Raleigh, NC – September 13, 2024 – Tharrington Smith partner Lynn Burleson has reached a remarkable milestone: his 30th Bike MS tour over the past 27 years. This achievement highlights Lynn’s personal dedication and Tharrington Smith’s ongoing commitment to fighting multiple sclerosis (MS).
30th Ride with Family and Friends
During this year’s ride on September 7-8, 2024, Lynn was joined by his brother-in-law. Together, they tackled the 50-mile course, while Lynn’s family, including his daughter and grandchildren, cheered him on. Despite heavy rain on Saturday, Lynn and his brother-in-law completed the ride with determination. The Selma Cyclepaths, the team Lynn supports, has raised $74,586 this year, with more contributions expected in the coming weeks. They are currently the #2 top fundraising team for the New Bern Bike MS Tour in 2024. Lynn personally raised the 8th highest amount among the Cyclepaths and ranked 88th overall for the entire tour.
Reconnecting with Old Friends
One highlight of the event for Lynn was his reconnecting with Judge Robert W. Bryant Jr. and his wife, Gayle. The Selma Cyclepaths was founded in 1990 by Bryant’s friends after his brother was diagnosed with MS. Judge Bryant, who has completed an impressive 34 Bike MS tours, is one of the few active cyclists with more tours than Lynn. His continued participation underscores the strong bonds and shared commitment within the MS community.
A Legacy of Leadership and Achievements
Lynn’s journey with the Selma Cyclepaths began in 1996, while he was practicing law in Winston-Salem, three years before joining Tharrington Smith. His passion for cycling and MS advocacy led him to assume a leadership role in 2003. Under his guidance, the Cyclepaths grew from three riders to over sixty in just one year. For twelve consecutive years, the team raised more than $100,000 annually.
The Selma Cyclepaths have become a cornerstone of the North Carolina cycling community. Over time, several Tharrington Smith attorneys, including Fred Morelock, Wade Smith, Carlyn Poole, Alice Stubbs, and paralegal Trish Crabtree, have joined Lynn in supporting the team’s success.
In 2012, Lynn represented the Cyclepaths and the North Carolina MS Chapter at the National MS Society meeting in Ft. Worth, Texas, where the team was honored as the first North or South Carolina team to raise over $1 million for MS programs and research. More recently, in 2023, the Cyclepaths became the first MS bike team in North or South Carolina to raise over $2 million in total contributions, receiving an award from the North Carolina Chapter.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on his journey, Lynn shared, “Participating in the Bike MS ride for the past 30 years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’m grateful for the support of my family, my colleagues, and the entire Selma Cyclepaths team. Our collective efforts have significantly impacted the fight against MS, and I am proud of what we have achieved together.”
Though Lynn’s time on the bike may soon wind down, Lynn’s legacy with the Cyclepaths and Bike MS will continue to inspire others. His dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on the MS community. Lynn’s hope is to ride at least four more years so his now eight-year-old grandson will be eligible to join him.
©Tharrington Smith, LLP
