Medcenter One Great American Bike Race
for cerebral palsy and related disabilities

Team registration begins online at noon Wednesday, Feb. 22

Online team registration will open up on this page at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Space is limited. If you have questions, please contact the Medcenter One Foundation at 701.323.8450.

The top 50 fundraising teams from 2011 can have spots in this year's race if the captain calls the Foundation at 701.323.8450 by Feb. 15.

GABR raises nearly $300,000

The 15th annual Medcenter One Great American Bike Race (GABR), held Saturday, April 9, at Century High School in Bismarck, raised more than $298,000—a 30 percent increase from last year.

The 2011 GABR included 110 teams of 12 riders each who biked a combined 8,332.81 miles in an effort to raise money for families who have children with cerebral palsy (CP) and related disabilities. Additionally, four teams of 12 people rocked in rocking chairs during the event and raised $5,142. For the first time, residents and staff from Medcenter One St. Vincent’s Care Center had two teams participate in GABR at their center and raised $3,692. Click here for all 2011 race results »

CP is a physical disability caused by damage to the brain usually occurring before, during or shortly after birth and is characterized by a lack of muscle control. GABR-generated dollars pay for medical services and purchase equipment such as wheelchairs, communication devices and adaptive tricycles for people with cerebral palsy or related disabilities.

The Lindsay Trauger Memorial Spirit Award was presented to Mitch’s Mighty Dickinson Riders. They have been the top GABR fundraising team for the past six years.

For the third year in a row, the A Team was voted as the most creative team. The A Team consists of therapists from the Medcenter One pediatric therapy department. Team members were dressed as “Toy Story 3” characters, including Barbie, Ken, Etch A Sketch, Slinky Dog and more.

“This year GABR was more inspirational than ever because of the collaborative effort of everyone involved and the astounding amount of money raised,” said Melanie Carvell, GABR co-director and Medcenter One Women’s Health Center director. “It was truly an amazing community event made possible by the undaunted spirit of the families of children with cerebral palsy, teams of hard-working cyclists, corporate partners, volunteers and generous sponsors. We are so grateful for the support that allows us to help local families.”

GABR has grown to be the largest fundraiser of its kind in the United States. Since it began, GABR has raised more than $1.5 million.

Who we are Medcenter One and the pediatric rehabilitation team provide services that enable persons with cerebral palsy and other disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their community. CP is a physical disability caused by damage to the brain usually occurring before, during or shortly after birth and is characterized by a lack of muscle control. GABR-generated dollars are dedicated to purchasing equipment such as wheelchairs, communication devices and adaptive tricycles for CP patients.