Riders blaze trail for Special Olympics

Todd L. Disher

Exploring Alaska

MAT-SU — Locked in a climbing battle with an ex-NFL standout in the first 30 minutes of a five-hour bike ride is the wrong way to pace oneself.

Retired Minnesota Vikings linebacker Matt Blair may not have been aware of the struggle, but interviewing him about his involvement with the Special Olympics Alaska was no easy task.

On Saturday, 108 riders left Houston High School’s parking lot for the 59-mile ride to the Talkeetna Lodge. This year, Special Olympics Alaska took over the annual ride from the American Lung Cancer Association of Alaska.

“We got a call from the Talkeetna Lodge saying they had an opening for a charity weekend. We had the bones to do this, so we said we’ll step up,” ride organizer Cathy Janigo said. “I’m happy we could continue this very popular event.”

With a minimum entry fee of $500 in pledges, the group raised more than $50,000 in one weekend. All of this money goes to Special Olympics Alaska, chief executive Jim Balamaci said.

The organization supports more than 2,000 athletes with disabilities participating in sports ranging from snowshoeing and bowling to basketball and floor hockey. From June 12-14, 300 to 500 athletes and volunteers will take part in the 2009 Summer Olympiad at locations throughout Anchorage, Balamaci said. Proceeds from the bike ride directly fund the event.

While only one rider was a Special Olympian, the turnout of the other 107 was less than the 200 to 300 the Lung Association normally draws, but respectable considering the crunched organizing time. Special Olympics Alaska got the call from Talkeetna Lodge just a few weeks ago, Janigo said.

With the support of volunteer mechanics, medics and Honda Goldwing motorcycles, the ride was open to all abilities. Anyone having trouble could simply give the universal thumbs-down signal and a support van would come to the rescue.

While no rider needed assistance, Blair was one of 50 who chose to ride back to Houston on Sunday. The six-time Pro Bowler is a friend of Balamaci and supports Special Olympics Alaska whenever he gets the chance. The riders left at different times, so Blair was nowhere to be found before the ride on Saturday. Halfway between Houston and Willow, he connected with me.

With a $3,500 bike and thoroughbred legs, he could have easily sped by my borrowed mountain bike. Graciously, he slowed down when he saw the press tag attached to my race number.

Life after the NFL is very rewarding, Blair said. He spends his days doing charity work for non-profits at home in Minnesota and abroad.

“These kids are the real athletes,” Blair said. “I have a replacement knee, so I told [Balamaci] I will do anything to support his cause except run.”

I lost him at the next hill and didn’t see him again until the first rest stop at Willow. The second stop at Sheep Creek Lodge was had the mood of a tailgate party complete with barbecue and music blasting from a state trooper’s PA system. This stop was hosted by the Minnesota Vikings Fan Club of Alaska in honor of one of their heroes. The last rest stop was at the Talkeetna cut-off and was staffed by volunteers, many of whom have been doing this for years.

“We didn’t want to see it canceled. We’re really glad we could keep the ride alive,” Janigo said.

The event was such a success, said Balamaci, Special Olympics Alaska will have another ride next year even if the Lung Association takes this one back.

Contact Todd L. Disher at todd.disher@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.