Northbrook Father and Son to Participate in Bike MS: Tour de Farms on June 21 and 22

While brainstorming ideas for his son Brandon’s mitzvah project—an event to give back to the community for his Bar Mitzvah—Allen Joffe was inspired by his college roommate, Mitch, who is living with MS. When Allen explained that Mitch was incapable of doing many of the things that we take for granted with his own kids, such as playing soccer and throwing a Frisbee, Brandon was instantly “sold” on the idea of riding and fundraising for Bike MS: Tour de Farms.

“Brandon decided to do the Tour de Farms and told me I was riding with him,” said Allen, who credits his son completely for their participation in the event. “I didn’t even have to think about a response—I was in from the time he decided that was going to be his project.”

For Allen and Brandon, Bike MS isn’t just an opportunity to support a great cause by fundraising and riding for MS; it’s a chance for them to connect as a family.

“Even though this will only be our third year, the Tour de Farms has become a nice tradition for me and Brandon,” said Allen. “The ride gives us time to talk, catch up on upcoming events, and see some nice scenery.”

With an event like Bike MS, family support can be an immeasurable tool. There is no substitute for the motivation of family members pushing each other to do better throughout the ride. Having family on hand can help riders go that extra mile—or two—to reach or surpass their goals.

“Brandon seems to need a little more motivation than I do when it comes to distance riding,” explained Allen. “Since he is one of the only teens who rides for both days, it does get a little challenging to keep his interest in the total weekend experience.”

Still, with the support of his father riding beside him, Brandon completed a two day total of 85 miles during last year’s Bike MS.

“He looks forward to being a part of the event,” said Allen. “He receives many words of thanks, appreciation, and amazement for completing such a long ride and raising as much money as he does.”

When it comes to fundraising, the Joffes have found that cooperation and competition can be equally useful. Brandon is only 14 years old, but that doesn’t stop him from giving his father a literal run for his money.

“Most of the donations that go to Brandon are done because my friends and colleagues want him to raise more money than me,” Allen joked when describing their fundraising dynamic. “Brandon and I wanted to raise as much money as possible for MS research since my friend has such a bad case. We have gone door to door in the neighborhood, he and his sister have asked their teachers if they are interested in helping the cause, we send emails to friends and business associates, and I ask colleagues if they are willing to donate.”

Fundraising is a critical part of the ride for this father and son duo, and their dedication to raising money for MS is evident in their results. After participating in their first ever Bike MS in 2012, they were each named to The 2013 Gold Spoke Club, a privileged group of cyclists comprised of the top 150 fundraisers from the ride. After another successful year of fundraising in 2013, they will once again be donning their Gold Spoke Club jerseys as they lead the charge against MS in the 2014 Tour de Farms.

“The experience is great for Brandon,” said Allen. “Once people see his rider number they know he is a Gold Spoke and has raised a substantial amount of money.”

On Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22, Allen and Brandon will once again join the Turner Acceptance Team for a Bike MS: Tour de Farms that they hope will be even bigger than last year.

“Our goal for this year is to increase our donations by 25% and encourage two other people to join the ride,” said a hopeful Allen. “It would be great to get more people to stay and ride for both days of the event.”

What started as a project for Allen and Brandon has grown into something much more. It is a chance for them to meet other people, have a good time, and connect with each other while helping in the fight to end MS.

“It’s such a great cause,” said Allen. “We can’t stop just because his project is over.”