Our Story

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In 1989, a determined 17-year-old high school student from La Grange, Texas, learned about the MS150 bike ride from Houston to Austin. Despite lacking experience and not even owning a bicycle at the time, he set his sights on participating in the challenging 150-mile journey. To finance his endeavor, he made the bold decision to leave his athletic pursuits and took on a job at Sonic Drive-In, earning $3.35 per hour for 25 hours a week. After two weeks of diligent saving, he was able to purchase his first bike, along with essential gear such as a helmet, gloves, water bottle cages, and bottles.

With unwavering determination and youthful enthusiasm, he acquired a $59 Murray Mountain bike from Walmart, cherishing it as the finest bike he could have hoped for. He embarked on training rides twice a week, covering a round trip of 44 miles from La Grange to Smithville, Texas, in preparation for the MS150. Despite the challenges posed by his heavy and less-than-ideal bicycle, he successfully completed the ride after two and a half months of dedicated training. This young man was Akeem Disu, who would go on to support the MS Society through fundraising efforts and cycling for a noble cause over the next decade.

Fast forward to 2021, Akeem began cycling casually with friends and clients from his personal training business, gradually increasing their pace and ride distances. Through experimentation and perseverance, he honed his skills in group riding and developed a deep appreciation for the camaraderie and dynamics of riding in a group setting.

In 2022, Akeem established his inaugural team and diligently trained each member for the Texas Bike MS150 event. This time, the challenging 156-mile route commenced in downtown Austin and culminated in College Station, Texas. Following a successful group ride that showcased the remarkable resilience and determination of individuals pushing their limits, Akeem was inspired to extend this transformative experience to a wider audience.

Reflecting on the profound impact of the journey, one poignant moment stands out for Akeem: witnessing his wife's emotional reaction during a post-MS ride dinner celebration in College Station. Moved to tears, a woman approached his wife and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the group for their fundraising efforts and participation in the charity ride. She shared that without the support of individuals like them, she would struggle to afford essential medication for her multiple sclerosis. Her words of appreciation underscored the profound impact of community involvement and reinforced the importance of giving back to those in need.

All Ass No Gas (AANG) extends its support to three nonprofit organizations: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Central Texas Food Bank, and Dress For Success.

Philanthropy, charity, and volunteerism embody the essence of extending a helping hand and uplifting individuals in need through voluntary contributions of financial resources, skills, and time. These forms of giving play a pivotal role in fostering the growth of marginalized and underserved communities that have been marginalized or neglected.

For any community to prosper, particularly those facing financial challenges, it is imperative to provide support from within. Ordinary citizens have the opportunity to make charitable and philanthropic donations to AANG, both of which can significantly impact the lives of those in need within our society. While the terms "philanthropy" and "charity" are often used interchangeably, they carry nuanced distinctions. Charity typically involves immediate, one-time responses to short-term needs, while philanthropy adopts a more strategic, long-term approach, often entailing sustained support over multiple years to address underlying issues and empower individuals for lasting change.

Volunteerism entails individuals dedicating their time and skills to support an organization, often a non-profit social service agency or charitable entity, without financial compensation. Volunteers contribute their efforts willingly to benefit others or organizations serving the community, without the expectation of monetary remuneration as would be the case for paid employees. The intrinsic reward of volunteering lies in the sense of fulfillment derived from giving back to society and effecting positive change within the community.

While we are a cycling club, we pride ourselves on being Austin's friendliest and most socially responsible bike club.  Our community of cyclists enjoys riding together through the Austin Metropolitan area, creating an environment where everyone feels safe, comfortable, and supported in prioritizing their mental health.

We hope that this statement of value fosters an atmosphere of good intentions for the benefit of all.  AANGCC remains committed to maintaining a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment for members, regardless of race, creed, gender, religion, social economic status, or sexual orientation.  

We stand firmly against racism, intolerance, bigotry, or discrimination in any form.