CONTACT!RollsRite Bicycles 1362 Asheville Road, Waynesville, NC 28786    828-276-6080   info@rollsritebicycles.com!!ABOUT US RollsRite Bicycles is located in Waynesville, North Carolina on the Southeastern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a few miles North of The Blue Ridge Parkway and 25 miles West of Asheville. !We're a full service shop with bikes, parts and accessories but our real passion is for the service, repair and upgrade of all brands of bikes.!Our primary bike lines are Fuji, Surly & SE Bikes. We also represent Breezer, Civia, All City and Foundry. In the BMX category, besides SE Bikes, we also have access to Fiction, Fly Bikes, Stolen and Sub Rosa.!We also sell & service E-BikeKit and BionX electric bike systems.!Through our many suppliers we have rapid access to just about any part or accessory on the market. Our prices are about the same as average internet prices and we are here to service what we sell.!!We believe a leisurely ride around the block is every bit as important as the Assault on Mt. Mitchell or the Tour de Georgia and we have the bikes and expertise to accommodate either pursuit.!!Our mission, besides selling a few bikes, is to promote riding a bike as a routine activity for regular folks, not just cyclists.!To this end we're involved with our local bicycle advocacy group who are working hard to provide a more bicycle and pedestrian friendly environment for all of us. !!RollsRite Bicycles started in the garage of an old farm house near Highway 209 in 2002. It outgrew that and moved to a funky building with a mean driveway in Clyde before moving to our present location near downtown Waynesville in 2007.

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Active Reconnect !

Enka Sprint Triathlon 6 !

What is PKU? 9 !

PKU Fundraiser 10 !

Outrider USA 12 !

Cycle for Life 15 !

Team Gleason 18 !

Blueridge Breakaway 22 !

Active Reconnect Start Up 25

Active Shots from 9/28/2014

Debbie Cowan, Pam Strong, and Royce Cowan crossing the high bridge over Noland Creek, North

Carolina. They were flying too. "-Kim Cowan

Siara Blackwood and Lillian Cowan on a Stand Up Paddle Board, French Broad, North Carolina. "-Lela Winton

So much fun to get out in the mountains with some

mountain mamas! - Melissa Smith

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2014 Enka Sprint Triathlon at Biltmore Lake, North Carolina

"

Hot air balloons began to rise from beyond the tree-line. It was early;

not too early, but early enough. We we're on our way to the 2014 Enka Sprint Triathlon at Biltmore Lake, North Carolina. It was the first triathlon event of the year on our tour. I had never been to a triathlon before. Would it be fun? Could someone in a wheelchair get around to see? I had an idea of what to expect. I thought we could manage, but I also had my doubts.""

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We arrived and found a parking spot nearly a mile away from the event center. It was far, but it was where everyone had to park - no special treatment for having ALS. We unloaded and passed out ALS awareness flyers on the windshields of 50 vehicles. Once we ran out we made our way to the transition zone. During a triathlon, this area is where athletes transition from swim to bike and bike to run." " We got there just in time to see my wife Natalie scoot away. She had come out of the 750 meter swim in a time of 15:41. 12th overall for the women, out of 84. Not too bad at all for her first go. The bike portion of the event was 17.5 mi long, had a total ascent of 1,706 ft, including 4 category 5 climbs. Knowing we had some time to kill we made our way to the playground to let our daughter play for a spell. "" The event was very family friendly. The site had a playground plus a children's swimming area. On top of that music was being played through the announcers speakers, giving the event a very festive atmosphere. "" It wasn't long before the fastest athletes started coming in from the bike segment. 50 minutes for the first man; 57 minutes for the first women. Both times averaging less than 4 minute per mile. We sat and waited for Natalie to show up. Watching the other athletes rolling in, it soon becomes apparent that this sport is meant for both sexes and age wasn't a major contributing factor for performance. Out of the top 15 females only 1 was under the age of 30, the eldest being 61 y.o.a"" As we watched the athletes come in, we began wondering what h a d b e c o m e o f o u r athlete? Natalie isn't a weak cyclist. She left the water in 12th place. What happened? Apparently a lot had gone wrong after the swim. During the first transition she fumbled around with a cycling jersey, costing her a ton of time - 61st quickest. Next her cyc l ing computer wasn't reading. During her bike segment her chain a lso came off - 40th quickest. Once your bike segment goes south you stand no chance of getting a time near the top of the leader board. Natalie finished the run and came in 39th overall in the women's group.""

