GART - Travel and Prep Day

We took off bright and early on Monday morning with my Mom and Edwin. It was my Mom’s birthday, and boy does she know how to live it up! As we set off on our two hour drive, we quizzed each other on the nervous mental list of what we may have forgotten. It seemed like we had it all. We arrived at SeaTac with plenty of time. Edwin took the van to park and left us with a giant mound of luggage at the curb. To continue in her birthday fun, my Mom began hauling luggage fifty feet or so at a time so I could guard or watch it as we got it all closer to baggage and ticketing. I’d called ahead for every aspect of the air travel, and that included TSA cares. A nice helpful guy, Kevin, with TSA joined us and began assisting in the luggage maneuvering. Edwin rejoined us just as we got to the ticket counter. Although we had made the call about our gigantic Pelican case, Thanks, Todd!, and we knew that we had no limitations on medical equipment, we were surprised to find out that we could not exceed 100 lbs for any one piece of luggage.

Squeaked by!

As it turns out the Pelican weighed in at a whopping 126 lbs. Alaska Airlines really tried to help and make exceptions, but we think for the safety of their employees, they just couldn’t break this rule. So right there on the scale, with a line growing behind, the birthday girl dove into the case and started pulling out the heavy stuff. The ventilator was the first to go, and that made a big difference. With just a few more deductions, we were pleased to see that we were down to 99.8lbs. I think the people behind us in line were glad as well.

Kevin rocked!

Kevin, our trusty TSA, continued us on through the airport. We got a nice shortcut at security, and Kevin himself did my security check. While he was doing that, Edwin and my Mom were pushing through the gobs of handcarrry luggage that we now had. To continue in the true birthday spirit fun, my Mom triggered an extra security check and received the most thorough pat down that she has ever received. Once we were all reorganized and Kevin had put my shoes back on, he led us to the tram where we had to shuttle to our gate. He bid us a fond farewell and we were left to take a deep breath. I started cruising the gift shops looking for a sports illustrated. Edwin grabbed a snack. My Mom just sat down and waited for the next bit of chaos.

Hannibal Lecter in Row 7

Our flight was delayed about 45 minutes which gave us a false sense of security. We’d talked over our plan, and we had a good one. We knew who would do what. We had walkie talkies to strap on the chair. We had colored tape and an informational sheet with our phone number. We had bungee cords. We even had a measuring tape. 33” is the max height of the opening under a 737, the aircraft we were flying in, and we were determined not to have the chair turned on it’s side. Suddenly, our gate was changed, to the other side of the N terminal. We headed over as quick as we could. Once we got there, things started happening quite quickly. We went from chillin’ to all hands on deck. The accessibility team for SeaTac arrived with the aisle chair just as folks were lining up to board. My Mom and Edwin went as quick as they could to get me strapped in to my flight sling, or as we like to call it, a strait jacket. I was spouting out multiple instructions, our hand carry stuff was spread everywhere, and next thing you know, I was being wheeled off into the plane. Just before I left, I looked the baggage handler in the eye and gave him my steeliest stare. “ You got this man”, I said. “I need this chair on the other end”. The walkie talkie didn’t make it on the chair. No bungee cords were used. No measurement occurred. We did get the informational sheet attached.

Alaska baggage handlers are the BEST!

Settled in the bulkhead seat on my Roho cushion, we rehashed what had just happened and how things did not go as planned. There was nothing left to do but enjoy the ride and hope for the best. The first 3 1/2 hours of the flight went pretty well. I had a couple beers. My mom, claiming birthday privilege, had a double gin. Edwin had sprite. Eventually, the heat got the better of me. The combination of the sling, the long hair, the do-rag, and an N-95 mask became almost unbearable. The mask was on and off the last hour with a spray bottle spraying my face and an extra fan for cooling. I had a lot of mixed emotions on landing. I was miserable from the flight, hot, stiff, desperate to tilt back and anxious to see if my chair was in one piece. It took 40 minutes to get my chair from under the plane but I was so thrilled to see it in good shape that I could’ve kissed the woman that delivered it. My hero!

Much needed tilt was appreciated. Thanks guys!

The frenzy of reassembly began. Everyone was hopping; the three folks from the DC airport as well as my Mom and Edwin with me shouting out direction. Finally I was rolling towards baggage claim back on six wheels.

Dr. B and Jimmy were waiting for us in baggage claim, and boy were they a sight for sore eyes. The gang was back together! By the time we got to the hotel, unpacked, the stories were told, and a couple beers were consumed, it was well after 2am.

Presidential dreads

Tuesday was planned for organizing ourselves. As it turns out, Jimmy needed Tuesday to organize Jimmy. The rest of us gathered the packages that we’d shipped to the hotel. We got the rental truck and the rental wheelchair van. We switched out my batteries to the lithium pack. We reorganized all the gear and we got the ice vest inserts in the freezer. It’s hot here in DC! I had just enough time to run out with Dr. B and Jimmy to see a few sights. We had a little fun. Really excited to start tomorrow and can’t wait to see what this new adventure has in store for us.






Proud Partner Of

Great American Rail Trail – The Eastern Leg

It’s hard to believe two years has passed since we bravely endured our Redwood Coast ride of 2020. That means it’s time for another big adventure. After spending 270 miles traversing the Pacific Coast Bike Route, we decided our days on the sides of highways are over and it’s time to start highlighting safer, more accessible routes that wheelchairs can manage. We decided rail trails were the perfect space for our team to have a beautiful experience highlighting what’s possible for people of all abilities in a safe way.

