News and Events

On July 7 (weather permitting) David Longdon, Research Associate for Educational Systemics, will cycle the challenging Oregon Ultimate Road Ride as a benefit for the ALS Association in tribute to family members who have suffered and are suffering from ALS.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons  eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed. Yet, through it all, for the vast majority of people, their minds remain unaffected.

The Oregon Ultimate is an epic 215 mile one-day ride with over 14,000' of climbing.  The route starts in Sisters on the east side of the Cascades, climbs westward over McKenzie Pass, turns south for a long ascent over Aufderheide Memorial Drive to Oakridge, up Willamette Pass to the Cascade Loop Hwy to Mt. Bachelor, then into Bend. Last year 38 lunatics started the ride, and David was one of the 28 finishers.  The OU is organized and sponsored by Hutch's Bicycle Shop in Bend.

Donations to the ALS Association are tax deductible.

For more information and to make a contribution, visit David's web site. Educational Systemics will be matching all donations made by education industry colleagues. Your generosity to this important cause is much appreciated.