My uncle and I are cycling 850 miles from Chicago to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness and funds for multiple system atrophy (MSA), the rare disease that killed my father two years ago.

Others are welcome to ride on the first day out of Chicago to a friend's July 4 party in Hobart, Indiana (46 miles), or on to our overnight stop in Valparaiso (64 miles). We're also inviting others for what essentially is the "real" last day on Sunday, July 13, from Hagerstown (58 miles, mostly downhill) or Frederick (30 miles) to somewhere near my mom's house in Rockville, Maryland. (We'll help arrange transportation in the opposite direction if you don't want to ride both ways.) You could also join for the ceremonial last day (just like the Tour de France!) from Rockville to Capitol Hill in D.C.

All I ask of other riders is that you make a minimum donation of $25 to the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition. That, and please wear a helmet.

It's turning into a logistical challenge, so volunteers are welcome. We're also seeking sponsorship for the tour. Our needs include: lodging, ride support (SAG), nutrition/hydration, jerseys and other cycling gear.

Stay tuned for information on a kickoff fundraising event in Chicago on July 2.

I'm also riding the Chicagoland Tour de Cure June 8 to prepare for the main event. If you want to support diabetes care and research, please click here.

I do long rides most weekends in warm and cool weather. No winter riding for me, though I did encounter black ice on a road bike in the mountains of Southern California a couple years ago, followed by nearly freezing rain and then hail later that week.