Roy on the road to recovery and a record

Matt Roy, the husband of cyclo-cross star Mo Bruno Roy is fast on his way to recovery after a tumultuous last two years.

16 months ago, he broke his femur in a criterium at Tufts University. The break was serious, requiring immediate surgical repair and hospitalization. Afterward, Roy needed a walker for six weeks, crutches for three months, and he endured fourteen months of physical therapy.

As a carrot to get him through the rehabilitation project, the PhD candidate in Immunology dreamed up an idea that became a mission for him: to set the first-ever cross-state cycling record for the state of Maine.

"Throughout my rehabilitation, and with the support of my wife, family, friends and graduate program, this goal remained my sole focus," said Roy. "For all of the support that I've had, I want to prove to everyone, myself especially, that I've made a spectacular comeback and with it, I will bring hope, inspiration and support to those who need it most."

On Saturday, in accordance with the rules and guidelines laid out by the UltraMarathon Cycling Association (UMCA), Roy will commence his solo journey in Fort Kent, on the border of Ontario, and travel south through the back roads of Maine, to Kittery, over 380 miles. Roy hopes to finish in less than 24 hours.

Roy is raising money to support a range of therapeutic recreational activities offered by the Dr. Charles H. Weingarten Adaptive Sports & Recreation Program, a division of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Roy is accepting donations at www.firstgiving.com/mattroy and www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=5238.