Paulding Celebrates Bike 4 Briar Riders with Proclamation and Local Support
On Tuesday, July 9, the Village of Paulding welcomed two cyclists on an inspiring coast-to-coast journey to raise awareness and support for Angelman Syndrome research. The duo behind Bike 4 Briar—Todd Downey and Chuck Nuck—are pedaling over 4,300 miles from Anacortes, Washington, to Bar Harbor, Maine, in honor of Briar, a young girl diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome.
The ride also serves as a tribute to Briar’s grandfather, John Nuck, who passed away unexpectedly this past April. In his memory, and with a mission to bring hope to families affected by this rare neurogenetic disorder, Todd (a lifelong friend and fraternity brother of John’s) and Chuck (Briar’s uncle) are cycling an average of 80 miles per day across the country.
To mark the occasion, Mayor Greg White officially proclaimed July 9, 2025, as “Bike 4 Briar Day” in Paulding, recognizing the group’s mission and honoring their stop in the community.
The Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce, represented by Executive Director Jill Strahley, welcomed the riders and provided bottled water and electrolytes to keep them fueled for the road ahead.
During their visit, the Bike 4 Briar team also showed support for local businesses by dining at Fiesta Habaneros, enjoying a warm welcome at the Bittersweet Inn, and grabbing ice cream while in town.
“We were proud to support this meaningful cause and honored to host the team as they make their way across the country,” said Strahley. “Their dedication to raising awareness for Angelman Syndrome is truly inspiring.”
Bike 4 Briar aims to raise funds for the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST), which is focused on advancing research and accelerating the path toward a cure. Angelman Syndrome affects approximately 1 in 15,000 live births, and scientists believe it is one of the most promising neurogenetic disorders for potential treatment. How to Support Bike 4 Briar:
• Donate: Make a contribution at www.Bike4Briar.com. Donors can choose to have 100% of their gift go directly to FAST or allocate 10% to ride expenses and the rest to the foundation.
• Become a Sponsor: Corporate sponsors donating $5,000 or more will have their logo displayed on the riders’ jerseys and featured on promotional materials.
Follow Their Journey:
Facebook: Bike 4 Briar
Instagram: @Bike4Briar
In-kind donations such as gear, services, or accommodations are also welcome to support the riders on their remaining miles.
“This ride is about more than just the distance,” said Chuck Nuck. “It’s about honoring family, raising awareness, and creating hope for kids like Briar.”
