The Story Behind the Motorcycles at the Walk for Down Syndrome
Designer Genes Blog
3/16/2026If you’ve ever been to the Walk for Down Syndrome in Bismarck, you’ve probably heard the low rumble of motorcycle engines toward the starting line. This meaningful tradition represents something powerful: community and belonging. That story begins with the Our Place Motorcycle Club (OPMC).
Where it Started
Nearly a decade ago, members of OPMC partnered with Designer Genes of North Dakota to support something life-changing, the Bikers 4 Bikers fundraiser. This event was created to help raise funds for the iCan Bike Camp, which has been brought to the Bismarck area biannually since 2012.
The iCan Bike camp helps individuals with disabilities learn how to ride a two-wheel bicycle using specialized bikes and coaching. Over the course of a week, riders build balance, confidence, and independence. The hope is that by the end of the 5 days, individuals are able to ride a bike on their own.
For many participants it’s more than just learning to ride a bike. It means keeping up with siblings, riding with friends, exploring the neighborhood, and feeling the independence that so many of us remember from our first bike ride.
Since the beginning of the partnership, OPMC has hosted the Bikers 4 Bikers fundraiser, helping raise nearly $49,000 across nine events to bring the iCan Bike Camp to Bismarck. The camp, held every other year in partnership with the Anne Carlsen Center and Bismarck Parks and Recreation, costs over $11,000 to host each camp.
Thanks to this incredible community support, riders from age 8 to adult have learned to ride—including one Bismarck participant who achieved that milestone at 47 years old.
Bikers 4 Bikers Fundraiser
Bismarck Elks Lodge, 900 S. Washington St., Bismarck
Saturday, April 11, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The event is open to the community and will include:
A bake sale
Lunch (free-will donation)
A silent auction
And the chance to win one of the 10 motorcycle rides at the 2026 Walk for Down Syndrome
Every dollar raised helps bring the iCan Bike Camp back to Bismarck in the summer of 2027, giving individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience the independence and joy that comes with riding a two-wheel bike.
Want to Ride with Us?
For ten years, the Our Place Motorcycle Club and Designer Genes of North Dakota have been riding tandem to support something big.
We are helping riders gain confidence,
Helping families celebrate milestones,
And helping our community belong.
Chef Anthony and Jayson Cooking Up Belonging
9/8/2025
These days, Chef Anthony and Jayson love to bake muffins and cupcakes. They’re always dreaming about the next recipe to try, but more than the food itself, it’s the experience of baking together that matters most.
“It is like a bonding experience,” they shared. “We get to do it together. We get to show all the teachers.”
And as for the age-old kitchen question — who gets to lick the spoon? The answer is clear Chef Anthony stated, “My mom does.”
Membership Spotlight! Meet Chef Anthony & Jayson.
For some, connection happens around the dinner table. For others, it starts in the kitchen — mixing, measuring, and sometimes even making a mess.
For one dynamic duo, baking together has become their signature way to laugh and spend time together.
It all started with a simple idea: creating cooking videos on YouTube. When Anthony showed his friend, Jayson, the first video - Jayson wanted to join in on the fun. Making cooking videos was a lot of fun and it quickly became their thing.
That first baking adventure still holds a special place in their memories. As anyone who’s spent time in a kitchen knows, the funny moments are just as memorable as the sweet treats. From giggles to flour dust in the air - there is never a dull moment.
Grayson's Summer Swim Advice
6/9/2025Check out Grayson’s story as he shares about his experience with swimming and talks about safety tips to remember when in the water.
** Questions were answered in collaboration by Grayson and Janean (mom and advocate) ** 
From Mommy & Me to Setting Dreams Big:
A Natural Talent Emerges
When Grayson first dipped his toes into the pool — it was simply to splash alongside his mom during “Mommy & Me” classes. That early comfort in the water set the stage for an exciting journey that would kickstart his love for swimming.
In the third grade, it was clear Grayson had a special skill for swimming. “We were at Poppy’s Promise iCan Swim Camp,” recalls his mom, Janean, “when one of the instructors noticed how long he could hold his breath underwater. They quickly pulled him into the lap section of the pool and began working on different swim strokes,” and Grayson’s swim history took off from there.