Excited for the journey

A really fun project!

We then had to narrow down what rail trail to highlight. So, we got involved with the Rails to Trails Conservancy back in early 2021 to promote the benefits of trails in their trail moments project. It was a lot of fun and was well received. Conversations continued, I mentioned my search for great rail trail(s) to highlight for a big ride and we learned the easternmost ~500 miles of the Great American Rail Trail was mostly complete and possible for a wheelchair. Excitement ensued!

Flying isn’t pretty

I then started wrapping my head around how this all would work. There were a lot of challenges. First off, the starting point is nearly 3000 miles away. Do I fly? Drive my tired minivan? Then there was the question of surface and isolation along the route. It’s almost entirely dirt and there are four different sections where there are 10-mile segments with no vehicle access. What happens if my chair fails in the middle of one of these? Heat could be a real challenge. What if medical issues arise…

It’s easy to spiral into all of what could go wrong. I had to remind myself that life often begins at the edge of your comfort zone. I have a solid team, a firm grasp of the mechanics of my chair and a lot of experience doing long rides. Sure, all sorts of problems could arise, but that’s where I thrive. Problem solving and enduring are things that really motivate me and this was an adventure I didn’t want to miss.

A ride to remember

The titillating aspects of the trail were just too great to ignore. Starting the whole thing off at our nation’s capital, a mecca of advocacy. There are many dark, old railroad tunnels to pass through. Traveling the Great Allegheny Passage that has historic points of interest galore. Rolling through Pittsburgh, The City of Bridges, and seeing the Americana associated with this area. Finally, the finish line was quite near Elyria Ohio, the headquarters of Invacare, the manufacturer of my power wheelchair.

After setting the Guinness World Record earlier this year for the furthest distance traveled in 24 hours in a mouth-controlled power wheelchair, I really wanted to sit down with the people who make my chair. I live an active lifestyle and don’t ever miss a day out on the trail. Their chairs have held up for me for the past 14 years and I love to give credit where credit is due. Praise isn’t the only thing involved in the chat. Wheelchairs need to be designed for the user’s lifestyle. There should be modular improvements such as improved batteries, robust suspension and motors that provide both torque and speed for people to purchase out-of-pocket to fit their lifestyle.

However, this is not just a wheelchair manufacturer issue. Wheelchair manufacturers are in business to make money. The vast majority of chairs they sell in the US are purchased through Medicare or private insurance. Most private insurances base their coverage on what Medicare allows. Medicare has this lousy, antiquated stipulation that they will only financially cover wheelchairs and wheelchair features for in-home access. This stipulation dates back to 1965 and is outdated and ableist. Access to the outdoors should be a human right. Medicare will often deny things like tiedown hooks on your chair, lighting, or batteries that allow you a full day of recreation. It’s frustrating and does not take into account any of the benefits of being outdoors.

We need change!!!

I’m a huge advocate for getting outside and that’s because my quality of life has been so improved by spending time in the outdoor space. My spasticity is severe, and I’m reluctant to keep taking more medication to manage it. The best thing I can do is go bounce around. The body wants to move and I can really manage my spasms by regular outings on a local trail. The needs of an individual are greater than just being able to move from your bedroom to your living room. This discourages physical activity and encourages a sedentary life which can often lead to poor health. Furthermore, access to the outdoors provides a high quality of life that prevents decline of mental health. Medicare needs to address this issue and acknowledge these features improve people’s independence and allow them to live fruitful, productive lives.

I’ll step down from my soapbox and get back to the big ride!

Dr B & Jimmy are the dream team!

Anyway, I knew I couldn’t do this on my own, so I projected the Ian’s Ride logo at the closest cloud, and soon Josh Blaustein (Dr. B) and Jimmy Quenelle had signed on to ride their bikes with me for the 12-day adventure. Dr. B is always proud to mention that he has rode every mile with me of every Ian’s Ride event that’s ever occurred. Jimmy’s not far behind. This kind of friendship and support is phenomenal. I could never do these kinds of adventures without a lot of help. These two continue to help me to push my limits and demonstrate what’s possible for people of all abilities. Thanks guys!

I also need support when I’m not on the trail. For the first week of the trek, I will have one of my all-star caregivers, Edwin, and the second week my dad will fly in to see me to the finish. I’ll also have my mom along for assistance. She helps with the caregiving, social media posts and driving the SAG wagon.

We love ride alongs!

We will be doing frequent social media posts on all platforms throughout each of the days and will be doing daily blogs describing our experience. We encourage folks to join along if they live nearby any of the sections we travel through. We welcome all modes of transport, but wheelchairs are particularly encouraged to join; we travel between 7 and 8 mph but are happy to slow down for a few miles if needed. We are also big fans of beer, so love any recommendations of breweries along the way. I’ve outlined our route for each day below. Please contact us if you have any interest in connecting.

We have decided to do a bit of a split route near the end of the ride. The easternmost ~80 miles of the GART still have a number of incomplete sections, so we decided to skip those and spend the last two days enjoying the completed trail into Columbus.

I’m now off to finalize some logistics, quadruple check the packing list, pray to the old gods and the new that everything works out and get ready to head off in just over a week. Super excited about this adventure! #GetOutside

Proud partner of:


Sea to Sound 2022

We did it! There were 80+ participants over the three days and more than enough volunteers to keep everyone supported. We traveled nearly 70 miles, saw some incredible beauty and made some great new friends. Let me take a moment to describe Sea to Sound 2022. Well, a large moment, I didn’t want to leave anything out.

