This historic event, a tradition in L.A. for 22 years, debuted Aaron Baker for the first time in a public arena. The 29 year old youth world motocross champion and renowned professional biker, who is on the road to recovery after suffering a debilitating spinal cord injury in 1999 that left him paralyzed, is spearheading a movement of hope, caring and assistance through the Rise Above Tour. The athlete and former quadriplegic has overcome tremendous odds despite being told 8 years ago that he would have "a 1 in one million chance of ever feeding himself again, let alone walking."

Baker, a 4 year veteran of the L.A. Marathon started his independent trek towards the finish line on a custom made Trik by biking the first 22 miles in the Acura Bike Tour before he traded in his wheels and walked across the finish line at the L.A. Marathon. This time around he was not accompanied by his mother, Laquita Dian Conway, who has been at his side at every emotional and physical step of his 8 year journey.

Baker's stint in the Acura Bike Tour and the L.A. Marathon was a dress rehearsal for his upcoming Rise Above US Bicycle Tour '08 "Transamerica Trail Ride," which will span 3 months in an epic 3,800 mile journey across America's heartland. The Rise Above Tour will start on June 10th in San Francisco and ride across the finish line in Washington D.C. in September. Following closely on the heels of last year's tremendously successful ride, Rise Above US Bicycle Tour '07, this year's cross country ride is guaranteed to generate even more national support, awareness and funds for the Center for Rehabilitative Exercise (C.O.R.E.)

C.O.R.E. provides extended care and exercise therapy to people with disabilities after they have been released from primary medical care. C.O.R.E. is committed to changing perceptions regarding the ongoing treatment and management of catastrophic injury and chronic conditions. We are dedicated to each individual client using a scientific approach towards the development of personalized goals."

With Aaron in the lead The Rise Above Tour '08 hopes to peddle its way to its goal of $1,000,000 benefiting the construction and maintenance of C.O.R.E. facilities throughout the United States.

"I envision opportunity, an abundance of opportunity for my fellow friend who suffers. A common place where he/she can improve the quality of their life through exercise and inspiration. Our goal is to provide this opportunity," said Aaron Baker about his vision for C.O.R.E., which he hopes will expand nationwide.

For additional information on Aaron Baker, The Rise Above Tour and C.O.R.E., please visit www.RiseAboveTour.com & www.AaronBakers.com