Austin’s Great 88 is a fundraising bike ride organized in memory of Austin Volkert, a lover of family, dogs, pizza, and Chicago Blackhawks Hockey. Austin passed away from Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-related cancer at the age of 23. NF is a genetic disorder of the nervous system which causes tumors to form on nerves across the body. Austin’s Great 88 will raise funds to support NF Michigan and The Steensma Laboratory, a research lab led by Dr. Matt Steensma working to develop new treatment strategies for NF-related cancer.

The 2nd Annual Austin’s Great 88 will take place on Saturday, July 31, 2021 to honor the three year anniversary of Austin’s passing. The bike ride will begin in Rockford, MI and will travel along the White Pine Trail. Riders can choose to participate in Austin’s Great 88 by riding anywhere from 8.8 miles to the full goal of an 88-mile expedition. Riders meet at 9AM in the lot North of the Wolverine Shoe Outlet/ Rockford Footwear Depot 235 N. Main St. Rockford, MI.

We can’t wait to ride with you! Why 88? 88 is the number of Austin’s favorite Blackhawks hockey player, Patrick Kane – his hero. 88 also honors the date of Austin’s passing, 8/8/2018. To Donate in Austin's memory, please use the PAYPAL button below.

Organizer: Shelley and Scott Volkert