Max Harrison – Strike Out ALS

First and foremost, we need to thank all of our volunteers, sponsors, riders and concert goers. You are the reason Max’s Ride is able to donate $15,000 to the ALS Association this year. Also, a huge thank you to Harley’s Heroes! During their time at Cowboy Harley Davidson, they were able to assist 60 Veterans in obtaining the benefits they so deserve from the VA.

Max’s Ride provides us with many incredible memories;  I’d like to share one of the special moments from this year’s Ride-

When we began this journey of Max’s Ride, our 1st year included one person I consider our “Trifecta.” Joel is a biker, a veteran, and a victim of ALS. He has been an avid supporter of Max’s Ride since its inception and has been part of opening ceremonies and our Salute to the Military. For the past three years, I’ve watched him as the bikes rode out. Along with the sense of pride he held, I could always see sadness in his eyes. But despite the continued toll the disease has taken on his body, every year, he has kept his promise that he “will be at Max’s Ride as long as he is able.” Well, this year Joel rode! These are Joel’s words and a great example of why we continue this journey of Max’s Ride…

It’s hard to believe that the Fourth Annual Max’s Ride has come and gone. To most that may simply be the matter of only four years. To me, it means a miracle, and even more so, a miracle that I was able to climb on a big v-twin and join in the actual bike ride through the hill country. At the First Annual Max’s Ride there was no one who could have convinced me that I’d be able to even attend, let alone ride in the fourth annual festivities of this worthwhile celebration.

for those unfamiliar with Max’s Ride, it’s all about bikers, veterans and the ongoing fight against ALS. An unlikely combination some may think, but it works so well, especially now that research has proven that U. S. Veterans are at a higher risk of developing ALS than other segments of society. Why? No one knows for sure and that’s why it’s so important that we throw our support behind Max’s Ride and any other project that aids the fight against this “beast.”

I discovered recently that I’m referred as a “Trifecta” in Max’s Ride. Simply put, I’m a veteran with 22 years active duty in the Air Force, I’ve been a biker since I was 12 years old and, unfortunately, I’m one of those many veterans, like Max, that developed ALS. I guess I’m the only one so far that matches all facets of Max’s Ride. Not a distinction to be envied, I promise.

I’ve a less know form of ALS referred to Bulbar Onset ALS. Simply put, it’s ALS that begins in the tongue, neck and jaw areas. Most others start with limb onset and eventually are affected in the same way as myself. So far, ALS has robbed me of the ability to speak and eat/drink. Slowly now, it’s gaining its foothold in my extremities, but I’m still fighting. And if I have my way, I’ll be riding again in the Fifth Annual Max’s Ride.

When I look back on the first three rides, it actually hurt to see all the bikes pull out and journey on into the beautiful hill country, eventually to converge again and enjoy music, food and drink as the afternoon festivities continue on in downtown Austin. I didn’t ride in the first three I think because I was still trying to find my bearings and limits with this new beast within me. It’s difficult to put into words just what one’s mind may deal with given such an overwhelming condition. But, for me, it was hard to face the end of my working career, hard to face each day knowing things won’t get better and almost impossible to face the fact that I’ll never enjoy eating again. But, emotionally it also captured my thoughts and pleasures in doing many other things I wished I could still do. I didn’t ride because I had lost that air of confidence in my riding abilities to this beast. I feared pushing myself into something like riding because I feared failure.

Last year, at the completion of Max’s Third Annual Ride, the inner spirit moved me. I wasn’t going to empower ALS to deny me any more Max’s Rides as simply a spectator. I started to secretly shop around for a bike. I’ll admit I was nervous to finally jump on a big bike again. Yes, my limbs have weakened over these years with ALS, but bikes are more about balance than strength. I finally made a good purchase and started spending hours just riding through the hill country, out of main traffic areas to avoid congestion and stop and go traffic. One can only imagine the thrill I experienced as I kept regaining my proficiency as a biker. Only when I felt totally comfortable did I finally announce that for the very first time, I’d be riding in the upcoming Forth Annual Max’s Ride.

The excitement of that Saturday is still with me. Finally, I rode with the pack. The weather was perfect, not too hot and no rain in the forecast. I can’t explain the overwhelming power one feels when riding in such a large group of bikes. The bike isn’t a vehicle as such…more like an extension of oneself. And in the open, your senses are immersed with all the smells around, the sight of everything around you, the sounds of the power of all the bikes traveling together as one. It’s not only the riders that feel the power of it all. Wherever we went, cars stopped. People walking along streets appeared mesmerized with such a powerful group of machines. At one point, we passed another group of a dozen or so bikers who simply stopped and saluted our passage. So many feelings and emotions prevailed during that ride, with a bit of sorrow that I hadn’t ridden in previous years. It all became one of those times that one wishes would never end.

