The NFXF Heartland Chapter – Iowa and South Dakota hosted their 8th Annual Bike To X Out Fragile X on June 3, 2023. The event was organized by Nancy and Ken Carlson, along with a team of dedicated volunteers and supporters! It was a beautiful day with over 100 participants with nearly 90 bicyclist and additional donors and supporters joining along the route. The participants rode from stop to stop all to raise money for Fragile X research, family support, and awareness in Central Iowa.

This year, five parents and one set of grandparents who are directly affected by Fragile X joined the ride. Nancy shared gratitude, saying “For our community and the continued support for this event!”

Congratulations to Mickey Brueland, who was the top fundraiser and won a $100 gift card to Exile Brewing Co. and a $50 gift card to Northern Lights Pizza Co.!

Chapter members display a sign promoting their annual Fragile X bike ride and fundraising event.

The Ride

On a very humid day prior to the event, nine volunteers split into two groups and each rode half of the 42-mile course to place route arrows to help guide the participants. It was an inspiring morning as a mass start of over 90 bicyclists riding in support of all families impacted by Fragile X.

Nancy shared appreciation for “two of the bike clubs in the area who continue to promote the ride within their groups, and they always have a great turn-out”.

The ride began and ended at GoodSons Food & Spirits↗ in Des Moines, Iowa, with plenty of sun, fun, food, and a few drinks along the way.  The riders once again traveled to the lunch spot at Mickey’s Irish Pub↗ in nearby Waukee, where they had special treats made for the group this year! They were delicious and greatly appreciated.  Additional family and friends met the bicyclist for lunch, including a special guest, a mom of a child with Fragile X from Phoenix, AZ, who was visiting the area! The route continued to 515 Brewing Co., Exile Brewing Co., and then back to where the route began at GoodSons.

Nancy Carlson and other riders in the Heartland chapter Bike To X Out Fragile X fundraising event outside of Exile Brewing Co. in Des Moines, Iowa.
Nancy Carlson and other riders in the Heartland chapter Bike To X Out Fragile X fundraising event outside of Exile Brewing Co. in Des Moines, Iowa.
Nancy Carlson and other riders in the Heartland chapter Bike To X Out Fragile X fundraising event outside of Exile Brewing Co. in Des Moines, Iowa.

NFXF branded bicycle jerseys.Many of the riders also wore NFXF branded bicycle jerseys↗, which Nancy says are now often recognized at other bicycling events in their area. Interested in purchasing your own jersey? They are available at the following link: https://ridebikercustom.com/club/NFXF/store

“We also continue to have more and more people purchase our jerseys! This helps spread the awareness all bicycling season long!!” —Nancy Carlson

Thank You

Thank you to event hosts, Nancy and Ken Carlson, the dedicated volunteers, participants and donors. You are making a difference for families impacted by Fragile X!

about
Missy Zolecki, Director, Community Empowerment

Missy Zolecki
Missy joined NFXF team in 2018 after being an active volunteer since 2010. Missy organized several fundraisers and educational workshops while serving in her volunteer role. Missy is the mother of three children. Her eldest son, Matt, lives with Fragile X syndrome. Prior to joining the NFXF team, Missy had worked as a nurse for more than 20 years. She enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

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