Help Aidan Rebuild His Cycling Dream

Aidan Knierim is a dedicated 20-year-old cyclist and a member of the newly launched La Grange/LaFábrica development race team. Tragically, his family lost their home in the Palisades fire on January 7th. While they had only minutes to evacuate, Aidan managed to save his road bike and a couple of kits, but he had to leave behind his track bike, aero helmet, and other critical racing gear.

Cycling has been a lifeline for Aidan, especially since his recovery from a concussion in 2022. It’s not just a sport for him—it’s been a vital pathway to health and well-being. After racing solo at the end of the 2023 season and joining La Grange full-time in the fall, Aidan raced exclusively with the team last year, pouring his heart into the pursuit of peak performance.

We’re raising funds to replace the essential equipment Aidan lost and get him back on track—literally. Our goal is to purchase an elite-level carbon race bike, featuring a Fuji carbon frame generously offered at a deep discount by a fellow racer, bundled with a power crankset and other necessary components for training and racing at the highest level. In addition, we’ll secure key parts like gears, cogs, and a stem to ensure Aidan can seamlessly resume his training.

Sean and Aidan were featured on FOX11 on Wednesday, 1/15 in a feature on how the local cycling community is coming together to support each other.

Your support will not only help replace Aidan’s equipment but also enable him to continue striving toward his goals. Let’s rally together as a community to get Aidan back in the saddle, focused on his training, and moving forward during this challenging time.

I'm Tara Kriese, cyclist, Velo Club LaGrange board member, and friend of the Knierims. When Sean told me Aidan left his track bike and beloved helmet from a fellow race team member behind in the fire, I quickly partnered with Aidan's coach, BJ Olsen, to put together a plan to get Aidan back on the track.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping Aidan rebuild and pursue his dreams.