Dave Cummings’ participation in the Ride to Unite event at Francis Park on Saturday, September 2nd at 9:15 am is certainly reason enough to ride five laps on the closed course of the Gateway Cup. The chance to experience riding on a race course alongside pro cyclists, families, and other bike enthusiasts will provide a unique opportunity to gain understanding and perspective of cyclists of all abilities.
In the truest sense of the word, Dave is a warrior. He is an elite athlete in the sports of cycling and skateboarding and he has competed across the Midwest. In fact, he won a race at the Gateway Cup at the Francis Park location in 2010. He has been riding and racing with the Gateway Cycling Club in St. Louis for 20 years. Tragically, Dave suffered a catastrophic injury on his skateboard in 2019, and his extraordinary story of determination is truly inspiring.
In Dave’s words, “it was very challenging when I had an above knee amputation after a traumatic injury. I received a special cycling prosthetic in 2022, and I am back on the bike and out on the same roads in St Louis again. I’m thrilled and honored to be a part of Cycle St. Louis and Ride to Unite. I look forward to seeing everyone out there for Ride to Unite and the Tour de Francis Park races.”
What is Ride to Unite? This free cycling event kicks off Day 2 of the Gateway Cup races with a leisurely ride of five laps around the closed course to bring awareness to making this sport available to people with disabilities. Cyclists include individuals with disabilities on all types of bicycles, members of the community, the racing teams, and of course Dave. His opening remarks will surely jump start the event.
Dave embodies the Cycle St. Louis motto “we all ride the same road.” He has faced countless challenges (more from him) and his positive outlook, determined spirit, and incredible motivation to be active have kept him pushing himself. Just recently, he competed in the Missouri State Time Trial Championship in St. Louis.
All ages are welcome and all types of bicycles. For more information and to register go to (https://gatewaycup.com/charity-rides/ride-to-unite/).
Photo courtest of of dansingerphotography