Team Chase: Dare to live a dream and why not do it in El Tour

El Tour de Tucson welcomes Team Chase, an amazing nonprofit that helps connect people with physical disability with others who can help them achieve their dreams.

People helping people – how simple yet so important. They help inspire – it goes both ways – to help those who want to be part of something they never thought possible.

Team Chase welcomes people with physical disabilities into the Team Chase family and shows them that disability does not prevent you from achieving the unimaginable.

Team Chase demonstrates that life is for living and adventure awaits just around every corner! They will be here in Tucson, about 15 members strong riding in El Tour.

It all started with Chase Boyd.

In fact, the heart of Team Chase is not a what – but a who and that was Chase.

Team Chase was founded on a principle that deep human connection lifts the tides for all; an ideal that nobody gets to the top alone.

We all push, and pull, to reach the Summits in life. It doesn’t matter how big or small those climbs are. What matters most is we do it together.

These are the definitions of Chase Boyd’s life.

While short lived, he embodied these principles and ideals. He fought for every inch, with courage and the eternal flame he passed onto others.

Chase Boyd is the inspiration behind Team Chase, who was just three years old when he was diagnosed with progressive muscular dystrophy. Chase Boyd outlived his projected life expectancy  – passing away in his late teens.

It only surprised the people who didn’t know him.

But for those who knew him, they will always remember him. And they’re love will never fade away.

Team Chase is a small, but mighty organization as Chase was. They believe that human connection is best lived when it’s unchained and they will stop at nothing to push the limits. And we’ll always do it as a Team.

One of its big supporters was Hall of Fame basketball player Bill Walton, beloved by so many on and of the court as a player and broadcaster. He was not only a great supporter of Team Chase but also a rider. His injuries were many – feet & back – specifically didn’t deter him from getting on a bike and riding.

What an ambassador he was – even if he was just riding in an event. In fact, he rode in El Tour a few times.

Before Team Chase had its first U.S. Paralympian, and then a second, Bill Walton was a Team Chase staple.

The late, great Bill was known to many and admired by all.

A connection of canines is what brought Chase Boyd into Bill’s (and his wife, Lori’s) life.

None of us have ever been the same since.

Few could capture the brevity of a situation like Bill. He loved the world and shined in every moment he had to offer.

Bill loved Team Chase. And Team Chase loved Bill.

Without Bill, we wouldn’t be who we are today.

Members ride bikes for Chase, but also ride for our spiritual leader, Bill.

See you in El Tour! Bill will be there in spirit.