Get Your Guts in Gear, Inc. is an independent, national, nonprofit organization that raises awareness of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and related conditions through multi-day cycling events that benefit and support IBD organizations and patient advocacy groups. GYGIG creates and produces well-organized, participant-centric events so that participants feel empowered, accomplished and part of a greater community.
NEW YORK RIDE: JUNE 12-14, 2009
Beginning in New York City, the route will bring riders north along the Hudson River Valley, one of the most picturesque settings in the Northeastern United States. The route plays hide and seek with the river, exposing riders to beautiful views and quaint towns and villages. Rolling hills and farmland intermix with a dramatic river valley, and open country is punctuated by small towns and villages. The Ride ends in the vibrant and scenic city of Saratoga Springs, New York.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST RIDE: AUGUST 7-9, 2009
This three-day loop will begin in the greater Seattle city of Edmonds, Washington. The route traces the 62 mile-long Whidbey Island, where coastal farmland gives way to views of both the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. The route returns to the mainland via a bridge across Deception Pass, a rugged and historical tidal waterway. Before looping back to Edmonds, the route runs through the lush farmland and forest of the Skagit valley.
MIDWEST RIDE: New For 2009! Dates coming soon - stay tuned!
WATCH GYGIG'S RIDE VIDEO TO SEE WHAT RIDERS AND CREW ARE SAYING ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES!
NEW WEBCAST FROM GYGIG!
Get Your Guts in Gear has sponsored two Patient Power programs to keep patients informed and educated about Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or “IBD”).
Riders and crew members joined Andrew and Dr. Weiss to share their inspiring personal stories and their excitement at the end of the first day. You'll also hear updates from riders at the conclusion of the event - this perspective is truly unmatched. Learn about the accomplishments and success of this all-too-important ride, and how it's impacting the IBD community, research, and overall hope for patients.
Get Your Guts in Gear, Inc. is grateful to Shire and UCB, Inc. for making these programs possible.
Part I - How a Bike Ride is Transforming the Crohn's and Colitis Community
All routes can be completed by a beginning rider with sufficient training, and are challenging enough for a seasoned cyclist.
All riders and crew MUST attend event check-in on the Thursday afternoon prior to each Ride in which they are participaing. Each Ride begins on Friday morning and ends on a Sunday afternoon.
On each Ride, Riders will average 70 miles each day and will make two overnight camping stops. GYGIG’s Rides will kick off with an opening ceremony, and a closing ceremony welcomes and celebrates all those who met the challenge and pedaled for empowerment, awareness, and a cure for IBD.
GYGIG provides participants the experience of overcoming physical and emotional challenges within a supportive Ride Community. By completing the Ride, many riders (novice and experienced alike) accomplish a goal beyond any achievement they had thought possible. GYGIG’s experienced staff and volunteers support cyclists’ pre-Ride training and fundraising efforts. Through their fundraising efforts, GYGIG’s cyclists will reach thousands of individual donors, significantly spreading awareness about IBD. GYGIG’s riders have consistently raised an average of more than $3,000 each.
During the Ride, cyclists will be fully supported by the staff and a devoted, all-volunteer crew. GYGIG provides meals and route support, including fully-stocked rest stops, sweep vehicles, and baggage transport between camps.
Get Your Guts in Gear - The Ride for Crohn’s and Colitis raises funds for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, the Colon Club, the United Ostomy Associations of America, IBD Quilt Project, and GYGIG itself - organizations that are committed to raising awareness, finding a cure, and supporting individuals with these diseases.
