Article By: Fenton Fadeley
Photos By: Aidans Ride
Originally Published In The January 2016 Issue Of Cycle Source Magazine
or the readers out there who I have not had the pleasure of meeting yet let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am, what you would call, a late bloomer. I am a rookie at all of the events. My love for motorcycles goes back to childhood but that passion took a fi fteen year backseat to drugs, alcohol, and prison. Even though I stayed up to date with the culture I didn’t fulfi ll my two wheeled desires until years after release when I found sobriety. With that being said, this ride is another of many firsts for me.
If you asked me to defi ne Adrenoleukodystrophy a year ago my response would be, “Let me get back to you on that.” When it comes to naiveté in my experiences I am prompt in self educating. Today, I can tell you that this deadly genetic disease affects 1 in 17,000 people and the vast majority of its victims are boys and men. The most devastating form of ALD appears in childhood, generally between the ages of four and ten years old and is not typically detected until symptoms begin. The importance of diagnosis at birth is critical. Fast forward to this year’s 12th Annual Indian Larry Grease Monkey F Article By Fenton FadeleyPhotos By Aidans Ride Block Party where I met the humble and gracious proprietors Bobby and Elisa Seeger. This is where I learned the story of a true hero…their son Aidan Jack Seeger. Aidan, as many of you know, was diagnosed in 2011 at the very tender age of six. Although still a small child, through his battle, Aidan would go on to show his family and the world what true strength is. Although the pain of his passing struck deep within the Seeger family, Aidan’s strength inspired his parents to set out on a mission to spare other families the unnecessary loss of a loved one… The Aidan Jack Seeger Foundation was established.
Bobby and Elisa were the driving force in the passage of “Aiden’s Law” in New York. Using their infl uence in the motorcycle world they pushed on to make Aiden’s Law a national mandate. Aidan’s Ride could bring ALD awareness across the country; and so it began. Rides began to assemble in other cities far from New York. This year marked the 3rd annual Aidan’s ride through the countryside in quaint Morgantown, W Va. The beautiful fall foliage created the perfect backdrop for a day of charity. Saturday morning, the event kicked off at the very hospitable Schmitt’s Saloon who played host to the ride. With riders fl ooding in around 10 o’clock from states as far away as Texas and Georgia, it wasn’t long before the parking lot began to resemble an epic family reunion. We had a chance to see familiar faces and catch up on recent life events. The turnout was looking promising. I unoffi cially counted well over 130 bikes when kickstands went up at noon and the ride kicked off. Although the weather was threatening rain, Mother Nature was kind enough to allow the majority of the benefi t to remain on the dry side. The fi rst stop was hosted by Tommyboys where the masses converged for a quick drink and continued jovial banter. When we decided to depart for the next two stops on the ride hunger had become the topic of conversation. The group decided to split into two to prevent a backlog at the food joints. Half went to Stateline Inn and the rest stopped at the The Green Turtle. By this time gracious Mother Nature wasn’t so gracious anymore and began to wash our bike for us uninvited. Schmitt’s saloon was anticipating our return arrival where the youthfully talented 5th Gear Band and the ever rocking Shiners Band were gearing up to entertain us.
At Schmitt’s prizes were handed out and a silent auction took place. The combined efforts of sponsors, riders, and t-shirt sales raised $15,183.10! The Aidan Jack Seeger Foundation thanks the following sponsors for your charitable and generous contributions: Brad Earp for mapping and taking lead role on the route, WVU Athletics Department, Zombie Defense, Josh Cellars, Steel City Harley Davidson, Nico Salon, Hijinx Apparel, Thinkin Ink Tattoo, Joyce Jewelry, Stick Tattoo, Squirrel’s Garage, The Shiners Band, Mona Supply, Hogs4Dogs, PA Chiropractic & Rehab, Pro-Tint, Jane V Jewelers, Ruff Road Cycles, Slight Indulgence, Brown’s Powder Coating, Faith Forgotten Choppers, Schmitt’s Saloon, Outlaw Motorsports, Amanda Lawery, Amanda McAdams, Squirrel and Tracy Anderson, James Harp, Danny Conwill, Tim Monfort, Peter Irwin, Donal Corr, Brad Pine, Joe Abruzzese, Damien Quinn, David Wasserman, and The Chopper Jockeys of Virginia. The 3rd Annual Aidan’s Ride Through the Countryside wouldn’t have been the huge success that is was without the efforts of Kristen Fowler, who took on the huge task of organizing this great event.
New York is still the only state testing newborns. As of September of this year NY hospitals have diagnosed 39 babies, both boys and girls. Elisa has been diligent in her quest traveling to as many states as possible to speak at newborn screening committee meetings. Just the day before this ride, Elisa was in Iowa speaking at the state quarterly meeting. Their mission is clear and if you haven’t yet, go on over to www. aidanhasaposse.org and help save the boys. FOUR FOOT SIXTY POUNDS BY ANY MEANS let’s bring testing to every state! Get involved.