The Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire (PFFNH) will host the 38th Annual Trans New Hampshire Bike Ride with the Muscular Dystrophy Association June 20-22.
This year’s three-day ride covers 200 miles, starting in Beecher Falls, Vermont, and ending in Concord, New Hampshire. Cyclists can opt to ride one, two, or all three days.
“I may be a little biased, but this really is such a great event between the instant camaraderie that the riders develop to the incredible amount of money we are able to raise for MDA every year,” said Michael Roberts, PFFNH MDA Liaison, event co-organizer, and active-retired Londonderry Local 3160 member. “Thanks to all our riders, we have raised more than $4 million to help neuromuscular disease research and to discover new treatments.”
Roberts said a lot of great people help plan the event – people like Mallary Philibotte.
Philibotte has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which is a group of inherited disorders that affect the nerves connecting the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. She doesn’t let her diagnosis limit what she does and participated in the ride in 2019.
“Riding to the finish with the support of those around me and my family was a moment I will always cherish,” Philibotte said. “This ride has shown me that despite my diagnosis, I can live my life limitless.”
Riding to the finish with the support of those around me and my family was a moment I will always cherish. Riding to the finish with the support of those around me and my family was a moment I will always cherish.
Event co-organizer Mallary Philibotte
She said she was so inspired by her experience that she joined the event’s organizing committee. She is joined by others who also love cycling and have a passion for the cause.
The event began in 1988 with nine fire fighters who wanted to ride from the Canadian border to the Massachusetts state line in Salem, New Hampshire. The nine, all strong supporters of MDA and its mission, decided to use the ride to raise money for the charity.
The ride has since grown into a larger community that includes cyclists from all over the country.
“I am blown away year after year by the commitment and dedication the Trans-NH Bike Ride organizers put into this event. Thirty-seven years of continued support is such an accomplishment,” said Jennie King, MDA vice president of organizational partnerships. “Moving MDA’s mission forward is only possible because of committed partners like the PFFNH.”
Registration is currently open and those interested can sign up today or learn more by visiting the event website.