Preparation

We are always aiming to improve this event year after year. To help make that happen we really took to heart all the feedback we had gotten from previous years. We hold several volunteer meetings starting six months before the event so that we can all stay on track. This early prep helps keep surprises to the minimum.

We got a new shuttle!

Then there is creating the logo for the year, picking out and purchasing the swag, reaching out to 12 different agencies to inquire about permitting, acquiring sponsors and spreading the word. It’s a lot of work, but the end result makes it well worth it. We had an additional challenge this year, our personal shuttle died on us in 2021. So, we needed a new one. It really came down to the wire, and we secured one less than 10 days before the event.

Finally, with two weeks leading up to the event, I reached out to every participant I knew had unique needs and chatted with them on the phone or via email. We wanted to ensure that we had the required support for all the variety of needs. After those discussions, we crossed our fingers and hoped all our preparation would payoff.

Heading off to the start of day one

Nerves are always high when heading out in the morning for the first day of this event. We have everyone park at the end of the day’s route and then shuttle them to the beginning so they are riding to their vehicle throughout the day. But questions arise… Do we have enough shuttle space for everyone? What about trucks and trailers to carry all the bikes, trikes and other mobility equipment? Fortunately, we have a good idea from registration numbers and all the communication with participants.

Ready for some serious forest bathing!

Despite some slight delays from local construction, we were able to get started pretty close to the start time of 11 AM. Here we were, dozens of cyclists, wheelchairs, trikes and other apparatuses all meeting up in the woods in the middle of nowhere for a fantastic adventure. Before we headed off, we all gathered behind the huge, blue Invacare arch to hear me acknowledge our sponsors and give a little info about the day. The next thing you know, we were off on the perfectly smooth black trail that was lightly scattered with leaf litter.

Incredible beauty!

It’s hard to adequately describe the beauty of this day. You are dwarfed on the trail by towering Douglas Firs and Red Cedars. Their moss-covered trunks are highlighted by the sword fern filled understory. It really is a full immersive experience of a Pacific Northwest Forest. It’s also so quiet, with only the sounds of squirrels, birds and other participants to distract you from the captivating surroundings.

Jon Snyder experiencing a day in a power chair

Throughout the weekend we also try to create some awareness from policymakers on the value of accessible infrastructure. We found a great way to do this was to invite policymakers to come spend 5 to 10 miles in a power wheelchair along with all of our participants to spend a day in our wheels. It offers them a unique experience where they can see the importance of trail maintenance and the benefits everyone gets from outdoor recreation. For the first and second section of day one we had Jon Snyder, a Senior Policy Advisor for Jay Inslee, Washington state’s governor. It was really great chatting with him about the benefits of outdoor recreation and access for all.

Our smallest participant

We had no shortage of muscle on bikes to help individuals with mobility challenges get up some of the steeper hills or to help out in any other way. There are three aid stations on this day, each about 5 miles apart. These offer food, drink and shuttling opportunities to move to another aid station or to their vehicle. These also offer a great opportunity to sit and chat with other participants and make valuable connections.

Big thanks to our sponsor of the day: Sequim Bee Farm!

We arrived at our second aid station around 1:30 PM to enjoy a delicious lunch provided by Country Aire Natural Foods. Those sandwiches were a hit! Big thanks to Country Aire! Our lunch aid station offered other entertainment as well. We had a talented musician whose soft strumming of the guitar made for a very pleasant lunch. Thank you, Paul Beck! We even had corn hole set up along the trail for those who wanted a little extra fun during lunch.

Connections being made

With such variety of mobilities, everyone moves at a different pace. Some cyclists choose to enjoy the group for a mile or two and then head off and enjoy the trail at a faster pace. Many others will stick with the group throughout the day and help those who might need it. I tend to lead the way from each stop and then pull over after ½ mile and greet everyone as they go by before checking on those at the end of the line. We really try to keep on schedule, but also not rush anyone.

Chatting with Heidi Eisenhour

We picked up a couple more dignitaries in power wheelchairs at the last aid station of the day. Heidi Eisenhour, a Jefferson County Commissioner and Mike French, a Port Angeles City Council Member who is also running for County Commissioner. They both had a unique experience in a power wheelchair and got to see firsthand some of the challenges we deal with on a daily basis.

“We get by with a little help from our friends”

The final leg of the day is pretty phenomenal. You ride for miles along the banks of Lake Crescent where there is no vehicle access. It’s very quiet and requires effort to access this beautiful spot, which makes everyone appreciate it that much more. The day concludes with a bit of a hill which is bittersweet. Many of the power wheelchairs are out of battery but it allows our volunteers a chance to shine and make sure everyone gets pushed to the top.

All in all, it was a great day on the trail and it really set the mood for the weekend. People were tired but proud of their accomplishment. The looks of achievement on faces made us feel like we were doing something right. We then finished the day off back at my house where some participants and volunteers returned to discuss the day over dinner around a roaring bonfire. There was lots of laughter.

The stunning Elwha River and bridge

Each day offers such unique scenery. The first day is entirely in the woods, where the second day offers much more variety. We start at the Elwha River and slowly climb a couple hundred feet over 4 miles before descending into the town of Port Angeles. You then spend several miles along the waterfront before climbing into a wooded, hilly area. Finally, the day concludes through farmland and a small industrial center.

It is one of our longer days at 24 miles and there’s always a slightly smaller start at the Elwha because many wheelchairs choose to start at the waterfront. All shuttles were on time and we only had a short hold up due to a wrong key for a gate.

