THE ATAXIAN – KYLE BRYANT

Kyle Bryant is an athlete, keynote speaker and director of rideATAXIA, a bicycle fundraiser for the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA). rideATAXIA currently has 5 locations nationwide and has raised over $3 million for FA research since 2007. Despite his diagnosis of FA at the age of 17, Kyle has completed numerous long distance bike rides including “The World’s Toughest Bike Race,” Race Across America (RAAM) in 2010 as part of 4-person team representing Team FARA. Team FARA’s journey is the subject of “The Ataxian,” a documentary film hosting its World Premiere on June 6th, at Dances with Films 2015 annual festival in Los Angeles, CA.
For more info, please visit KyleABryant.com.
 
 
 

SEAN BAUMSTARK

Since appearing in “The Ataxian” as one of the 4-person relay team for Ride Across America, Sean Baumstark—who also has Friedreich’s Ataxia —has continued to develop a career with Nugget Markets in Northern California. In 2013 he launched De:terminence, Inc., a non-profit organization committed to helping improve the quality of life for those jeopardized by disease or disorder through athleticism and physical achievement. He participates annually with a team of runners who compete in 30-hour 180 mile races. Sean is committed to doing what he can, while he can, simply because he can. As a favorite activity, Sean addresses audiences of all kinds, sharing his inspiring message of hope, challenging his audiences to live beyond their circumstances.
 
 

JOHN LOCKWOOD

John Lockwood is an avid cyclist who enjoys spending time in his community. He is an alumni of the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program, and serves on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Sacramento and NextEd, a Sacramento based non-profit who’s mission is to prepare students for life after high school. Professionally, John is the Business Development Manager for Rapid Brands, a start-up company in Sacramento who helps entrepreneurs take their product ideas to market. Since RAAM, John has become passionate about cycling and helping others. John is engaged to be married and lives in East Sacramento.
 
 
 
 
 

MIKE MELLOTT

Mike Mellott went on to compete again in the 2011 Race Across America. He is now married to the crew chief Ashley from his second RAAM. He currently lives in Sacramento, where he is working as a manager for a home-builder. For he and his beautiful wife, the fun and adventure have never stopped, whether it’s a mountain bike ride in Lake Tahoe or humanitarian trips to El Salvador, they don’t plan on slowing down any time soon.