top of page

My world was forever changed, when I woke up one morning in November 2006. I’d been laid low by an Auto Immune Disorder called, Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS). My arms and legs didn't work and throughout a long painful recovery, I also suffered from the following:



Resting heart rate of 135 BPM
Liver failure
Kidney failure
High blood pressure
Type II Diabetes
Chronic pain


         I've been a athletic person my entire life and when I was struck down, I was training 30 hours week for Triathlons and also playing Old Timer Hockey. Several of the Medical Professionals I have spoken with believe my fitness level is one of the reasons that I am still here today.


         Auto Immune Disorders are nearly impossible to diagnose and modern medical science has absolutely no idea how heal or rehabilitate a patient after deciding that maybe, this is what it might just be that you're suffering from. It also is very frustrating for those stricken, because as the medical practitioners rule out one thing after another, they inevitably start to insinuate that their patient is imagining their illness, crazy or faking. Sadly a diagnosis is only accomplished by first ruling out everything else in the world that it could possibly be. In my case it took nearly 6 months for a diagnosis. Long before that I had taken matters into my own hands and started my own unique path to wellness. I am happy to report that I'm now nearly completely recovered and the only thing that I currently suffer from on the list above, is a messed up core and numbness in my right hand. I am a Triathlete, coach the sport and over the last number of years have completed 6 Sprint Triathlons. I also love to Bicycle Tour and have toured nearly everywhere. Nearly 7 years ago, I was well enough to enjoy a 6 month solo Bicycle Tour of Australia and New Zealand, and 3 years ago I toured from Pemberton to the tip of South America.

​

My pension can support me on this endeavour, but if I really want to make a difference in raising the public’s awareness about GBS. I might need a little financial help. Those of you that know me personally, are aware that I’ve always loved to read and that over the last few years, have penned seven fictional Novels, finished my autobiography and begun working on a new book.

Those of you that know me personally, are aware that I’ve always loved to read and that over the last few years, have penned seven fictional Novels, finished my autobiography and begun working on a new book. While trying to figure out how to raise enough funds to finance ground breaking research regarding a Diagnostic Tool for GBS, I came up with the following brilliant idea ... If anyone was kind enough to donate over $15 to my cause, I would be more than happy to send them one of my completed books by return email. I only started writing after my failing eyesight made reading nearly impossible (a side effect of GBS). As a result, I made the following rules in regards to everything that I write. It must be to be humorous. Completely original and nothing similar, previously attempted. Also, In some way experimental, and about topics other writers might be afraid to attempt. Finally, no character in any of my novels is allowed to die.

 

If you click on the NOVELS tab of the website, previews of all my works are available there. FYI, I recently finished the 1st edit of my 6th novel, a comedy: Funny It Be Laugh You Will, and it has been added to the list of my available books. If you would like to make a donation and purchase one of my novels,

1) Email me your choice and what format you require to gtg9999@hotmail.com

2) Donate $15+ from the DONATE tab of the site.

 

 An important part of GARTH RIDES FOR HOPE is visiting those afflicted by GBS in the Hospital and chatting online with others via Skype. I also give Presentations (Slide Shows) whenever possible, about GBS, my recovery and my passion Bicycle Touring. If you know of anywhere that I can give a Talk, please give me a shout and I’d be more than happy to oblige.

 

IT'S OFFICIAL ... I'm starting a new tour in Lisbon Portugal on May 29,2023 The LINK to all my Craqzyguyonabike blogs is just below:

​

 cgoab.com/garthridesforhope

 

If you know of anyone suffering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) I'd love to pay them a visit and share the unique path I found to wellness. Also, If you'd like to help arrange for me to give a Presentation or Fundraiser ... Please drop me a note at my Email ... gtg9999@hotmail.com . I really enjoy the company of others, so If you'd like to ride with me for part of the journey ... You're more than welcome to come along and share the road with me. I'm really excited about my new adventures and looking forward to sharing my journey with you ... My goals remain unchanged ... I've dedicated my life to raising awareness about GBS and funding research into a diagnostic tool for this undiagnosable disease.

 

Thanks,

Garth Riess

 

​

 

ABOUT

bottom of page