Heart transplant recipient finishes 800-mile bike trek

BOSTON -- A Jamaica Plain man has written his own story of survival.

Musician and cyclist Richard Gates set out on a new life cycle after getting a new heart.

Gates finished an 800-mile bike trek from Cleveland to Boston Thursday in an adventure he likes to call his Tour de Second Chance.

Upon being diagnosed with a heart condition, Gates was informed that he needed a transplant.  He underwent successful surgery and wanted to give back.

"I wanted to do the ride mostly to give back to the transplant community, and to be able to challenge myself as well," Gates said.  

Gates is trying to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation and show what's possible in life after getting a new heart.

Gates finished his trek on Francis Street at the bridge that goes from Brigham and Women's Hospital to the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center. He met with a patient who is on the waiting list for new hearts, serving as living proof of what is possible after a transplant.

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