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Originally she had wanted to compete for the top ten. That didn't happen, but we did have a lot of fun, Natalie finished, and we we're able to raise some awareness for ALS. Success! ""

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Active Reconnect thermometers show the amount of funds our NPO contributed to an event.

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If you are a parent, then you probably remember the nurse coming to get your new

little bundle of joy in the hospital in order to test them for PKU. However, unless you did your research before your baby was born or you already knew someone who was affected, there is a good chance you had never even heard of the health condition Phenylketonuria, or PKU for short. Though relatively rare, it is a very serious disorder that effects approximately 14,500 people in the United States. "" PKU is an inherited metabolic disorder that affects males and females equally. It results from the bodies’ inability to breakdown and use the essential amino acid, phenylalanine (Phe for short). The inability to properly breakdown Phe causes it to accumulate in the blood stream and body tissues. This excess of Phe is toxic to the central nervous system and in turn causes severe problems. According to the National PKU Alliance: "“PKU patients who consume too much Phe are at risk of severe neurological complications, including IQ loss, memory loss, concentration problems, mood disorders, and in some cases, severe mental retardation.”"" Early Detection of PKU is critical because once damage is done, it cannot be reversed. Because newborns affected with PKU usually do not show signs of the disease, they are routinely tested within 12 hours of being born through blood taken via heel prick, so that treatment can begin immediately if needed. Children who go undiagnosed will begin to show neurological disturbances within the first few weeks of life. Routine testing began in the United States in all newborns in the 1960’s and because of this early detection, affected children are able to be placed on appropriate diets early and are growing up and living full and productive lives. "" A great source to learn more about PKU is the National PKU Alliance. The NPKUA was formed in 2008 by individuals all over the country who are affected or know someone affected by PKU. The goal of this organization is to unite those impacted by PKU in order to improve their lives and to pursue a cure for the disorder. The NPKUA is the primary source of education, advocacy, research and support associated with PKU. "" By visiting the NPKUA website at Http://www.npkua.org/, you can find out more about what they are doing to fight PKU and what you can do to help. ""

--Beth Chriscoe � of �9 26

PKU What are you?

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Through the Active Reconnect Sponsorship Program Pamela Strong & Iann Balok were able to raise enough funds to participate in the upcoming Insane Inflatable 5k near Charlotte North Carolina. They also were able to donate funds ($68) towards the National PKU Association and Active Reconnect.

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"Check our next issue to see how Pam &

Iann’s trip goes! "

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Outrider USA ""

During college at Appalachian State University, Tommy was riding his bicycle five

miles from his house to class each day. He was frequently pushed off the road by automobile traffic and eventually realized it was unsafe to be riding on the road at a significantly different speed than the traffic around him. Rather than purchase an expensive parking pass that would allow him to drive and park on campus, he got together with Daniel and they began exploring the possibility of adding electric assist to the more stable recumbent pedal trike platform."" About a year later in 2010 Jesse began auditing a night course on renewable energy, in addition to his coursework at Elon University. Frustrated with a lack of application for the theoretical coursework, Jesse began peppering the professor (who also taught at Appalachian State) with ideas for projects." "

