10/05/07 Mike Utley 2007

Participation in a good cause just keeps growing. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be right back to tell you about it. Last year I introduced you to Mike Utley, the Detroit Lions offensive lineman who was partially paralyzed in a 1991 football game. Mike didn't let his injuries keep him from working for the good of others by organizing the Mike Utley Foundation to help find a cure for paralysis. One of Mike's fundraisers for the foundation is a bike ride called the "Dam 2 Dam Thumbs Up! Bike Tour." It is held on roads in our part of the country with riders choosing routes of 25, 50 or 100-mile distance between two major dams on the Columbia River. This year I was an "almost" participant since my son and I traveled over the complete bike route of that highway to pick up some beef and bring it home. Eight hundred and twenty riders took part in the tour, which were about 100 more than last year. One nine year old rider completed his first run this year and more than 50 participants rode hand cycles. I have nothing but respect and admiration for those people. They brought total reality to the purpose of the day. Last year's tour raised over $147,000, so this year's total should surpass that amount considering the higher number of riders. I might ride in the tour myself next year, but I think I'll ride my horse; after all I have a whole year to teach him to ride a bicycle. I'm Jeff Keane.