On May 1st, 2025, Timm Fenton set out to cross the country by bike while raising funds for the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) in an effort he is calling Pedals vs. ALS. Now, after passing through 10 states and covering thousands of miles, he is just days from completing his journey from the Oregon coast to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia. 

Aiming for a July 10th arrival, Timm is also making one final push to hit his ambitious $50,000 fundraising goal. An anonymous donor has stepped up to help him make it across the line, offering a $5,000 match for any donations made as he rides his final miles.

Timm recently joined ALS TDI from Virginia to talk about what this last-minute match means to him, what it’s been like crossing the country by bike, and what keeps him pedaling even in his most difficult moments.

ALS TDI: Can you briefly summarize what you’re trying to accomplish with Pedals vs. ALS?

Timm Fenton: I am raising funds for ALS TDI to support those suffering from ALS and, hopefully, someday, bring an end to this dreadful illness, from which my mother passed in 2017. I realized late last year that I had an opportunity to embark on this cross-country ride. I've always been an avid cyclist, and I'd always hoped that one day I would cross the country on a bike. The timing was right, and the purpose of the ride made sense, so now I’m riding coast to coast, 4,200 miles in total. 

Where are you at now in your journey?

I just entered the state of Virginia hours ago, and it's been a long time coming. Several states really posed challenges for me. Kansas had terrible headwinds, and then in Kentucky, the route went through some tough neighborhoods, and there was the risk of being chased by off-leash dogs. That’s all coupled with the challenges of finding the next place to stay, determining how far food supplies will be from that location, not knowing how many miles I’ll need to ride, or what shape I’ll be in when I arrive. 

When I saw that “Welcome to Virginia” sign, I have to admit, I got a little teary-eyed. I was so, so joyful to see that sign. I'm anticipating arriving at the Atlantic Ocean either on July 9th or 10th. But, of course, that’s unpredictable. I don't know if that will be shortened or lengthened, but that's the best estimate as of today.

You already have thousands of miles under your belt. How are you feeling at this point?

To be honest, I have good days, and I have bad days. I often feel strong in the morning, especially if I get an early start and temperatures are comfortable. The first 35 miles usually feel great. Then, as things progress, it gets harder. There isn't a morning I don't wake up and feel it in my legs. But once I get into the saddle and start moving, that just dissipates, and I’m in it again. 

You mentioned some of the challenges you’ve faced. What are some of the highlights, the good moments you’ve experienced along the way?

There have been an extraordinary number of acts of kindness, often completely unexpected. That might be someone just shaking my hand and wishing me well. That might be somebody handing me a cash donation towards the cause or giving me a cold drink. There have been many churches along the route that open their doors to cyclists, providing showers and, sometimes, food. It's remarkable how giving people are.

There have also been a lot of reminders about how many lives ALS touches, even in some extremely remote locations. Somewhere in Kentucky, on a back road where you don't often see anyone outside in the afternoon, I came across a fellow at the end of his driveway. I slowed down because it seemed like he wanted to say something to me.

He asked, “Can I get you some water?” I said, “Absolutely. That would be terrific.” Then, he saw the ALS Pedals vs. ALS branding on my jersey. He said, “My good friend died of ALS not long ago.” We stood on the side of the road and talked for over an hour.

What keeps you going in the more challenging moments while you’re out on the road? 

I don't have a choice. I've got to push through tough times. I often consider what I'm dealing with relative to someone with ALS—a day in the life with ALS is far more challenging. That makes my efforts pale in comparison, frankly. Today I had to ride some really steep stuff in a downpour, but I thought about people who have passed from ALS and people who are struggling with it today. That provides a lot of motivation.

You recently announced a new $5,000 match as you work to complete your fundraising goal. How does it feel to receive something like that?

My goodness, it's amazing. It's from an anonymous donor, and it comes at such an appropriate time. I think we're presently about $10,000 from reaching our goal. This sets us up well to hit the goal and potentially exceed it. I’m so thankful to that anonymous donor for stepping up and providing that match. It’s terrific.

With the end of the ride in sight, what are some of the memories you’ll cherish most from this effort?

There have been so many situations and encounters that I've experienced, too many to count at this point, that couldn’t be coincidental. They were meant to be. There have been so many situations where I met people in the middle of nowhere, and there was some connection to ALS. People who knew someone, or worked with someone, or had a family member touched by it. 

I'm no longer surprised by those instances. They almost seem to follow me. Those are the moments I'll remember—all those interactions. The landscape is stunning and beautiful, but the conversations and the people I’ve met along the way will be the memories that remain.

To support Timm’s ride and Pedals vs. ALS, click here. Donations made as Timm finishes his ride will be matched up to $5,000 thanks to the support of a generous anonymous donor.

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