Heading out for day two!

We came along to the first aid station quite quickly and all enjoyed a snack before heading off to the waterfront. When we arrived there our numbers swelled and many were commenting on how lucky we got with the weather. This is often a slower section, not because of hills or challenge, but because so many people want to stop and take pictures. A good problem to have.

Thanks to Rails to Trails Conservancy for their continued support. Heading out on the waterfront section.

After the 5-mile waterfront section we got to our third aid station and enjoyed lunch. This time we were entertained by not one, but two local musicians! Dan and his daughter Katie had a great sound that everyone appreciated and gathered around while enjoying their sandwich. Thank you so much guys!

The hilly section was next and I usually discourage power wheelchairs from doing these 5 miles due to the chip seal surface and steep hills. It can really drain a battery. However, I may start pushing folks to give it a try because it offers its own unique beauty and challenge. Batteries be damned!

Dan and Katie providing delightful lunch entertainment

It was clear sailing after this part. We enjoyed a quick aid station at Lewis Road where we met up with everyone who was shuttled from lunch. From there the trail is very smooth and travels through fields with some occasional cattle. The hawks and other birds of prey are prevalent in this section and many people stop to capture photos. Our final aid station for the day was at the scenic Robin Hill Park where we met up with Nicole from the Sequim Wheelers, an organization that offers free wheelchair bike rides for folks that cannot ride a bike themselves. We also met up with Brian King. He is currently running for County Sheriff and we invited him out to experience the trail for 5 miles. It was impactful.

Loretta taking in the Morse Creek Bridge

The final leg was quick and easy. We were treated with an air show at the Sequim Valley Airport as the trail runs parallel to the runway. Less than a mile past this we hit the finish line where we were greeted under the Invacare arch with hoots and hollers, cowbells and more feelings of accomplishment. It’s hard not to smile with so many people making a ruckus and cheering on your achievement.

And he did!!

We were especially fortunate on this day to have been offered a space to gather just 1/8 of a mile from the finish line at the home of our friend and sponsor Steve Smith of Northwest Drains. He allowed us to use his impressive, large beautiful lawn to mingle but also cooked 30 pounds of pork for some fantastic tacos that he provided to all participants and volunteers. Huge thanks to Steve and Kristin Smith! Furthermore, our friend and sponsor Rick from the New Moon Craft Tavern brewed a special beer labeled just for the event and some extra brew to share with the crowd. We really appreciate you Rick!

Serious appreciation of the porta potty!

Our final day kicked off at Carrie Blake Park in Sequim. We had lucked out on weather once again and we had a warm, fun packed day ahead. One challenge that isn’t mentioned enough from Sea to Sound is making sure there is an accessible bathroom available at every aid station, starting point and finishing point. That is 18 different locations over the three days and no easy feat. The best way we have found to provide the service is to trailer an accessible porta potty throughout the route over the entire weekend. One of our main sponsors, and close friend Buddy Depew from Sequim Bee Farm is who we have to thank for getting this to every access point which provides everyone with clean sanitation services. You rock Buddy!

The bottom is way down there!

This day starts with hills right off the bat and gets people’s blood pumping. The first section has wooded areas with intermingled bridges and trestles before going through Sequim Bay State Park and finishing at the Jamestown Tribal Center. It’s one of our longest stretches without aid at 7 miles. We enjoyed some tasty snacks and got hydrated before heading off towards our next aid station where lunch awaited us.

The sandwiches from Sunny Farms were both yummy and cheerful!

The smooth trail surface continues for another mile before turning into a very quiet road. Soon after, you hit a short, half mile singletrack section that is always a bit of an adventure for everyone. You are enclosed in a tunnel of trees and bushes while navigating one of the most bumpy sections of the weekend. This is followed by a brand-new section of trail that is smooth and scenic and delivers us to our lunch spot at Diamond Point Road. The sandwiches were spectacular and were all completely donated by Sunny Farms Country Store! They are amazing and we are grateful for them.

People helping people

There was one hiccup on the previous section where a participant went off the road in their chair. They ended up upside down with the chair on top of them. Fortunately, volunteers and other participants were able to get them back up right where our medic could give them a once over. Although scary, everyone was okay and the ride marched on.

After lunch there’s 4 miles of quiet road riding before arriving at a shuttle pickup point. Logistically this can be challenging because you’re trying to stay on schedule for the charter shuttle. Luckily all went well. We utilize a shuttle here to avoid ~15 miles of dangerous highway riding. We look forward to the day when this trail connection is complete and shuttles are no longer necessary.

These two hand cyclists, Ed and Lynn, joined us all the way from Vegas!

This final shuttle drop-off point is at the Milo Curry Trailhead which is the starting point for 7 ½ miles of the beautiful Larry Scott Trail. This is so much different than the ~60 previous miles. It’s a dirt trail that has some narrow, curvy sections that can be slightly challenging for some mobility devices. Fortunately, the surface is quite smooth and the narrow sections are few and far between. Everyone made it to the final aid station without a problem.

Addie leading the pack and finishing strong!

Ben Truelove shaking more than just his cowbell!

It was bittersweet heading off to the finish line. We were all fairly tired from the weekend but also didn’t want it to end. The final mile travels next to the waters of the Puget Sound as you come into Port Townsend. The final half mile is particularly exciting because you can see the finish line and Invacare arch, begin to hear the cheering and cowbells and see all of our volunteers and early participants grouped up to cheer you through the finish line. Again, hoots and hollers were in abundance and you couldn’t help but chuckle as you rode those final few feet. Many folks donned their finisher medals and there were lots of hugs, photos and congratulations.