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Eventually, the professor wrote down a phone number, handed it to Jesse, and said “Call Tommy, he’s as crazy as you are” . J e s s e c o l d - c a l l e d Tommy after class and that same night they formed a plan to build a side-by-side tandem solar-powered trike they w o u l d r i d e a c r o s s Amer i ca and ra i se money for a school in Sri Lanka. The trike was built, the trip took off from Kitty Hawk, NC, but they never saw California. Technical problems brought the trip to an end just outside Damascus, Virginia but the intensity of the project and potential for future innovations was enough to convince Jesse to join the team."" In July of 2011, Outrider USA opened a storefront in Fletcher, North Carolina. On July 14th of 2012 Outrider took first and second place, while setting a new course record of 23:32 at the Pike’s Peak Pedal Electric Hill Climb - one of the most challenging roads in the United States. As a team of three we have been able to stay extremely dynamic, and adapt quickly to advances in technology. While our skill sets

are diverse, we are able to foster clear communication and u n s h a k a b l e d e d i c a t i o n t o a c o m m o n g o a l . Today Tommy, Jesse a n d D a n i e l a r e assembl ing each ultralight adventure vehicle with care and pride at the shop in Fletcher."""""""

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“Cycle for Life" bike tour, Yadkinville, North Carolina. " It was 6:00 a.m., we began to rustle about. We had spent the night in a crummy motel off of I-40 near Yadkinville, North Carolina. In two hours the Cycle for Life bike tour would begin... it took us nearly three to even reach the starting line. My friend and I hadn't got much sleep. For the typical reasons. New environment, noise from the road, clanging of a near by drink machine. Life is hard for me with ten hours of sleep; I had maybe gotten four."" I don't do well when I'm exhausted, or stressed, or nervous. I just don't. Take going to a local grocery store for example. This can make someone with ALS completely freak out, become exhausted, and set their energy levels back a few days. It's why so many PALS choose to stay home; including me. However, I realized that if I always stayed

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home I wouldn't be helping out the ALS community as much as if I was getting out and connecting ALS to the world. Which brings us back to our story. "" I woke up feeling exhausted, nervous, and stressed. My body wasn't cooperating for the task at hand. Getting dressed, eating, and getting to the car. That was it. We had an hour and a half, and we couldn't make it happen. My legs shook so uncontrollably violently that we missed the 8:00 a.m. deadline. "Shit, we'll start late," we said."" Our group did start late. Dead last in fact, at a more reasonable 9:00 a.m. We completed the easy 24 mile loop, which was important for me. The Cycle for Life event supports stroke awareness and research. My family knows all too well how devastating a stroke can be. One summer morning I came down to the kitchen to find my father in a chair and my brother on the phone with EMS."" It doesn't matter what the greatest challenge in your life is. Whether it's ALS, MS, GBS, a Stroke, or even good ol' fashion Alcoholism. Some people are going to handle it better than others; but everyone stands a better chance of winning their fight the more aware and connected we all are."""

-Royce Cowan " """""

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2014 Cycle for Life Bike Tour Raises More Than $11,000 "

On June 14, 2014, 220 cyclists assembled at the Hanover Park Vineyard in

Yadkinville for the 11th annual Cycle for Life bike tour. Riders included survivors, caregivers, health professionals, community members and avid cyclists. Two NC Stroke Association partner hospitals, Mission Health of Asheville and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center of Winston-Salem, formed rider teams for the event as well. It was an excellent turnout for a beautiful day of riding. "" The tour raised more than $11,000 with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the NC Stroke Association’s stroke prevention, education, and post-stroke services, and Wake Forest Baptist Health Neurosciences. "" The bike tour is the largest community event for the NC Stroke Association and a key way to share its mission and get people involved. Executive Director Beth Parks called the event “a fabulous day,” and says, “It was wonderful to have so many people in the community participating on the tour. Cycle for Life was a great success!”""

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Special thanks to the tour’s sponsors and partners: Wake Forest Baptist Health, the YMCA, and Mock Orange Bikes who provided bike support for the entire event. The NC Stroke Association would also like to thank John Parks for his hard work in serving as the Cycle for Life bike tour director. "" Mark your calendars for next year’s Cycle for Life bike tour – June 13, 2015!

