Rise Above Tour

Name: Aaron Baker
Position: Founder
Age: 28
Born: January 23, 1979
Hometown: Newport Beach, CA

The Rise Above mission was born out of an experience of tragedy. One moment an aspiring professional athlete, the next moment motionless, paralyzed from the neck down, given a "one in a million" chance of ever moving again. Lying there in the dirt motionless and completely aware of my plight brought forth a life altering realization of my place in life. No longer a motorcycle racer, or skate boarder, surfer, snowboarder, mountain biker, or even a simple fisherman, made me realize I am destined to do far greater things in my life than winning championships aboard a motorcycle. I am to do things that affect people's lives. I can help people, through my own adversity, bringing hope and inspiration to those without. It has been through my intense desire to optimize the quality of my life, with eternal optimism and therapeutic exercise that I have been able to focus my mind and energy, resulting in a slow, tedious return of function and strength.
I am an athlete, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I choose to face my challenges and to Rise Above and overcome with excellence! I am committed to inspiring, not only through my words, but my actions. I am of the philosophy that "what the mind can conceive and believe, you truly can achieve." I am honored to have the opportunity to share my experiences and to influence those in the world of spinal cord injury and chronic conditions. I aspire to inspire all individuals to the power of possibility.....
Name: Laquita Conway
Position: Tour Director
The Rise Above Tour and mission was born out of tragedy. Tragedy turned into triumph. I attached to a purpose for this tragedy the day Aaron hit the ground eight years ago. We aim to make Aaron’s opportunity for recovery a rule instead of an exception for others who suffer. We ride for those who can’t.
“Whatever you dream or believe you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power & magic in it.” –Goethe-

Name: Dan Baker
Position: Navigational Innovator
Position: Nutrition Strategist
Name: Arielle Baker
Age: 25
Hometown: Newport Beach, CA

"What was once "Impossible, is now "Possible"
Photo by: Kaye Kittrell Name: Taylor-Kevin Isaacs
Taylor-Kevin Isaacs, M.S., C.P.T., C.S.C.S., F.A.C.S.M.z is a highly credentialed award winning clinical exercise physiologist and certified strength and conditioning specialist. This former professor of Kinesiology at California State University in Northridge was named the IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year in 2002, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer/Clinical Exercise Specialist of the Year in 2002, and was the two-time Grand Champion ME.
Position: Support Tandem Rider / Graphic Design Artist
Name: Adam Bice
Age: 25
Hometown: Malibu, CA

A long time friend of Aaron and supporter of his amazing rehabilitation, I jumped at the chance to be a part of the Rise Above Tour. Live life to it’s fullest is my personal goal and the tour promotes just that. To live life to it’s fullest no matter what circumstances or adversity we face.
“Kites rise highest against the wind-not with it.” -Sir Winston Churchill-

Position: Support Team Rider/Videographer
Name: Ben Marias
Age: 25
Hometown: Santa Monica, CA

Along with his recent Masters Degree from London Film School, Ben brings his love of a good story well told to the Rise Above Tour. Having an interest in film and video this challenge is a truly compelling opportunity for me as a filmmaker as well as a cyclist.
To take a negative occurrence and make something so positive out of it, inspires me to do the same and share this story with others, as well as giving me the honor of riding across the country with a hero like Aaron. Name: Jordan Delaurier
Level of Injury:T6-7, Complete
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Date of Injury: January 27, 2007
The definition of Determination: firmness of purpose, will, or intention; decision-making on, or the establishment of, a course of action.
This one word has the ability to describe Jordan in such a precise manner that it fully encompasses the path that he and his family have taken on his road to recovery. On January 27, 2007, Jordan, an avid motocross competitor, broke his back while on a practice run; he was preparing for the Canadian Nationals. Upon initial evaluation, doctors diagnosed his injury as a T6-7 complete. After transferring hospitals and seeing other doctors, Jordan’s family was once again told that he was a T6-7 complete; one nurse even commented to his parents that he had severed his spinal cord and that there was no hope that he would ever get back on his feet, let alone his beloved bike. While the neurosurgeon took a more conservative approach in commenting on Jordan’s future, his family had already made the decision that this was not it, that there was more in their son’s future and they were going to do everything in their power to make sure that Jordan had a fighting chance at his future. The support that Jordan has received from family and friends is a testament to the determination he has shown throughout the past 8 months. His parents lived in an RV in the parking lot of his hospital during his entire stay; they were there for every rehab appointment and were constantly looking for alternative supplements that they could add to his rehab regimen – even sneaking him out of the hospital for acupuncture appointments during his stay. Their commitment began to pay off when Jordan wiggled his toes 3 weeks after his accident. This was followed by some foot movement and new sensations over the following months. By the end of May Jordan was standing unassisted, something that he was told would never happen. Jordan is now beginning to pedal the cranks of a bicycle and is setting his sight high to continue his process of recovery...Rise Above Jordan!