Too cool!

Many of us then headed off down the road three quarters of a mile to the Pourhouse where we provided pizza which allowed people a final discussion about the ride. Everyone was reminiscing about the weekend and slowly coming down from the high of accomplishment. I was pleasantly surprised with a large cake that was made with this year’s Sea to Sound logo right in the center. It was awesome and tasty. Thank you Wanda!

Final Thoughts

We had done it. Traveled nearly 70 miles over three days with more than 80 participants throughout the weekend. However, we had done more than that. We completed the event with everyone happy and satisfied. The problems that arose were dealt with promptly and efficiently. We met some new, incredible friends, connected others and saw lively conversation throughout the three days. It was a success!

What an adventure!

I can’t wrap this up without acknowledging our amazing volunteers. I don’t know how we got so lucky to have people come from far and wide to our remote corner of the nation to ensure all participants are supported and have a great time. I don’t want to even try and list all the incredible people who make this possible, because I know I’ll miss a few. Just know, the only way this event can happen is with these phenomenal folks who give up their weekend to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for everyone involved.

So thankful for the volunteers

There is one volunteer who deserves particular acknowledgment. My mom, Teena Woodward. She is the volunteer coordinator and is orchestrating so much behind the scenes throughout the weekend. Months before that she is reaching out to anyone who has offered to help in getting them lined up to a suitable position. Her phone number is provided to every participant on a wristband at the beginning of day one. This means she’s also managing any participant who has a challenge or need throughout the weekend. It’s a mind-blowing number of balls to be juggling for three days and she does it year after year with a smile on her face.

Leading the circus and herding the cats, Teena Woodward wears many hats.

I also want to acknowledge our amazing sponsors. Many of them have been sponsors for all four years of our event and some have just recently joined the cause. Without these companies we would not have the funding to make this all happen. Thank you to all of our sponsors for your incredible support!

This event is always the highlight of my year. I get rejuvenated seeing the ODT through fresh eyes and being around so many like-minded people. It is a lot of work and money to put this event on, but every minute of work is justified by seeing those huge smiles out on the trail. Time to get to work on Sea to Sound 2023. Really hope you will come out and join us!

 

Proud partner of:

Guinness World Record

Wow! We did it, we surpassed the 173.9 miles that previously held the Guinness World Record for the furthest distance traveled in 24 hours using a mouth-controlled power wheelchair. It was one of the most challenging experiences of my life and I want to take a few minutes to bring you all up to speed on how it all happened. This is a lengthy post, skip ahead as needed.

Inception and Early Planning

Chang-Hyun Choi – The man who inspired me to go after his record.

I first became aware of the record in August of 2018, shortly after my cross Washington ride. It seemed pretty out of reach but I kept it on my radar. Fast-forward six months and I was finishing up filming an Apple commercial when the producer and I connected and began discussing some of my aspirations. I mentioned the world record and he said let’s do it and make a documentary around it. I was more encouraged. Fast-forward again to October 2020 when I was riding down the Redwood Coast with my team and got a message on social media from a man named Zane who mentioned he could greatly extend my range with a different style of lithium batteries. I was intrigued.

Long story short, Zane and I began chatting, I mentioned the world record and he offered his help to make it happen. I then started thinking of locations, what challenges a 24-hour ride would bring and recruiting help wherever I could. The president of my board, Deborah Nelson, mentioned a really cool half marathon track she had done in the Portland area. This brought Sauvie Island to my radar. After a little more research on the location and a drive down to visit, we knew it was the right fit.

Big thanks to Arc’teryx for outfitting our whole team!

With our location scouted and chosen, it was time to start thinking about day-of details. The main challenges that we expected were temperature management, protecting my skin, physical and mental fatigue and potential mechanical failure of the chair. 

High quality gear is how I keep warm year-round outside in the Pacific Northwest. Since before I was injured I've always admired the quality and style of Arc’teryx. I would always purchase their gear, but would often have to save up for a year to get a nice jacket. We reached out to them a few years ago and they agreed to partner with us. For this adventure, Arc’teryx has continued to be incredibly supportive. They agreed to outfit me and the team to help manage the temperature issues. Sweet! I would be plenty warm and look good doing it.

We didn’t develop much of a strategy to protect my skin. I’ve been very fortunate over the years to not experience skin breakdown and we hoped this would continue through the ride. It did.  

There was no getting around the exhaustion I was about to experience. In general, I’m not a caffeine drinker, but coffee became a good friend during the ride, and was second only to the constant good company from friends, family, and supporters. 

In any big event, Mechanical failure is a real concern. I rely on my chair to get from A to B every day, but this was a new challenge altogether, and one with a time constraint. Failure was not an option and we needed backup! All we could do was bring duplicate or triplicate of any parts that could potentially break. Our local Invacare rep was able to bring down a second wheelchair so we could steal parts if needed.

Stats

The Guinness requirements for evidence are quite robust. They want 24-hour video evidence of completion. GPS data of the attempt in KML format (basically just Strava). They want lots of photo evidence. They require two witnesses/timekeepers to be on shift at all times and they can only work four-hour shifts. These individuals must also be independent, meaning they do not know me or anyone involved with the attempt. A surveyor must evaluate the course to ensure that the overall attempt is not made downhill. Finally, you need proof that the power wheelchair is commercially available. A number of boxes to check.

