"Daddy, Why do I have Autism?"

Sunday, April 3rd was the first annual Hirning Family Ride for Autism Awareness. Matthew, Torrey & I headed out for a little bike ride to raise awareness for Autism. We didn't wear signs or blast propaganda. It was a simple bike ride with the kids. I did, however, invite all of my cycling friends from all over the country and world to ride wherever they live for Autism Awareness. I heard from some, others I did not, and that's OK.

My son asked me earlier that day, "Daddy, why do I have Autism?". As we rode, I pondered the question. The more I thought about it as I pedalled, the clearer the answer became. I still stick with the answer i gave him. "You were given Autism so that Mommy & I can learn more about it and help other people. We also have learned more about nutrition because of it and are healthier for it. Thanks to you, and your Autism, Mommy & I are better people". I can't even begin to count the number of people my wife has touched because of her knowledge of bio-medical treatment for Autism and GFCFSF nutritional information. There are TONS 9and those are just the ones she's told me about). I have been able to offer help as well. There was a lady at my daughter's dance class and we started talking nutritional stuff and I was there holding my own. She was listening and I was actually telling her things she didn't know (all because of my wife's knowledge). My wife is amazing. If you haven't yet, check out her blog here. If a dumb schmuck like me can learn from her, I know you can too.

I feel that we are given the "gifts" we have for a reason. My son, with his Autism was given to us to help others going through the same things. Maybe at first it was to teach us patience or compassion, but now it is to share what we've learned.

So what's your gift?

My Next Jersey

While training for the Cave Creek Bike Festival Ride the year before last, I raised money for Autism with a website called trainforautism.com. I raised over $1500 and rode 70 miles to do so. I blogged about it and had someone contact me and ask if I knew where to get an "Autism Awareness" type of cycling jersey. Well, I never received an email with the comment on my blog, but as I was going through it a few weeks ago, cleaning some things up, I found the question. I thought what a cool idea! I know just how to design one! A quick Internet search and bam! There it was. This jersey was from the Austin Autism Society Bike Ride in 2010. I've contacted the organizers and they will be doing a ride again this year (hopefully with the same jerseys). When the become available, I will be ordering one. Here's what I like about it:
1. It promotes Autism Awareness
2. It's colors are bright (promotes safety)
3. It's EXACTLY what i was thinking of as a design

In the interim, in case they don't do the same jersey, I have contacted a friend of mine who runs the Not One More foundation which helps injured cyclists. She has a cool jersey which is sold locally to help raise money for her foundation. I've contacted her to find out the company she uses to have her jerseys made.

Why Autism Awareness? My son was diagnosed when he was a little over 3 years old. He had little to no speech, lack of interest in peers, and a persistent fixation on inappropriate objects. With some serious dietary changes, supplementation, and support, under the guide of our DAN! doctor, he is now well on the road to recovery. I believe that diet, vaccines, and environmental factors all contribute to the rise in the numbers of Autistic children in this country. It is estimated that 1 in 110 children are diagnosed to day (1 in 91 boys) and the government statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually. This means that is it very likely that everyone will know or love somebody on the "spectrum". I do, and I want to help educate those who will listen to help their kid(s) have a fighting chance at recovery the way my son has. So if I can ride with this jersey on and make people ask themselves "what is Autism?" or ask me, mission accomplished. What has worked for my son may or may not work for your kiddo, but this is beatable. I worked an Autism trade show with my wife last spring for TACA and was amazed at the number of dads that came up to talk to me. These events are typically attended by the "warrior moms" who are fighting for their kids. It was awesome to be able to share our story and give these parents who just starting their journey hope that this can be overcome. It's not easy. It's a LOT of work.

But isn't anything that's really worth it a lot of work? I know my son is worth it. I bet your loved one is too.

Ride of Death

Yesterday's ride was a great ride except for all the death around us.



Because of today's triathlon, most of our group was absent. It was just Ron & I. We started out both pretty strong (Ron was stronger) heading into the wind. We noticed it on the way to the starting point and figured it would eventually be a factor. Just didn't think it would so soon.

As soon as we came to the bottom of our first downhill, boom! Dead racoon. Bummer. We pedalled on and came across a dead possum, dead birds, and a dead snake. It seemed strange that with all the dead animals around that the morning was so beautiful. Seeing the sun rise over the mountains through a bullet riddled road sign really takes the breath away!

So we did our Usery Pass loops (19.5 miles each way) with plenty of hill. Some moron (me) decided it would be fun to climb Las Sendas mountain 38 miles into the ride. Well, we did and the workout was awesome! Which brings me to another "dead" fo rthe ride. We were cruising down Hawes Rd (at 35+mph) to meet McKellips and head back to the cars. Dead end. Hawes was closed due to construction. We went through the "road closed" signs to see if we could squeak through. No way. A huge hole in the ground and plenty of fencing made us have to turn back and go around. We looked at this as an opportunity to add mileage instead of a bad thing.

The last "dead" of the day was how I felt. I was wiped out! I don't think it was as much the distance as it was the climbing. All in all we rode 46.94 miles and climbed 2008 feet. Our average speed was 15.3mph and our max was 41mph. Our route is here.

I decided (at least my butt did), that my seat is inadequate for long rides. My butt was also asking me to switch my seat. I think I will put the gel seat back on for my ride in November. Which reminds me, I am using my ride in November to raise money for the National Autism Association. If you can help me by donating, please click here. Thanks.

Cave Creek Bike Festival

It's been decided. Instead of the logistical nightmare of riding the Tour de Tucson, I will instead ride in the Cave Creek 50 mile Discovery Road Ride on November 15th. in this ride, each registrant will receive a ride "passport" and at each stop along the 50 mile route, a page will be "stamped" with a handmade stamp depicting an important feature of the area. The passport will also contain a brief note about the area's significance to the region. Kinda cool.

Here's what's really cool. Terri turned me on to a site called Train 4 Autism (www.train4autsim.com). This site allows one to participate in any athletic event and raise funds for an autism based charity. How cool is that? I've chosen the National Autism Association because of their support to the biomedical protocol for curing autism. As many of you know, my son has been diagnosed with autism and we are fighting it (and I think winning) because of the biomedical supplements we give him. For more on this protocol, check out Terri's blog. She's way smarter than me on all this. So I set my goal and have started fund raising for autism. I have been blown away by the support from my friends and family. If you're reading this and have donated, thank you very much!

So, Terri had an order with the National Autism Association for some of those ribbon magnets and other stuff. She told them about my ride and they a were super appreciative. They are even going to throw a mini-magnet in the order for my bike! Gives me an idea to create a custom autism awareness cycling jersey. Hmmmm.

I'm pumped to finally ride in an "organized ride" again. It's been a long time. the camaraderie and support is awesome. i always find myself riding just a little bit harder when in a group like that. i don't want to be the guy sucking wind. If you care to donate to my "Ride for Autism click here. You can even join my team and ride with me if you want. November is a great time to ride in Arizona, the ground is no longer like the surface of the sun! C'mon out, I could use the company.