In the fight for deaf rights, it's ALL HANDS ON! This summer, a team of Deaf riders is biking from Florence, Oregon to Virginia Beach to raise awareness—and funds—for the Global Deaf Research Institute (GDRI), the only deaf-led nonprofit conducting international research not only on deaf communities, but with them.

We’re riding to amplify deaf voices. To put deaf stories on the map. And to raise $7,500 to fuel life-changing research across the globe.

Meet the Team

Levi Wood

Born in the heartland of Indiana and now pedaling out of Washington, DC, Levi is a linguistics student at Gallaudet University with a passion for protecting ASL and pushing limits—on and off the bike. Cycling runs in his blood (his dad's a Deaflympian!), so it's no surprise Levi was basically born with handlebars in hand. When he’s not studying the syntax of sign languages, he’s chasing scenic glory through Oregon’s wild coasts and Wyoming’s wide skies. His ride of choice? A Canyon Grizl Raw 7—a machine just as gritty and graceful as he is.

Kasmine Burford

She doesn’t like to brag, but Kasmine was born in the same hospital as LeBron James—so greatness? Kinda runs in the air. A proud deaf cyclist from Indiana, Kasmine is riding for more than just the thrill. She’s passionate about human rights—especially the rights of deaf people!

Her journey across America isn’t just a bucket list dream (though yes, she’s had “bike coast-to-coast” on there since she was ten!). It’s also a call to action: to recognize deaf communities, to invest in their stories, and to support the kind of deaf-led research GDRI is doing around the world.

Some of her most cherished memories are of biking with her family - including grandparents, aunts and uncles - the whole Burford clan! Riding 12 together in a line - what a sight that must have been!

Kate Lorenzo

And introducingggggg the Newcomer! Hailing from the flatlands of Nebraska (yes, it’s real and yes, it’s proud), Kate Lorenzo is our wildcard rookie—new to biking, but bold enough to take on the entire country. A Gallaudet grad (‘23!) and now repping Linguabee, a Deaf-owned interpreting agency, Kate lives by the motto “go with the flow”—a philosophy that’s served her well through twelve moves and one cross-country ride.

She only started riding consistently this year. So naturally, she’s… biking across America. Why GDRI? “Their mission and values really appeal to me. I'd like to see them grow!”

In her own words: Might be a little crazy, definitely up for the challenge!

The Route

The Trans American Trail—known lovingly as the TransAm—is the crown jewel of U.S. cross-country bike routes. Stretching over 4,200 miles from Portland, Oregon to Yorktown, Virginia, it winds through majestic mountains, sunbaked plains, and small-town Americana. It's not just a test of endurance—it's a rite of passage. Every mile they pedal pushes GDRI’s mission forward: making sure deaf people are counted, heard, and served.

Our Cause!

The Global Deaf Research Institute (GDRI) is a deaf-led nonprofit closing the data gap that has kept deaf people invisible for too long. Around the world, deaf communities are left out of national statistics—erased from policies, ignored in budgets, and forgotten in decisions that shape their lives. GDRI works alongside local deaf leaders to change that, gathering powerful data that demands to be seen, heard, and acted on. Because deaf people deserve to be counted—not just in numbers, but in the stories, systems, and futures that shape our world.

Language barriers separate deaf people around the world from the bulk of the research community. This has resulted in a lack of deaf representation in health research all over the globe, even compared to other disabled people. We believe that including the deaf perspective in the research process is not only important, it is absolutely necessary to ensure these populations are not left behind.

GDRI has deployed in 2 countries so far (Nigeria and Ecuador) gathering foundational data and publishing first-of-it's kind research. More importantly, they've worked with local deaf organizations and national disability bodies to ensure these numbers turn into real concrete changes in the lives of deaf people in these countries, ensuring that their stories are accounted for, and their voices are included.

Learn more at www.globaldeafresearch.org

All Hands ON! Transam

By Global Deaf Research Institute

All Hands ON! Transam

Three deaf cyclists. One powerful mission. 4,200+ miles of open road