Chair Preparation and Logistics

Our original plan – design a faster chair. Unfortunately it didn't work out in time…

Before we had received the Guinness guidelines for the attempt, we obviously had to have a chair to do it in. The chair I was in at the time (Invacare TDX SR) did just over 7 mph but had incredible range. Zane, who works as an engineer for Boeing, mentioned he had a way of doubling my speed and helping me extend my range using individual lithium battery cells made into a pack. The doubling my speed involved doubling the voltage of the chair. There was a ridiculous amount of work to make this happen and Zane was incredible throughout the whole process. The intention was to use this faster chair but with some supply chain issues, an incredible amount of wiring and soldering and limited time we had to move to Plan B a month or so before the attempt. This also calmed my conscience because the chair technically would not be a commercially available, unaltered wheelchair.

So instead, we decided to go with my daily driver Invacare SP2 power chair that has high-speed motors on it. I knew I could average at least 8.5 mph and doing the math it was completely possible. The batteries we had been working on transitioned right into the new chair and I was instantly transformed from 16 miles of range to more than 80 on a single charge. I immediately took advantage of my newfound freedom doing big 20- and 30-mile days in the weeks leading up to the attempt.

Head mechanic – Russ Woodward extraordinaire!

I go out riding a lot, like daily. In fact, I haven’t missed a day outside in well over five years. Doing this in the Pacific Northwest really puts wear on many different components. My stepdad, Russ, is the incredible human who keeps my chair going day after day. This project required even more intense maintenance. Be it fine tuning my sip and puff arm, installing canopy mounts, making my phone mounts just right, swapping out all the casters and lubricating all pivot points, he has always been there. My gratitude for his work through this process can’t be understated. It truly was a team effort.

A sampling of my awesome crew

Anyway, I sent an email to all the cyclists in my life who have supported me along the way and invited them to join me on solstice. My first calls were to Dr. B and Jimmy, these two do all of my rides with me. It was crucial that I have a variety of people to talk with and regale me with stories while circling that island more than 14 times. Most everyone agreed.

Dominic and Corbett – two great new friends!

Throughout all of this, we were working with the documentary crew, Dominic and Corbett, to further organize logistics. It was super kind of them to take on this project and they certainly upped my excitement leading up to it. However, they both became much more than a film crew to us by the end of the event. The support and love these two showed was heartwarming and ever so thoughtful. They helped with everything. Securing permits, keeping everyone fed, organizing volunteers and witnesses, and keeping good relations with the island locals. Most of all, their excitement and positivity were infectious. So thankful for these new friends.

The day before the event we arrived at our air B&B in the afternoon and unpacked. We got some dinner and then went out to the island for a quick test lap with the sun low. We learned a few things. Sauvie Island is absolutely beautiful, I was able to average north of 8.6 mph on the loop, temperatures drop fast when the sun sets, and finally, there are a lot of bugs out at dusk.

It's on!

We got me some safety glasses, reevaluated my clothing options, enjoyed a cold beer and tried to settle in to get some sleep before the big day. Sleep was hard to come by but I relaxed and laid in bed much longer than usual. I did not want to be in my chair longer than necessary. I believe I got transferred in around 3 PM and spent the next few hours relaxing with the crew before arriving at the island around 6:30 PM.

I had 90 minutes before starting my most difficult endurance effort yet. I spent that time chatting with all the folks who came out to see me off or to ride the first lap with me. A good friend Ian Ruder arrived shortly after and made everyone chuckle with some very amusing shirts he had made. It was me and the current world record holder with chiseled bodies going head-to-head like it was street fighter. The attention to detail is what really made these shirts amazing. I felt calm and lighthearted as the start time neared.

The 24 Hours

Preparing to depart

Minutes before 8 PM on solstice night everyone mounted their bikes and I gave a quick speech about our plans and waited for the final countdown. We started later in the evening to get the difficult night section out of the way first. I did end up forgetting one layer that I intended to wear from the start, some beautiful weather chaps from Diestco with checkered vans screen-printed on the feet. After completing one lap we quickly put the weather chaps on and added an additional puffy coat layer.

The first six hours were a breeze. Me and the crew enjoyed the night air and spent plenty of time chitchatting and goofing off. I would also be making notes of the things I needed at the next pitstop. Often things like water, a banana, fix one of the go pros, or 100 other little things that can’t be done while moving.

Well lit at night

For lights I mainly relied on the factory lights and taillights/flashers that come with an SP2. I did include one extra bike light that I had plugged into a battery pack. However, we had a follow vehicle so there really was no shortage of light. At 1:41 AM the moon rose which also helped the situation.

One amusing experience we had around 3 AM was when a skunk darted out in front of me and immediately crossed to the road and started running with us from the other shoulder. I was a bit nervous to pass it up at first and everyone gave it adequate space. But eventually, we had to get by so I bravely started passing him up and he jumped into the bushes. That could have been bad…

A big challenge I didn’t expect was dealing with nutrition and hydration. I love a good authentic carne asada burrito and was hopeful that would get me through a good portion of the 24 hours. Instead, I didn’t want anything during most breaks. You’re just focusing on keeping the break as short as possible and I can’t drive a sip and puff with food in my mouth. So, I mostly went with a liquid diet, relying heavily on Ensure. I enjoyed a banana, granola bar and an apple but mainly I didn’t eat much. Similar with water. I should’ve rigged something up so I could be drinking on the go, it just gets a little sketchy when I have to take my mouth off of my steering straw to take a sip. Either way, the burrito may not have been the best plan.