Will I be there next year? All I can say is that if the decision is mine, I’ll be there and hopefully ready to ride again. Much of that will be up to my “beast.” But, this year, this Fourth Annual Max’s Ride is quite literally the “Ride of a Lifetime.” Peace……….

From the moment DJ Big W cranked up the music at Cowboy Harley Davidson until Omar and the Howlers played their final note, fun was had by all. My life and many others have forever been changed by this disease and the incredible people who are part of the fight to defeat this killer. A special thanks to the persons living with ALS and their families and friends who have been part of this Max’s Ride journey. Your fight continues to inspire us all! Be sure to hang with us here for updates on Max’s Ride V!

Take Care and Be Safe~Whitney

SAVE THE DATE:  Max’s Ride V-April 23, 2011

Printed in the July/August issues of Biker Living and in the South Texas Chapter ALS Associations A Reason For Hope newsletter

We are excited to reveal the newest item for the Live Auction at Max’s Ride Concert:

Donated and Created by Manuel Luna

“Motorcycle Rocker” pictured above will be auctioned live at the Max’s Ride Concert!

Concert tickets now available for a $15 donation and included with your donation if you are a registered rider.
Register as a rider or reserve your tickets online today!

Opening Ceremonies at Cowboy Harley-Davidson will include Amy Pyle

Amy Pyle

Young Marines

Presenting “Colors” will be our Capitol Area Young Marines.

Opening Ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m. Come on out to be part of our “Salute to the Military” and see our 4th Annual Max’s Ride parade of bikes head out for the Ride!

Don’t miss your chance to reserve tickets for opening act Natural Causes and headliner Omar and the Howlers!

We know Austin loves burritos, and South Austin has one of the best: Cabo Bob’s!

So, from April 5th to April 10th, present
this flyer (DOC Link) or simply mention Max’s Ride to donate 10% of your ticket to the ALS Association South Texas Chapter on behalf of Max’s Ride.

Cabo Bob’s is located at
500 E. Ben White
Austin, TX 78704
behind Starbucks and Chik-Fil-A.

Newly remodeled web site launched March 1, 2010 just in time for the 4th Annual Max’s Ride.  New to the site besides the format is the online opportunity to become a Corporate Sponsor, Register as a Rider, Order Concert Tickets and make donations throughout the year.

A sincere thank you to Eric for his years of time and talents on establishing and updating our awesome web site.

We’d like to welcome Rudy as our new Web Master!

This site is a constant work in progress and we are super excited about the remodel!  Thanks for browsing and be sure to check back often or subscribe to our RSS feed!

Every year, we look toward our corporate sponsors to help us make Max’s ride a reality. As a company and/or corporation sponsoring Max’s Ride, what’s it in for you?

• Funds you help raise go to research and patient services locally
• Your name is displayed prominently in a variety of ways as a caring contributor
• You personally help to continue Max’s legacy on assisting other patients and families affected by ALS
• A Tax Deductible receipt upon request from the ALSA South Texas Chapter

As a Corporate Sponsor, here are some of the ways you can make a difference:

• Bronze Sponsor ($100 cash or donated retail item(s) valued at $100)

  • Your name will be added to the list of contributors, which will be posted on our website with a hyper link and your information will be included in every rider’s information packet.

• Silver Sponsor ($300 cash or donated retail item(s) valued at $300)

  • Your name will be displayed as you list below on a banner at the beginning and end locations of Max’s Ride and will added to the list of contributors, which will be included in every rider’s information packet.

• Gold Sponsor ($500 cash or donated retail item(s) valued at $500)

  • Bronze and Silver incentives
  • Being part of the “Thank You Wrap Up Story” posted on our web page, ALSA newsletter and other local publications.

• Platinum Sponsor ($1000 cash or donated retail item(s) valued at $1000)

  • Bronze, Silver and Gold incentives
  • Your name being posted as the Platinum Sponsor displayed at Scholz Garten on the front of the performance stage

Or, you can donate individual items for our Raffles, Silent Auction and/or Participant Door Prizes and your company name stays with your items so everyone involved knows of your generosity.

Please return this form along with your tax deductible contributions made payable to  

Max’s Ride ALS
c/o BBVA Compass
11721 N. FM 620
Austin TX  78750

In order to have ample time to prepare the banners and other sources of recognition, please have all sponsorship information to the above address by April 5, 2010, send us an eMail via our contact form, or give us a call at the telephone number listed below and we will send someone by to pick up your contribution.
Thank You!

We will have some great acts at Max’s Ride 2010. The concert portion will begin at 12:00 noon at Scholz Garten.

Click here for Directions.

For our Riders and friends we will have Natural Causes and Omar and The Howlers.

Here is a clip of Omar and the Howlers Jamming:

The sign up forms for Max’s Ride 2010 are now online! You can download them here:

PDF: Max’s_Ride_Flyer PDF

Word: Max’s_Ride_Flyer_DOC

Please retweet and spread the news!