Hundreds of supporters are set to take part in a nationwide bike ride in Davis Saturday in an effort to raise funds -- and hope -- for a cure to Friedreich's Ataxia.

Friedreich's Ataxia is a debilitating, life-shortening degenerative neuromuscular disease typically affecting children and young adults, according to Megan Brewster of National Strategies Public Relations on behalf of the nonprofit Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance.

Ride Ataxia Norcal begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Center, 203 East 14th St. in Davis. The ride will offer 15-, 30- and 50-mile flat plus 55 and 68 mile hilly cycling routes on scenic country roads.

UC Davis graduate Kyle Bryant, founder and director of Ride Ataxia, was diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia at the age of 17.

He was told his abilities would deteriorate over time, would soon be in a wheelchair, would lose the ability to take care of himself and would likely die a premature death due to heart failure.

"That was a heavy load," said Bryant in a news release. "I was scared for the future."

During his junior year at UCD Bryant met a researcher who was studying the disease.

"It was the first time I was filled with hope," said Bryant.

The 2005 engineering graduate became a full-time employee of Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance in 2009.

Ride Ataxia cycling events across the country have raised invaluable awareness for Friedreich's Ataxia and funded more than $1 million in FA research

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Davis bike ride to raise funds for disease