LISA BAKER (Team Director)……a survivor!
At age 18, Lisa moved to California from Texas with no family or financial support. Working odd jobs while continuing her education, Lisa entered law enforcement in 1984. Lisa graduated from Rio Hondo Police Academy at a time when very few women were seen in that career.
Lisa was unfortunately injured on duty after 10 years on the job. Ten extensive knee surgeries later, she was declared disabled and was forced to accept mandatory retirement. Lisa was told that she would be lucky to ever walk again without assistance. It was at this time that Lisa began a stringent workout regimen that included cycling. In 1997 Lisa moved to Mammoth Lakes, CA where she became Director of Security at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, and continued to make huge strides to reach optimum health.
In 2003, Lisa began displaying some unusual symptoms and in 2005 was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She lost her eyesight in one eye as well as the ability to care for herself over the course of the next few years. With a strong will and a sense of determination, Lisa got back on her bike and used it as a source of empowerment.
After a long road to recovery, Lisa now rides her bike 5 days week and is Team Captain of Team Chain Gang. Team Chain Gang is an inception of Lisa’s to link all those individuals who helped her during this difficult transition and who also believe in finding a cure for this devastating disease.
Lisa Baker ~ diagnosed with MS 4-10-05.
DEREK CHALMERS (Chain Gang Rider)……a survivor!
At age of 16, Derek moved from his home in Dundee Scotland to embark on his training as a Chef in Pitlochry, Scotland. He worked long hard hours as a Professional Chef for over 16 years. In 2001 Derek opted to change careers in order to spend more time with friends and family.
Derek experienced excellent health until early April 2003 where he started to display non-specific symptoms that eventually progressed to the inability to walk. Derek was admitted into a local London hospital and rather quickly was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Derek's challenged ability to balance affected many facets of his life, including his beloved sport of mountain biking. Eventually, there was no other option ~ he had to sell his bike.
In 2006 Derek met his future wife and moved to California. Once in state they called home, Derek volunteered at The 2008 National MS Society Challenge Walk (his wife walking as he cheer-leaded her along). The Challenge Walk allowed him to become a visionary…. it was at this walk that Derek saw The National MS Society “Bike MS” truck at one of the rest stops. The rest of Derek’s story was history in the making.
Derek purchased a recumbent trike in 2009 an unusual three-wheeled wonder that allowed Derek to cycle steadily.
Training the entire summer of 2009, he was determined to participate in BIKE MS and found inspiration with each push of the pedal. He completed the BIKE MS tour that year (100 miles day one, 60 miles day two) with amazing tenacity. It was BIKE MS 2009 that Derek met Lisa and Team Chain Gang.
Derek now rides his bike several times a week and cycling is as big a part of his life as it was pre-diagnosis of MS. He has also inspired his wife and many others to cycle along side him. Derek's amazing love of cycling and his hope to find a cure for MS brought us all together for one common goal, “To have a world free of MS.
Derek Chalmers ~ diagnosed April 9, 2003.
HOPE BURKE……a survivor!...............Story coming soon!
Headquarters located in Paso Robles, CA ~ established 2009
Mission Statement for Team Chain Gang: A cycling team dedicated to making a difference for people living with MS and raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis.
Why We Ride: INSPIRED by our captain Lisa who has Multiple Sclerosis, MOTIVATED to make a difference, DEDICATED to create a world free of MS……team Chain Gang rides for our official charity the National Multiple Sclerosis Society ~ Southern California.
Teamwork: Our team consists of riders from all over the west coast who cycle for MS because together we can make the biggest impact. We train from March – November starting and ending our cycling season in Solvang, CA.
Support for our charity: Besides helping create awareness, we will host fundraisers to raise monies for the National MS Society. Our main event is the BIKEMS: COASTAL CHALLENGE in Ventura, CA……a two-day, 160-mile ride that raises money and creates awareness for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society!
Get involved: We are about giving back and at the same time paying if forward. It’s important that all of our team members help in some way. Create fundraisers, be a volunteer at races or rides, help to secure sponsorships, etc.
Our team is open for any riders who want to make a difference.
Come join us……back on the Chain Gang!
