Tyler Kube is your typical eight year old, full of boundless energy and always on the go. What makes Tyler different from other eight year olds is his story, a story full of pain and heartache. More importantly a story of a little boy whose will to live and his continuing courage is a lesson to each of us.

Tyler's story took a tragic turn for the worse when on June 20, 1995 at the age of one he was hospitalized. For seven weeks he fought against all odds to survive. First he was diagnosed with pneumococcal sepsis, an infection of the blood stream which is often fatal, with streptoccal pneumonia. If that wasn't enough for his little body he developed DIC, a condition where the body creates blood clots resulting in the loss of blood and oxygen to the extremities. Together, they wreaked havoc over his weakened body and Tyler lost the calves in both legs, 3 whole and 2 half fingers on his left hand and 3 1/2 fingers on his right hand.

For six long years Tyler and his family have driven to Shriner's Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina for the specialized care that he requires. Because the infection caused growth plate destruction in both legs there is no potential for growth. Doctor's at Shriner's Hospital offered only one solution, bilateral amputation of Tyler's legs.

Brenda Kube, Tyler's Mom never gave up hope. As she prepared for the amputation of Tyler's legs she continued her search for alternatives. Her tenacious desire to help her son finally succeeded when she located a surgeon in Baltimore, Maryland who says that he can straighten and lengthen Tyler's legs. Surgery is scheduled for July 1, 2003 in Baltimore.

Tyler's Ride 2003 is a "SaddleSore 1000" ride to begin on Thursday, May 8th, 2003. Motorcyclists will start their ride in Waynesville, North Carolina and travel to St. Augustine, Florida, returning to Waynesville, North Carolina within 24 hours. Each rider has his/her choice of riding in a group or individually. Documentation and expense for qualifying for SaddleSore 1000 designation with the "Iron Butt Association" is the responsibility of each rider. Information regarding requirements can be accessed via their web site at www.ironbutt.com/rides/ss1000.htm .

This ride is intended as a fund raising opportunity to procure monetary donations to assist the Kube family with the expenses of Tyler's surgery. Each participant is asked to raise at least $300 in contributions.

For individuals requesting tax deductions for their contribution, checks should be made out to the "Haywood County Schools Foundation", and Tyler Kube Fund written on the "memo" line of the check. Participating riders should turn their contributions in on the day of the ride.

Registration cost for each participant is $30.00. Event T-shirts will be provided and Pre-registration is required.

For additional information or to request a brochure contact Lester Bullock at (828) 281-3174 or by e-mail at LEBCPA@bellsouth.net or Gary Aiken at (828) 686-3930 or by e-mail at Candoasign4u@aol.com . Bikers Riding for Charity can also be reached by writing us at 84 Coxe Ave., Suite 1-E, Asheville, NC 28801.

This event is not sponsored by Smoky Mountain HOG and is presented here for information only.

Sponsored by Gene Lummus Harley-Davidson

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