About THF
Tyler’s association with the Central New England Chapter of the National MS Society began in 1996 when his first sports agent, Lyle Fulkerson, asked him to participate in the NMSS’s MS Cycling Series ride on Martha’s Vineyard. Lyle asked Tyler to ride in honor of his mother-in-law who had been diagnosed with MS. It was an event that forever changed Tyler’s appreciation for his own health and brought to life a new meaning for the role of cycling in his life – and the overall power of the bike as a vehicle of empowerment for those fighting disease or supporting those in need.The Tyler Hamilton Foundation was officially founded in 2004 but work to develop the organization started during 2002. Through a partnership with his friend Joe Tonon, who owned a cycling tour company, the two set out to develop a one of a kind fundraising event – MS Global.
The idea was to bring avid cyclists to a destination that was both challenging and breath taking for a week long fund raising tour. There were many one or two day fund raising rides, but none that they knew of that offered this kind of journey. The hope was that those challenging themselves to ride the most historic mountain passes of the world would inspire others as well – in essence, share the “power of the bike”. Especially if those riding suffered from disease as well. Upon returning home, each one of them would be ambassadors for the sport – and an inspiration to those who knew them – sharing the mantra; if you set your mind to it – you can do it. All you’ve got to do is believe.
Since 2003 the Tyler Hamilton Foundation has taken riders of all abilities up and over peaks like the Galibier, Alpe d’Huez, Col St. Bernard, the Fedia and the Stelvio to name but a few. Our able bodied participants have found themselves challenged to new heights riding alongside cyclists diagnosed with MS as well as other diseases. So many have said – that when the road got steep and they wanted to quit – they would think of their comrades who face that kind of pain on a daily basis. It’s nothing short of humbling to see these cyclists push themselves upwards to the top of the toughest paved peaks in the world. The experience has bonded all of our participants in such a powerful way. Friends through thick and thin, good days or bad – united in perseverance.