WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, SportsLocal biker raises funds for fellow biker hit by car

Local biker raises funds for fellow biker hit by car

by Brittany Earl

It's an amazing race, that takes not only physical but mental training. For more than ten years bikers in the Northcentral Wisconsin area have been coming to the Wausau 24 bike race, it's a event not meant for the weak. These bikers train months in advance biking for 24 hours straight either as a team or a solo man, it's an event meant for the extremist.

Justin Lund, 24 Hour Solo Racer says, "I love mountain bike racing and the solo endurance stuff, however I am racing for a different cause today."

On July 5th Justin's friend 26-year-old Timothy Wissbroeker was hit by a car near Antigo while he was riding his bike on the shoulder of Highway 64. The driver took off, the Wausau triathlete survived the accident but suffered head injuries, spinal fractures and other broken bones and is now left with expensive medical bills.

Justin says, "'Its a little different now, before I would just race for myself and do whatever I can with my own motivation. What I have in me now is something else I'm riding for for Tim and his family."

Justin and Sproketz Bike Shop created a fundraiser for Tim asking people to pledge a certain dollar amount per lap he completes. It's just one way the local cycling community can help.

"When it's actually some one you know, it kind of hits close to home and it makes you think about things a little bit more differently when you have a family and kids. As well as the mental anguish that comes with being hit by a car. I've also been hit by a car while training I kind of understand what he's going through," says Justin.

And it's those thoughts that Justin's plans to focus on to help him push through when his body is tired and he still has hours to go.

Justin says, "Tim actually sent me an email and he said just think at 4 o'clock in the morning when you're in pain that I'm in much more pain than you are."

If you would like to follow Justin along the way click here.

Online Reporter: Brittany Earl