Cross-country cyclist raises awareness for rare nerve condition

Gregory Maassen cycles across America to support research after life-changing peripheral neuropathy diagnosis

Feb. 21, 2026 at 12:51am

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Gregory Maassen, a cross-country cyclist, is raising awareness and funds for peripheral neuropathy research after being diagnosed with the rare nerve condition in 2017 following a tick encounter in South Africa. Maassen is cycling from Florida to California to support the Merkin Center for Peripheral Neuropathy Research at Johns Hopkins University, where he was treated.

Why it matters

Peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating condition that can dramatically alter a patient's quality of life, causing symptoms like numbness, burning, and electric shock-like sensations. Maassen's cross-country cycling efforts aim to increase education and funding for research to help the millions of Americans living with this rare nerve disorder.

The details

In 2017, Maassen encountered a nest of 70-80 ticks while hiking in South Africa. He initially experienced temporary symptoms, but the pain returned and intensified, leaving him bedridden for nearly a year. In 2019, Maassen was diagnosed with post-infectious, small fiber sensory neuropathy at Johns Hopkins University, where he began regular exercise as part of his treatment plan. Now, Maassen is taking his mission nationwide, cycling from West Palm Beach, Florida to Los Angeles to raise awareness and funds for the Merkin Center for Peripheral Neuropathy Research.

  • In 2017, Maassen encountered a tick nest while hiking in South Africa.
  • In 2019, Maassen was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy at Johns Hopkins University.
  • On March 1, 2026, Maassen will begin a five-month cycling journey from West Palm Beach, Florida to Los Angeles.

The players

Gregory Maassen

A cross-country cyclist who was diagnosed with post-infectious, small fiber sensory neuropathy in 2019 after a tick encounter in South Africa.

Dr. Ahmet Hoke

The director and professor at the Center of Neurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, who treated Maassen for his rare nerve condition.

Merkin Center for Peripheral Neuropathy Research

The research center at Johns Hopkins University that Maassen is raising funds and awareness for through his cross-country cycling efforts.

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What they’re saying

“When I got under the care of Johns Hopkins when I met Dr. Hoke my life changed for the better.”

— Gregory Maassen

“And when those nerve fibers are abnormal, patients can experience really a life altering symptoms sometimes it's as simple as numbness but majority of times they can get pain, burning ice, cold sensation, electric shock like sensation, and those type of symptoms can really alter a patient's quality of life.”

— Dr. Ahmet Hoke, Director and Professor, Center of Neurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

What’s next

On March 1, 2026, Gregory Maassen will begin a five-month cycling journey from West Palm Beach, Florida to Los Angeles to raise awareness and funds for the Merkin Center for Peripheral Neuropathy Research at Johns Hopkins University.

The takeaway

Maassen's cross-country cycling mission highlights the debilitating impact of peripheral neuropathy, a rare nerve condition that can dramatically alter a patient's quality of life. His efforts aim to increase education, research, and support for the millions of Americans living with this disorder.