regardless of ability” said Janine Rood, Executive Director of Chico Velo.

The Challenge Fondo will feature traditional ‘age group’ categories for fully--able athletes as well as the following ‘adaptive cycling’ categories:

• Handcycle

• Road Bike – Hearing impaired

• Road Bike – Lower limb disability

• Road Bike - Upper limb disability

• Road Bike – Visually impaired

• Tandem (sighted Captain)

• Recumbent

Pre--registration for all events is open till 11:59pm on Weds, Sept 9, and ‘on--site’ registration will be available on Saturday, September 12 and on Race/Ride day, Sunday September 13. Learn more or register online at www.chicovelo.org/challengefondo

About Chico Velo

Chico Velo advocates for cyclists and educates the local community about bicycling and its attendant benefits. We host cycling events including the Chico Wildflower, attended by 4000 bicycle riders, and provide 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 provides bike safety training in local schools. To learn more, go to www.chicovelo.org, or email velo@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--hears 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. Bobby is an inductee to the National Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame and a current nominee to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. To learn more about Bobby, go to www.rideblindracing.com.