Jimmy Quenelle – we missed you buddy!

I’ve mentioned repeatedly how amazing our crew is. What I didn’t mention is that one of our key players wasn’t able to attend. Jimmy, my bestie, tested positive for COVID days before his flight to Portland. We were all devastated, as was he. He did call me moments before the 24-hour excursion and encouraged me to take it hour by hour, lap by lap. It was good advice, wrapping your head around 24 hours of riding is really hard, focusing on the next hour is much more manageable. Video calls from him throughout the night and following day really helped keep my energy up.

I utilized my phone continuously throughout the ride. I could use voice control or switch control while circling the track to entertain myself with social media or texting back the people who were reaching out with encouragement. It was just one more distraction that helped me continue on.

Sunrise just after 5 AM was a welcome sight. My temperature continued downward, and I knew with the rising sun would come warmer temperatures. Unfortunately, it takes a while before the sun can do its thing and start warming me up. I was cold, right about 95.0 and I really didn’t want to dip into the 94’s. Shortly after sunrise I did get in my van with the heater cranking for about 15 minutes. Not sure it upped my core temperature, but the psychological boost was appreciated. I also had my 1st cup of coffee in 12 years around this time. That stuff works!

Leaving my 15 minute warm space

I hit my first serious wall right around 8 AM. I’d been riding for 12 hours; my eyes were getting heavy and I was having trouble finding distraction. My crew had been staying back, giving me space. Making it back to base camp was really hard. I was emotionally down. My body was tired and sore, had doubt on if I could finish and I certainly didn’t want to let everyone down. A lot goes through your mind and it’s easy to start getting negative. There was a noticeable difference in me when I made it to the pitstop. I took care of my needs and told the cyclists where I was at. Once we started up again, they started firing off riddles and jokes galore to ensure I had some stimulation. I can say with 100% certainty, they carried me through that low spot and any others that came after. I really can’t emphasize enough how much I needed fresh faces, conversation and just general encouragement. You can’t do this alone, or at least I couldn’t. Relying on others to help when things get tough is part of being a human being. You help those around you and reach out for help when it’s needed. None of us are an island.

Going strong 14 hours in!

There were other big milestones and happenings that really lifted me up. Having different cyclists coming and going with different stories and voices really helped keep my mind occupied. When I crossed the 100-mile mark I felt a lot of joy. For so many years a century in a wheelchair seemed so out of reach. Having my family involved really boosted spirits. My mom drove the follow car at 8 ½ mph ensuring our safety for hours upon hours. Then, having my dad out there with his huge white beard on a One Wheel (basically a motorized skateboard). That man rode over 50 miles to help me reach my goal. In addition,

So thankful for support

About 9 or 10 AM my temperatures had started to go up and I was back in the 96s. I now had to prepare for some warmer temps for the rest of the ride. We stripped the puffy coat, weather chaps and safety glasses and put on my canopy and sunglasses. Something else to note, as a high quad I have some difficulty managing my blood pressure. Sitting up for long periods of time tends to make it low and me feel a little lightheaded. Every time I came into a pitstop, I immediately tilted. This gave my butt at least five minutes of pressure release and gave me a brief reprieve from the lightheadedness.

Things started to get tough again around noon. The wind had picked up, which was nice because it kept it cool, but it also made for a pretty strong headwind for 1/3 of the loop. It made it more difficult on the riders, brought pollen into the eyes and made it near impossible to use voice control on my phone. My body was also really feeling the miles and the loop was beginning to feel repetitive.

Our numbers were swelling to the high single digits!

I still had plenty of motivation. I watch my average mph like a hawk. I was averaging 8.64 mph throughout the first six hours but I began to get complacent during the coldest time of night and early morning. I had dropped down to 8.58 mph and didn’t like seeing the downward trend. By noon I was up to 8.60 and felt like I was performing as I should. It also starts to feel like the end is in sight when there’s only eight hours to go. Finally, seeing the numbers of people at our base camp grow and other wheelchair users there to cheer me on was a serious confidence boost.

Celina and Dr. B – had my back from start to finish. Love you both!

This is probably a good time to acknowledge two very special individuals. Celina Smith and Josh Blaustein. Celina, my girlfriend of 3+ years is not a cyclist. Don’t get me wrong, we love going on bike rides together and she really pushed her limits on our practice ride of 12 hours. But we were 16 hours in and she was still going strong. Chatting up whoever was joining us at that time, checking on me as needed and peddling her ass off the whole time. I could not love her more; she did not stop until the end and was with me from start to finish. I have the same to say about Josh Blaustein. This man first got me interested in bike touring before I was injured and has supported me to continue that passion even though now, I utilize a power wheelchair. He has been with me through every mile on Ian’s Rides. His calm demeanor, quick wit and fierce determination make him one of my closest friends. Did I mention he was my chemistry professor in college and that jerk gave me a B!

By far the most difficult part of the whole endeavor was the final three laps, more or less the final five hours. The miles felt long and it seemed like time had moved to a crawl. My body was spent and I was holding onto any positivity and encouragement I could. When I finally would make it to the pitstop it felt amazing to just stop moving and tilt back. I tried to drink as much water as I could and get a few calories in my belly, but just being still was what my body was craving. However, I kept these stops short and did not want to linger longer than I had to. Probably the most difficult part of the entire 24 hours was after those three pitstops. Forcing myself to tilt back up, bring the straw to my lips and start another loop. I was determined, but most of all I had this incredibly confident energy surrounding me by so many supporters and loved ones. Failure was not an option.

