Shark Tooth Cycling Opens as Nonprofit, Encouraging Active Life With CMT

A newly-opened nonprofit called Shark Tooth Cycling aims to encourage young people in the U.S., especially those affected by Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), to get outdoors and ride their bikes.

Much like other cycling organizations — such as the diabetes-focused cycling group Team Type 1 — the Pittsburgh, Colorado foundation will work to sponsor development teams, support a variety of athletes, and participate in races, fundraisers, and other events around the U.S.

Ultimately, Shark Tooth Cycling —  which takes its name from CMT —hopes to empower patients, and to raise awareness and support for their disease.

“We are here to not only ride with you, but to inspire you, and work with everyone we can through a shared passion for cycling and the outdoors to raise funds and awareness for CMT,” Chris “Topher” Delamarter, founder and director of Shark Tooth Cycling, said in a press release.

Delamarter developed a love of cycling early in life, before being diagnosed with CMT at around age 10. As walking became more difficult, cycling became a more and more integral part of his life. On a backpacking trip in the U.K. in his early teens, Delamarter realized that riding his bike gave him feelings of freedom and normalcy, and helped to ease the disease’s negative aspects.

Since then, Delamarter has worked as a bike messenger and has engaged in collegiate racing and Pro/Am circuit racing. He is also passionate about skiing and whitewater paddling.

The foundation, whose core goal is to get people outside with the bike as their “true north,” has been Delamarter’s dream for many years.

Other members of the Shark Tooth Cycling management team are also lifelong cyclists who are passionate about giving back to young people, encouraging them to overcome obstacles and participate in outdoor activities — particularly cycling.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Shark Tooth Cycling is now working on raising funds and organizing rides and events planned for 2021.

Anyone interested in becoming involved with Shark Tooth Cycling, including joining a ride in a local or national event, wearing their jersey, arranging sponsorships, or making donations, can visit the organization’s website.