TEAM GLEASON Steve Gleason will always be remembered for his blocked punt on the night the New Orleans Superdome reopened for the first time after Hurricane Katrina. Steve played for The New Orleans Saints from 2000-2008. In 2011, Steve was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), considered a terminal neuro-muscular disease. Steve is determined to inspire others by continuing to pursue life adventures despite his diagnosis, and has challenged the worlds of technology and science to identify their most promising developments toward new treatments and a cure."

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"Steve and his friends and family started Team Gleason to generate public awareness for ALS, raise funding to empower those with ALS to live a rewarding life, and ultimately find a cure."" People with ALS (pALS) don’t have to accept their assumed limitations. Steve didn’t miss a beat after his diagnosis; ever the adventurer, he was determined to continue his pursuit of epic life adventures. Inspired by our adventure warrior Steve, we sought out other pALS looking for life-enriching and challenging experiences. We are producing and documenting their adventures, so we can raise awareness about the disease globally, impact the lives of patients’ families and ultimately help find a cure."" Team Gleason has successfully planned adventures for pALS to white water raft in Italy, cruise the Panama Canal, canoe the Missouri River, attend sporting events including the Superbowl, travel to music festivals, and a trip to Machu Picchu." Team Gleason completed an epic adventure to Peru. pALS Steve Gleason and Kevin Swan along with Michel, Rivers, Scott Fujita, a crew from NFL Films and Team Gleason members endured a 7 day trek starting in Lima. The group took countless buses, 2 trains, 7 planes and hiked 10 miles through the Incan trail.""

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They spent 2 nights in Cusco getting acclimated to the high elevation and visiting the Cathedral, Qoricancha Temple, t h e I n c a f o r t r e s s o f Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cusco, Qenko and Puka Pukara. One of their favorite view was overlooking the Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, situated between Pisac and Ol lantaytambo (photo on right). Team Gleason visited the village of Pisac, founded during colonial times, and set at the foot of a hill crowned by the remains of an a n c i e n t I n c a c i t y. T h e y continued their trip through the countryside town of Urubamba to the ruins of Ollantaytambo."" On Day 4, they woke up early to catch the Vistadome train headed toward Machu Picchu, taking in stunning views of the mountains and heading into the high altitude cloud forest. They jumped off the train at km 104 and started what they were told would be a pretty flat 5 – 6 hour walk on the Inca Trail to Machu Pichhu. The 21 member group, which included Steve and Kevin in wheelchairs and 18-month old Rivers, joined a group of porters before crossing a hanging bridge over the Urubamba River. At this time none of them had any idea what they were about to endure."" The Incan trail is a combination of landscapes of high altitude mountain ranges (the Andes) and dense subtropical forest. It was extremely challenging to carry the two wheelchairs up and down the rocky narrow paths. The fearless leaders, Scott, Blair and Marc, were not going to let the lack of water and sunlight stop them from getting to their final destination. After 10 hours they finally reached the Sun Gate or

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the entrance and first view of Machu Picchu. Although the sun had been down for a few hours and the ruins could barely be seen through the moonlight, the group was excited to know it was the final leg and hour or their journey. Traversing downhill and along more steps in the dimly lit site, the group finally made it the Sanctuary Lodge for some much needed food, water and celebration. The following day they were elated with a huge sense of accomplishment to finally see the magnificent landscape of the ruins and mountains."""

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Blue Ridge Breakaway! I had wanted to do the Blue Ridge Breakaway anyway, but I hadn't committed

enough to sign up until I didn't get to finish the Roan Moan century. I signed up the next day."" So last night I drove to Cullowhee to spend the night with my parents and this morning my daddy drove me over to Lake Junaluska. "" The ride was well-organized and started out smoothly. I recognized the route as we started because the King of the Smokies tri based their bike course on the BRB 30-mile route. "" We rode through fog for a while, but Jonathan Creek was still pretty scenic. I also remembered the first climb, on Coleman Mountain Rd up to way above I-40. It was definitely easier than it felt a year ago. I had decided that I would do 70 miles without stopping again, so I passed the first aid station at Fines Creek.""