Soon after, Grayson joined the Aqua Storm Club and Special Olympics swimming, which finally led to joining the Century High School’s swim team. Before long, Grayson was racing laps in Special Olympics competitions and at school meets. His determination and ability to hype up the crowd, quickly made him a fan favorite.
A Day in the Life of a Swimmer
Grayson’s training routine is nothing short of easy—and it starts before dawn. Three times a week, he’s in the pool before 5 AM for his practice. Late afternoons find him back in the water at 5:45 PM, refining his freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke. In between swims, he lifts weights twice a week through Sanford’s Power & Strength program to build the muscle and endurance every competitive swimmer needs.
“I’m never cold!.... I like being in the water doing the different strokes.” No matter how early or cold— Grayson treats it as a chance to get better.
When he isn’t in the pool or working out at the gym, Grayson makes sure to eat a balanced meal, stay hydrated, and brings protein-rich snacks every practice. In addition to swimming and the gym, Grayson participates in other sports too, like track, basketball, and flag football.
Life Skills in the Water (... its more than medals)
Swimming isn’t just a sport for Grayson; it’s been a catalyst for growth in every arena of his life. Janean shares that throughout the year, Grayson stays active by swimming and hitting the gym. It is the best type of physical activity for him. Grayson is making lifelong friends on his teams, setting and achieving goals, and discovered a big community that cheers him on along the way. Throughout his swimming career, he has gained confidence, built lasting friendships, and discovered an activity that he can do well into his adulthood to stay healthy.
Making Waves in Our Community
Grayson’s is a reminder that inclusive sports build more than strength—they foster belonging. The friendships he's gained and the sense of community he feels each event is important. Grayson has impacted our community in a big way and is not stopping there. He dreams of one day competing in the Para Olympics, a goal that fuels every early‑morning practice.
When asked his favorite swim memory, there were too many to share – from helping excite the crowd to competing with his friends, but one that sticks out is receiving the Spirit Award at his end of the season swim banquet at Century High School.
Safety First - Tips and Tricks for Water Fun This Summer
Grayson and his family never take water safety for granted and had these helpful reminders to consider as you head for the pools this summer to beat the heat.
“Float, Don’t Sink”: Always remember to use life jackets and or floaties in the water to help
Be mindful of lifeguards and swim in areas that are supervised
Visibility is important!
Consider wearing bright- colored swimwear and goggles to help stand out in the water or pool
Keep protein‑rich snacks and regulate hydration by keeping water on hand.
Summer Fun This Summer
If you’re looking for a summer activity that combines safety, skill, and social connection, consider jumping into the pool. There are many different ways to get active:
Look into swim lessons or swim clubs through your local Parks and Rec
Going to your community pool or water park (i.e. Raging Rivers Aquatic Center)
Register for iCan Swim Camp in Bismarck.
Sign up for Special Olympics Swim
Inclusive sports – swimming
If you have any questions or want to learn more, please reach out to info@designergenesnd.com.
And remember be brave, work hard, and always put safety first!
Check out some of these water fun and community activities happening in North Dakota. If we missed one, please share it with us.
From Fundraiser to Walk Tradition
Over time, the partnership grew into something even more unique. The motorcyclists that once gathered to fundraise became part of a beloved Walk for Down Syndrome tradition.
Each year, members of the OPMC help kick off the Walk by riding the first loop of the route, leading the way as families and teams prepare to walk behind them.
It’s a powerful moment, engines rumbling, families cheering, and a visual reminder that our community rides together in support of individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities.
Celebrating a Milestone
This year, we are celebrating the 10th Annual Bikers 4 Bikers Fundraiser. To celebrate, OPMC is inviting the community to take part in the tradition in a fun way. For the 2026 Walk for Down Syndrome, 10 lucky individuals, ages 8 years old and up, will have the chance to ride on the back of a motorcycle during the first lap of the walk.
It’s a fun experience and a way to connect the excitement of the walk with the mission that started it all.
Those rides will be awarded at the Bikers 4 Bikers Fundraiser. From now until April 10th, we are offering an opportunity to join in the fun, all you have to do is make a donation to receive a ticket.
If you are interested in making a donation, or learning more about how to get involved with the raffle, please email Kendra at info@designergenesnd.com or call 701-751-2071.
