As the days near to the start of Timm Fenton’s solo cross-country bike ride to raise funds and awareness for ALS research, the Mercer Island resident finds himself a bit anxious when thinking about the massive undertaking on the horizon.

“The countdown is on in full, oh yeah,” said Fenton, whose voice matches that anxiety and is paired with an excited tone.

Fenton, 59, who has resided on the Island for 13 years with his family, will launch his 60-plus-day ride on May 1 in Florence, Oregon, and complete his epic 4,200-mile journey along the TransAmerica Trail in Yorktown, Virginia, at the end of June or early July.

Through his Pedals vs. ALS trek — which will support the ALS Therapy Development Institute — Fenton will be riding in memory of his mother, Jan, who passed away from ALS after a courageous two-year battle in 2017, and for those who are currently suffering from the debilitating illness, reads a press release.

“I just want to do my part to raise as much as I can,” said Fenton, who had raised $15,090 of his $50,000 goal at press time. “I’m encouraged by those who are really confronted with the illness and having to deal with that, so that inspires me to do my part. I don’t think my ride in any way, shape or form comes near what they have to deal with.”

A crucial and inspirational stop along the way will be on May 15 in Missoula, Montana, for an event that is organized by Ned Becker, who has ALS. The party, during which Fenton will be the guest of honor, is set to feature food, live music and raffles to generate donations. Attending the event is one of the reasons why Fenton must maintain a riding average of 70 miles a day, he said.

“His dedication to help find a cure and creating awareness for this cause is amazing. He knows firsthand, watching his mother pass away from ALS, how this terminal disease impacts the person and their family,” Becker said. “I am honored to provide Timm with as much support as I can muster for his efforts when he travels through Missoula. May God watch over his journey and keep him safe and healthy.”

Kelly Fenton, Timm’s wife, isn’t looking forward to him solo cycling across the country for two months. However, she knows this trek has been on his to-do list in the past and he sees this moment in time as his opportunity to put the wheels to the road and go for it. Timm, who has worked in consumer product design since the late ’80s, is currently not employed, so he’s free to roam.

“I am sure he will be thinking a lot about his mom as he is biking and to know that he is raising awareness of ALS and raising funds towards research and a cure, gives him a sense of accomplishment. I will be doing a lot of praying for him while he’s away,” she said.

Timm will be carrying camping equipment on his bike and will also spend some nights in motels along the way. On the nourishment front, he’ll start with two days worth of food and water and stock up in the small towns he stops in before heading into the wilderness sections of the route. He’ll also carry two sets of clothing and a stove.

For the last few months, Timm has been training on and off the Island to get his legs in a condition to manage the lengthy venture. The active, lifelong cyclist is also an ice hockey player, a snowshoer and a spelunker (cave explorer).

After reaching Yorktown, Timm will box up his bike, ship it home and fly back to these parts. He intends to share his progress on the road by uploading daily videos and photos to his socials and his fundraising website at: https://fundraise.als.net/pedalsvsals.

As for the bike Timm will be riding on the trip, the carbon fiber Kona Ouroboros cycle comes from Seattle’s Shots and Sprockets bike shop. Owner Mike Jenness handed Timm the tricked-out gravel bike that belonged to Aaron Turner, a renowned mechanic and racer who died of ALS in 2022.

“That bike shop was kind enough to lend me his bike. That’s pretty special. That was the, ‘Oh my goodness, this is meant to be,’ and the bike is unbelievable,” Timm said.

When Timm thinks of his mom, he’s sure that Jan would be proud and thrilled that he’s making the trip, but would also be concerned about his safety and well-being. She wouldn’t be surprised at what he’s setting out to accomplish, Timm noted, because he followed in her footsteps by possessing a creative mind and commitment to reaching his goals.

“I’ll have a lot of thought time on this ride to reflect on my mother and the relationship we had and all of her accomplishments,” said Timm, noting that Jan was a painter, art therapist and philanthropist.

Jan had a remarkable history and was a kind and spiritual being, Timm said. “A very, very well liked woman and sorely missed by everyone whose lives she touched,” he said.