Heading out on that final lap…

This is where you really embrace the misery. I knew it would be very difficult to accomplish my goal and expected some really hard times. I had found them and I had to deal with them somehow. I complained plenty, but I also really tried to suck it up and be in the moment, recognizing how my body was feeling and how my mind was rebelling. Understanding that this is what endurance athletes go through. I’m still not sure I qualify as an endurance athlete, but I have experienced some of the same psychological challenges. Success depends on digging deep and harnessing anything you can. I harnessed that misery. I knew it wouldn’t last forever and I just had to endure. Endure I did.

At the beginning of lap 15 we knew we had less than 2 miles to go to surpass the previous record. It was still hard to tilt up and grab that straw, but victory was within reach and the excitement was higher than ever. Approaching the 174-mile mark, Celina and Josh came up to the front and rode on either side of me. We were very emotional and so happy to be doing this together. I carefully watched the fractions of a mile go by until we crossed the mark. There were huge cheers and hollering from the cyclists behind us while Celina, Josh and I celebrated quietly and emotionally upfront and on the move. You see we couldn’t stop, we had to at least finish that lap. 10 more miles to go…

We did it!

After that, the final lap was more of a victory lap. All the cyclists came up to congratulate me and I got to chitchat all the way to the finish line. As we approached that line, all of our supporters were there making quite the commotion. We had done it. We had traveled 184.4 miles. All the planning, organizing, training and hard work had paid off. There were cameras and microphones all over the place. A couple local news stations wanting interviews and smiles everywhere. Kissing Celina and finishing with my family brought tears to my eyes and the emotions were high once again.

Lots of love at the finish line

It was the hardest thing I’ve ever chosen to do. It was also one of the more rewarding. I believe that’s why people choose to put themselves through experiences like this. It’s an emotional roller coaster with some really low lows, but the elation, feeling of accomplishment and achievement once you finish is phenomenal. It’s overcoming the many challenges and doing it with your friends and family that brings all the good feels. I don’t know what’s in my future, I do know that I’m really proud of my accomplishment and my heart is full from all those who were there to help me make it happen. Time for some well-earned rest.

My Papa

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I lost one of the most influential people in my life last night, my grandfather Glenn Dawson. He was 84 years old and one of my best friends. He died at home surrounded by his family and we got to be with him through his final breath. Our whole family is devastated and we have a giant hole in our heart, but I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you how he influenced me.

 

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My middle name is Glenn and I’ve always been so proud to be his namesake and have that connection with him. When I was young, he would take me camping, fishing, and enshrined in me a love of the outdoors. We would explore and he would talk to me about our surroundings in his soft, warm, easy-going voice. During our trips in his boat or motorhome there would always be music playing. Be it old country ballads, or wonderful classic country singers telling stories through their songs, I developed a love of storytelling and old-timey tunes from that man.

 

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More than that, he taught me how to treat people. He was kind, humble, and filled with grace. He had a calm demeanor and you always felt at ease around him. His sense of humor was outstanding, most often a dry clever wit and you had to pay attention to not miss those subtle jokes. He could connect with anyone with his humor. He also had the most incredible love for his family. His eyes would light up when he would talk about my brother Adam or his amazing granddaughter Becca. His love of family was so strong that he put up with months and months of painful agony to get another week, day, or hour with those loved ones around him. It was clearly so difficult for him in the final months, but he was always selfless enough to ask how you were and tell you he loves you.

 

He was an amazing husband to my grandmother and taught me how to be a partner. He was plenty ornery at times, but overall, he loved his wife with all his heart and expressed it frequently. Watching the two of them dance would always fill my heart with joy. He wrote great poems. They were silly but they were heartfelt and I have strived to replicate them in my adulthood. He had a huge heart and wanted those closest to him to be the absolute best they could be. He would admonish me if I was overly critical of my grandmother or mom, ensuring that I see things from their point of view.

 

He taught me to be industrious and creative. In his prime he was a heavy equipment operator and had a career in the dirt moving business. I was fortunate to work at the company that he helped create for a couple of years in my late teens. The tales I would hear about his prowess on a tractor from the older employees made him sound larger-than-life. I still get to hear those tales from my father and brother who still work for that company. He built my crib and my first childhood bed. He was a fabulous woodworker and made some of the most beautiful bowls, pens, and trinkets I have ever seen. We would talk for hours about the subtle grain differences in different hardwoods.

 

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For the past five years or so I tried not to miss a day visiting my Papa. As soon as I was up in my chair, I would be heading over to his garage to see what he was up to. We did a lot of mouth painting together, we would tease each other endlessly, I would watch him turn wood for hours on end, then watch him meticulously clean everything up so he was ready to start again tomorrow. Ultimately, our time in that garage was about so much more than woodworking. It was about a grandfather and grandson bonding and sharing life together. So often we would just sit and talk. Sometimes we’d just try to make each other laugh and other times we’d lift each other up from whatever was hurting our heart or body that day. He was my best friend and I’ll never forget the hundreds of hours we racked up together in that garage.

 

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It’s really hard saying goodbye, but I have no doubt my mind that I’m the man I am today because of my Papa. He’ll always be with me and we have a connection much deeper than life or death. I am so damn fortunate to have a mountain of memories of an incredible man who lived a beautiful life. My heart is heavy from loss but full to the brim from all the love he gave me throughout my life. We lost a really special man yesterday and now I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make him proud. I love you Papa.