Mustang News Article

Nolan Pullen rides across the finish line of the Tour de Cure June 25 at Wild Horse Park.

'Pullen' for a cure

Mustang offers streets for cause

A sign that read, “Go Red Rider Nolan,” held by cheering family members welcomed 13-year-old Nolan Pullen to the finish line Saturday at the Tour de Cure.

The Davis resident and great nephew of Mustang Fire Chief Carl Hickman rode in the American Diabetes Association cycling fundraiser out of Wild Horse Park as someone living with Type 2 diabetes.

It was the first event Nolan has participated in since being diagnosed in December. He took his new blood red Trek Alpha bike for a spin on the 30-mile course.

“He (father Bryan) rode bikes before me, and I just kind of wanted to do something with him,” Nolan said. “It just fit because it helps lower my blood sugar. This wind was just terrible. There were some hills, but it was basically flat and downhill. It was about 50-50.”

Nolan has dropped 40 pounds in six months as he and his parents, Bryan and Jamie Pullen, have changed their diets and become more active.

“He’s a French fry kind of guy,” Bryan Pullen said. “But he’s beating it back. He was on two shots a day then down to one, and now he’s on none.”

Pullen and his son had trained in the Arbuckle area while raising a combined $800 from family, friends and church family. Nolan has exceeded his goal of $500 with $650 so far, and it was the 20th-highest amount among the 180 riders. He was one of 40 participants riding with diabetes.

“At all the rest stops, they were cheering the Red Riders on,” Bryan Pullen said. “They cheer for everybody, but they put special emphasis on these guys for getting out there and getting it done. So many people ignore it.”

The rest stops provided refreshments as well as a boost in morale. Nearly 100 volunteers came out to lend a hand from 6 a.m. until the afternoon.

“I was amazed at the volunteer help and their happy attitudes even though it was hot, nasty and windy,” first-year event organizer Araine Cash said. “It just showed the spirit of Oklahomans and how gracious they are.”

Cash worked closely with city officials to operate the tour at different facilities, including Centennial Elementary and Fireworks City. Wild Horse Park served as the hub of the event where local sponsors provided their services.

“The Mustang police had everything organized,” Cash said. “(Interim Police) Chief Willard James was very helpful. (Parks and Recreation Director) Justin Battles was amazing to work with. No one was unwilling to help out or let us use their facilities.”

Event organizers left Mustang with more than $107,000 of its goal of $15,000. Money can still be raised for 30 days after the tour. Visit www.tour.diabetes.org or call 405-840-3881 to donate.