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There was a pretty big climb on Highway 209, but it had a nice descent too, and then the next rest stop at Crabtree, which I also passed (but I did wave to my daddy as he took a few photos). """ Then we went into Clyde and through Poison Cove before a pretty hard climb up Stamey Cove. Then through Bethel and up 215, where I recognized more of the route from the Lake Logan tri."" Since I couldn't do Lake Logan this year, I broke my own rule with a teeny tiny stop for a photo."" After Lake Logan, there was another rest stop that I passed before the 12 mile climb to the Parkway (and eventually Richland Balsam). That was a long climb. Really long. But finally, finally, finally I made it onto the Parkway, past the rest stop at mile 63, and to my stop at mile 70. Hooray. I spent about 15 minutes at this rest stop eating all of the food. I actually don't know how long I was there, but I do know I ate the equivalent of at least 1 whole peach. And I took a picture of the Haywood-Jackson overlook. "

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" I was pretty happy to be there. Until I looked at the elevation profile and saw we had another climb coming that was almost as long. But anyway, I eventually set off. "" And then we got to Richland Balsam almost right away, and OF COURSE I needed a picture with the sign. "(PS- If you haven't seen it, the sign says "Highest Elevation Blue Ridge Parkway Motor Road." Yep.)"" Then we went through a tunnel. It was pretty scary until a car came up behind me and once I was sure it wasn't going to hit me I liked that I could use its headlights. "" Then there was a lot of really fun down that made my toes cold and my brake fingers tired before we got to what I had been dreading since I saw the map at mile 70 - Balsam Gap, and the start of an 8-mile climb up to Water Rock at mile 82. Who starts an 8-mile climb at mile 82???"" So anyway, I won't bore you with all of the ways that was miserable. I just pushed on and thought about how it was sort of equivalent to having to run after 70 hilly miles in China. And finally it was over and we were at the last rest stop at mile 90. Yay."" Lots more food and I was ready for the last 3/4 of a mile up before the long descent down the Parkway (fun except somebody crashed), down Soco (scary), through Maggie Valley (pretty fun), and back to Lake Junaluska."" 105.1. Longest ride ever."" And, it turns out that I was 84/149 century finishers (and 8th female!). I'm good with that. Now, time for bed. Tomorrow, back to running or swimming - or both!""

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Elizabeth Hotaling

"

   My name is Royce Cowan and I grew up in Tuckasegee, North Carolina. I attended Smoky Mountain High and went on to graduate from UNC-Asheville. After graduation I moved to the Waynesville area with my soon to be wife Natalie Matthews from New Orleans, Louisiana. Once we were married I started having trouble walking. Soon after we were married I was learning a lot about the motor neuron disease called Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease.” This disease prevents your brain from communicating with your muscles. Over a period of several months, or if your lucky a few years, your body slowly becomes paralyzed and then you die. This occurs when the muscle that makes breathing possible, the diaphragm, fails. ""

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Active Reconnect Start Up

 I was 27 years old when a neurologist from the Emory University Medical Center diagnosed me with this disease. At the time, and currently, there are no real treatment options besides comfort measures. You are going to die and all they can do is make you comfortable. ""  Upon hearing this news I decided to start blogging about my experience. In order to make it more interesting I attempted to hike all the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I made it 400 miles before I had to stop, 500 short of the goal. ""   Through my blogging people across the world - 73 countries so far - started to take notice. One of these people was former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason. Steve had created a non-profit organization to help people like me find ways to continue to live adventurous lifestyles. It was through this nonprofit that I was able to obtain an electric powered recumbent trike - perhaps you’ve seen me riding around Haywood County? With this trike I have been able to participate in active charitable events around the southeast. Some of the events have included “ALS Walks”, “Ride 2 Recovery” - for recovering vets, and various others. " "   It was this new lifestyle that led me to create the non-profit organization Active Reconnect. This organization is dedicated to supporting health and wellness in local communities through outdoor activity education and support. Especially getting people involved in local charitable active events. Next year we hope to be educating grade school students throughout Haywood County about community health, disease, disability, and participating in active events.  "

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