The ThanksGiving-Day Ride

Distance: 43.62 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,830ft.

A professional American racing cyclist. In 2014, he was the National Racing Calendar (NRC) Individual Champion / Top Points Leader and placed 2nd overall in the 2014 USA National Pro Road Race.

"Much of my life is spent on the Road, working toward my future. I realize how quick my life could change to one inattentive driver. A frightening reality that not only affects me, but anyone enjoying their bike. A Mother, father, or child - everyone is at risk. This threat shouldn't scare people away from enjoying a ride. Instead, we as cyclists & motorists need to learn to mutually respect one another for a harmonious relationship on the road."

A professional American Road Racing Cyclist. In 2014, he won the United States National Road Race Championships. He was the National Criterium Champion in 2015.  He is also a 3x winner of El Tour de Tucson.

“I choose to support this cause to raise awareness and hope to gain respect, while out on the open road. To be viewed as an equal, as an individual using a bike for transportation. To feel safe and stress free when I head out on the road, and not to have the thought that this could be my last ride – every time.”

Michael Balazs rides to support ‘LOOK! Save a Life’ to help its mission by being involved in creating an environment of safety for all who utilize our public roads. Most of us cyclists are dedicated, aware of the traffic laws, and we will do everything in our power to follow the laws, to be seen by motorists, and to stay out of the way as much as possible. We also are motorists and we want to encourage a better and more respectful relationship when sharing the road. The education fostered from ‘Look Save a Life’ is also for the not-so-dedicated cyclists, the commuters, and casual cyclists who may not be aware of the traffic laws.

My experience with riding for ‘Look Save a Life’ has been fulfilling and at times bittersweet. It is fulfilling to know that I am part of a team and community that can make a difference. It is bittersweet because there are so many deadly distractions on the roads today that could tragically take us, or our loved ones, away at any moment. To wear the ‘Look Save a Life’ jersey says that I represent a meaningful and life-saving cause. And it doesn’t stop after the ride. There is a responsibility for all of us on this team, after the ride, and throughout the year. When tragedy occurs on our roads, we on the ‘Look Save a Life’ team are there to support, raise the much needed awareness, and hopefully bring some good out of the tragedy.