CoolSport attends the First Annual
"Dam2Dam Thumbs Up Bike Tour, 2003"

On Saturday, September 27th, CoolSport had the pleasure of sponsoring and attending the first annual "Dam2Dam Thumbs Up Bike Tour" hosted by the Mike Utley Foundation in Eastern Washington state. The tour, a fund-raising event to benefit spinal cord research and various programs, was held at Lincoln Rock State park, near East Wenatchee, Washington. 147 bicyclists were treated to beautiful scenery and equally beautiful weather along the Columbia River as they rode their choice of 25, 50 or 100-mile courses. Of the 147 riders, there were at least 10 hand-pedaled recumbent bicyclists who, like Mike Utley, have spinal cord injuries with paralysis. It was very encouraging to have them as part of the tour. Mike & Dani hope to see more next year.

Mike Utley, a former professional football player for the Detroit Lions, was paralyzed during a 1991 NFL game. Since his injury, Mike Utley and the Mike Utley Foundation have been dedicated to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries. It is committed to providing financial support to selected research, rehabilitation and educational programs on spinal cord injuries. It is also committed to providing motivational and emotional support for those who have been disabled with such injuries.

As a sponsor for the event CoolSport donated personal cooling vests to Mike Utley and the foundation, for use by those who easily suffer from heat stress due to their spinal cord injuries. Himself unable to sweat since his injury, Mike Utley uses a CoolSport cooling vest to help him regulate his body temperature. During his 25-mile trek on a hand-peddled recumbent bike (see photos), Mike Utley wore his colorful, custom Coolsport cooling vest.

Norman (center) of CoolSport, stops to pose with Mike & Dani Utley before the tour.

True to his courageous spirit and determination, Mike finished the full 25-mile leg of the tour route, hand-pedaling his way over some long and challenging hills. The vest, along with the help of plenty of water for hydration, allowed Mike to manage his heat stress and finish the course.

Mike was accompanied on his route by Norman Nanstiel, CoolSport's Vice President of Special Projects who rode alongside Mike the entire way. (Click HERE to read Norman's story of his ride with Mike Utley) Erik Nanstiel, Coolsport's Webmaster and Assistant Director of Advertising, attended to take pictures and shoot video of the event and festivities. During the after-party, Norman and Erik presented Mike & Dani Utley with 6 custom-embroidered "Cool Vest Classics" complete with their first names and the "Thumbs Up" logo synonymous with the Mike Utley Foundation and its indomitable spirit.

Mike Utley on his first of several challenging uphills during the ride.


Mike Utley crosses the CoolSport banner as he rides across the finish line to complete his 25-mile journey on a hand-pedaled recumbent bicycle.

The customized vests were donated on behalf of Ron Planovsky, CoolSport's President and CEO, and Angeles Nanstiel, V.P. of Operations and Treasurer. Ten additional complete vests were provided as door prizes for the event riders, along with a number of embroidered ball caps!

The event concluded with a large pork-roast barbeque at Lincoln Rock State Park. Riders participated in a raffle for valuable door prizes, including products from CoolSport, Xbox, Bodyblade and a variety of others.

The staff at CoolSport is grateful for the opportunity to support Mike Utley and his foundation in their fight against the debilitating effects of spinal cord injuries and heat stress. Norman and Erik had a wonderful experience meeting with the Utleys and all those who came out to support their cause.


If you arrived at this page by itself, and would like to visit CoolSport's entire site, click here.