AUBURN, Ala. – Gary Godfrey's third time participating in Bo Bike Bama differed vastly from the first two, but at its core – feeling the wind in his face as he traveled the roads in and around Auburn – it was joyfully similar.
Living with ALS since January 2019, Godfrey traveled the 20-mile course Saturday on an adaptive bicycle constructed by students in Auburn University's Ginn College of Engineering and pedaled by veteran cyclist Chuck Smith, a family friend.
"It buoys you up in a way that you can't imagine," said Carol Godfrey, Gary's wife and fellow Auburn University engineering graduate. "These students built the bike and brought all their passion to it. They've been working like crazy.
"To see Gary have this crazy dream of his come to life in a way that brings smiles to everybody's faces. For me, it's lovely to see him out living life with ALS. When you're living with ALS, you're choosing to make today your best day, and that's what he's challenged us to do."
The odyssey began last fall when Gary shared with Carol his hope to ride again in Bo Bikes Bama, an event Auburn legend Bo Jackson created in 2012 to raise money for the Governor's Emergency Relief Fund.
Incoming Auburn University president Dr. Chris Roberts pedals Gary Godfrey before Bo Bikes Bama
"Dean Roberts and the rest of the team threw their arms around us, and the students have built this great bike," she said.
Before Godfrey and Smith departed on their 20-mile journey, Auburn football coach Bryan Harsin, Mayor Ron Anders, and Auburn University President-elect Dr. Chris Roberts pedaled Godfrey past Jordan-Hare Stadium during celebrity pre-rides.
"It was very rewarding for me to be able to ride with Gary, especially since this was such a passion for him," said Roberts, who will begin his new role May 16 after 28 years at Auburn as assistant engineering professor, department chair and dean. "To have our students bring it to fruition makes me proud simultaneously for our students and my dear friend Gary.
"It was good to meet Gary," Harsin said. "To have the opportunity to ride him down by the stadium, what a great experience, and the bike is phenomenal. The students did a great job."
An Auburn basketball letterman, Godfrey played for the Tigers from 1981-86. Former Auburn coach Sonny Smith credits Godfrey for guarding Charles Barkley in practice and preparing the future hall of famer for the rigors and physicality of SEC play.
The Auburn Basketball Letterman's Club, which Godfrey chaired for several seasons, met him near the starting line to present a $5,000 contribution for ALS research in Gary's honor.
Godfrey rode in Bo Bikes Bama in 2017 and 2018, before his ALS diagnosis.
"I have always admired Bo's generous spirit and his ability to give back to the great people of Alabama, especially the victims of the Alabama tornadoes," Godfrey shared in an email.
Auburn mayor Ron Anders prepares to pedal Gary before Bo Bikes Bama
To confirm when Gary previously participated, Carol named specific years, beginning with 2016. Gary slightly moved his facial muscles to indicate "yes" and remained still to indicate "no," an example of how the Godfreys have adapted to the challenges that accompany living with ALS.
Following his adventure on wheels, Gary composed an email using a device he controls with his eyes.
"The ride was beyond my wildest expectations!" he wrote. "I must thank my riding partner, Chuck Smith, who tirelessly pedaled for me. We got the bike going 27 mph! I must also thank the Auburn Engineering students who built a bike that worked flawlessly. I am grateful they said "yes" to my crazy dream to feel the wind in my face again. I always say, 'Make Today Your Best Day.' Today was a Best Day for sure!"
To donate to ALS research, text CUREALS to 44321
Thank you @CoachHarsin for pedaling me today @BoBikesBama and helping me raise awareness for #ALS! It was a magical day! #maketodayyourbestday #EndALS https://t.co/HkVPz0qYSz
— Gary Godfrey (@GaryGodfrey25) April 24, 2022
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer