tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35208683023360813672024-03-14T07:26:04.840-07:00Kenny Wingfield - MS RideKenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-47290446150794634532018-07-14T17:23:00.001-07:002018-07-14T17:23:46.565-07:00July 13th on July 14th ...Hello all !!! Much has been happening lately !!! The biggest happening is the publishing of my new book: "All I Ever Wanted To Be ...". It is my story of my personal struggles with my health related issues over the years ... along with the triumphs that have also been a HUGE part of my blessed life !!!<br />
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Usually on Friday the 13th, one hears of bad luck happening !! Well, I had an incident yesterday thqt wqs completely at the other end of the spectrum !!! I had just finished a ride of 24+ mile3ws nd had returnee to my car at Vic Thomas parking lot next to Black Dog Salvage.<br />
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As I pulled up behind my car, I was sitting there debating how to dismount and load it up. Of course I know how to do both ... having done so many times. But I was both hot and tired after this ride which had included some good climbing this day. As I lifted my body up to the rear bumper of my Subaru, A couple pulled into the spot across the lot from my vehicle. As they exited their car, they asked if they could "Give me a hand"? I probably looked that pathetic! just as their question came from their mouth, I broke in to hysterical laughter and said sure.<br />
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They came across the parking lot and gave me a hand loading the trike into the car. A conversation began and I asked where they were from. Iowa was their response. And I advised I had ridden in 3 RAGBRAI bike tours over the years. They were familiar with that ride and said it was about to begin as it is held the last full week of July. I also aked if they knew anyone who had Multiple Sclerosis. One of them indicated they had several relatives that had lived 2ith it. And NOW@ for the MOST embarrassing part of this story ... His name is Vic and, for the life of me, in an M.S. moment, I cannot remember her bane at this time. <br />
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I then asked if they were readers and she indicated that she was so I asked her to look at my book which was recently released. I shared a couple stories and why I was selling them. She went and grabbed her purse and purchased one on the spot. She even handed me a $20 and said keep the change which I told her ALL cash collected over $12.50 went to the MSAV.<br />
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So, just from a happenstance meeting ... A person that was already being helpful went even deeper to make a difference. All I can ask at this point is, should she read this BLOG .. PLEASE email me your name so I don't beat myself too badly trying to recall it !!! <br />
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And I will keep you posted if I do get her name and I hope you will follow along and help me out as well by buying a copy of "All I Ever Wanted To Be ... " And as I am sure you will soon hear, if you don't know already ... Books may be purchased through me here, at Cardinal Bicycle, Virginia Prosthetic on Williamson Road and on August 11th, there will be a book signing at Cardinal Bicycle from 10 - 2. I hope to see some of you there !!![[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[<br />
<br />Kenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-66677703868411064722018-04-10T18:18:00.002-07:002018-04-10T18:18:44.988-07:00Telephone call today ... 4/10/18Today I called Roanoke Outdoors and spoke with an individual that I had worked with, initially, last year when I tried to get into the Blue Ridge Marathon as a hand crank cyclist. Needless to say ... and for reasons I will not reopen at this tuime ... I was not allowed to enter.<br />
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In November of 2017, I went online to the Blue Ridge Marathon website and tried registering for the 2018 BRM. I was completely honest with my application listing my illnesses and medications. The site ACCEPTED my application AND my payment. I was even sent an email congratulating me for entering the BRM.<br />
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In December 2017, I injured my elbow requiring surgery to repair on 12/27. This repair became infected and required a second surgery on January 19th to remove original repairs, cleanse the wound and redo the procedure. This was effective and I was released to ride on March 15th. There was not enough time to effectually train fore this years BRM. <br />
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After speaking with my counsel, John Litchenstien, we decided not to ride this year and to give me a year to properly train for the event in 2019. Additionally, John had plans to be out of town during this period and was not prepared to go forwards. I knew he was right and agreed to hold off until next year.<br />
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As April 10th, I had heard nothing from Roanoke Outdoors about my application so I gave a call to the person I had spoken with last year. I asked if they had even review2ed the applications yet and the reply was "NO". O advised that I had registered and had recieved my confirmation # and congratulatory email. I then advised that I was not going to be able to participate this year due to my injury. As I understood ... it was apparent I would not have been allowed to participate any way. I advised I had already requested a "deferral" to the 2019 BRM and that had been accepted. <br />
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I then advised that I had an attorney and w2ould be persueing legal action in Federal Court to be allowed to participate due to Discrimination Against aa Disabled Athlete. The call was quickly ended after that point and it appears I will be having my day in Court on this matter.<br />
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I then called John Litchenstien's office and spoke with his legal assistant, who remembered me, and was forwqrded on th John's voice mail for his review upon his return. Whether or not I am ruled or or against ... I WILL stand my ground for what I feel is right !!!<br />
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<br />Kenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-43433082596769116142018-04-01T07:29:00.002-07:002018-04-01T07:29:37.102-07:00April 1, 2018 ... I'm NOT foolin' !!!Hello ALL !!! It's not a ghost writer ... It's really me !!! I know I have been gone a while but I am back. I have had a tough few months here lately ... I had my hi[ replaced last October 31st and it has done great! The in December when I was just starting to ride my hand crank again I was struck down ... w2here it could possibly cause me the most harm ... After riding my handcrank, I came home and was getting my walker out of my car when IT happened ...<br />
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As I was getting the walker, it felt like a hot poker was being into my elbow !!! It hurt so much that I let out a scream that startled even me! Thinking I had just pinched a nerve ... I kept on keeping on .. The pain backed off but never went away. After a couple days I called my {.A. and went to see3 him.<br />
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He looked at it a moment and went to get another Dr. ... Dr. Jeremy Smalley, the new Doc at Virginia Orthopedic. He ordered an MRI and set another appointment. When the verdict came in ... I had tore the tendon and muscle in my left elbow. Surgery was set for December 27th. After the surgwery, I was sent home after two days. The wound never really healed and it was found out that it had become infected.<br />
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A second surgery was set for January 19th to take out and clean up then re do the tear. The next appointment was set for March `5th .... At least it was the appointment I was looking for ... The one to release me to begin riding my hand crank trike again !!!<br />
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Since then, I have only ridden about 41 miles, but I am back in the saddle!!! The muscle in the left elbow has atrophied greatly since the initial injury but I am back riding and lifting weights to regain some of what I had just five months ago. It is a struggle but, my life has been a struggle and I have NEVER quit giving my all !!! <br />
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So, now that I am back ... you will have to come back to follow my progress !!! The Blue Ridge Marathon is not going to happen this year so I have set my training focus for the Colonial Crossroads MS-150 on June 2-3 this year .... So please come back and follow this dream !!!Kenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-57028557054000837822018-02-11T08:44:00.002-08:002018-02-11T08:44:28.260-08:00Hello Old Friends ...Hello All,<br />
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I am back after being gone for over 8 months now ... No real excuse ... just lazy I reckon. The last three months hve been a "blur" though !!! I had my left hip rplaced on Oct. 31st and tht hs done remarkably well !!! In December I had gone for a ride on my hand crank trike and as I arrived home I was taking my walker out of the back of my car when something like a HOT POKER sdhot through my left elbow. I monitored it a couple days but there was no improvement. I went to Orthopedic weho sent me for x-ray and MRI ... <br />
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It seems I had tore the tendon and muscle in my left elbow !!! NOT GOOD for a hand cyclist and someone that lifts weights during winter months !!! I had surgery to repair on December 27th but the wound never seemed to heal. I went back Jan' 16th and was determined the woumd was infected !!! Had surgery Jan. 19th to take out repair hardware and repair AS BEST COULD.<br />
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That is where I am now ... I just got "pick line" out Thursday but still on oral antibiotics. I go see elbow Dr. tomorrow, Feb 12th to find out current status. My dream of riding Blue Ridge Marathon this year is shot ... Last year I was "trained up" and ready but they shot thaqt down. This year I wa\\had an attorney ready to go to court if necessary for DISCRI<INATION AGAINST A DISABLED ATHLETE !!!<br />
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I guess now I have a yer to get trained up for the 2019 BRM ... I will not bow down or back out to what I see as blatant discrimination !!! They have no idea who I am if they think that will happen !!!<br />
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I am already registered for the Salem Half Marathon again this year after coming in first for the 60-64 year olds this year !!! And the race director is the same for this event as the BRM ... GO FIGURE !!!<br />
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Please come back and follow my BLOG as I promise to do better keeping it up !!! Email me anytime with questions or comments <a href="mailto:atkennyw@rev.net">at kennyw@rev.net</a> ... Have a GREAT day !!!<br />
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KennyKenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-79045333425631340412017-06-23T11:28:00.000-07:002017-06-23T11:28:29.982-07:00Wednesday, Thursday and FridayMy Family and Friends ,,,<br />
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I apologize for not getting out timely BLOGS for last couple of days. For some reason I could not make it happen at the hotel we were staying at in Williamsburg. We had driven ahead about 30 miles just to be able to stay at last hotel for two nights then drove back Wednesday to catch up the last real miles into Williamsburg ... Those last miles were real sweet as they were ALL on the Capital Greenway which runs from Richmond to Williamsburg ... Nice trail withg minimal hills and NO vehicle traffic except whebn crossing the route to change sides of the road. This haqs been another amazing cycling adventure to add to my list of REALLY COOL RIDES !!! Ridning for the MSAV haqs been expecially rewarding and fulfilling for me as well k!!! And riding with so many of my family and friends following me along this journey has been a real treat !!! You all artr the vest !!! Having friends such as you all is, I believer, a testament to my life which has in so many wys been BLESSED !!! And if you think this is mty last adventure ... You really don't know me very well !!! I am well aware that I must stay active in order to maintain ANY level of fitness and continued abikity to [articipate in events like these ... I also know father time is catching up to me as well but as long sas I have a long steep hill to keep going down ... father time is going to need to step it up to catch me !!! Once again ... I wish to thank each of you for following me along this journey ... It WAS challenging & fulfillinf !!! For your namy prayers nand good words ... I THANK YOU !!! For any financial donations to the MSAV ..,. I THANK YOU !!! And simoply put ... I THA NK EACH OF YOU FOR BEING THE FRIENDS THAT YOU ARE !!! THAT is mt BIGGEST blessing !!! Until our paths cross again ... either in person or out "on the road again" Nay the Lord Bless You & Keep You !!! May the wind be at your back and may the sun xhine warmly on your face !! {eace ,,, KennyKenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-12347468521068115172017-06-20T20:33:00.002-07:002017-06-20T20:33:42.180-07:00Tuesday Night Day 13 WOW, Can you even believe there are only two more riding days left in this years tour ?!?!? I dreamed about doing this ride for months, trained even longer and harder and before you know it ... There are only two days left !!!<br />
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And after the past 10 days ... today's ride was an absolute dream !!! almost NO hills !!! U<u>nlike most other days on this trip that included mountains and other long hills ... today had a lot of flat with grntly rolling hills with only a couple hills of any significance. I am glad and thankful for what I now see as some good training.</u><br />
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<u>The roads were mostly flat and for thatI was thankful. There is more that happened but unfortunaely my head is bobbing up & down like a see saw on a warm Spring day so <i> need to get some rest. </i></u><br />
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<u>I apologize my friends but my eyes are becoming very heavy ... I have not done s steller job representing thix journey and for that I apologize. I hope I am not disappointing anyone too nuch with my lack luster reporting and am <i> asking you to come back for my last night tomorrow >>> I hope not !!! Kenny</i></u><br />
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<u> </u>Kenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-85287264067320797092017-06-19T19:37:00.000-07:002017-06-19T20:03:22.709-07:00Monday June 19thWOW ... with one stroke my entire BLOG entry for tonite just disappeared !!! But As I was saying just moments ago: For the few of you that actually read my BLOGS. after today you will only three more days of this languish !!!<br />
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Today's day began just like any other day with a big breakfast to fuel a big day of hand cycling !!! That's right : Oatmeal. eggs. bacon, toast, Coffee and a danish !!! Yes, I ate all of that !!! And it was !!!<br />
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I started riding about 9:30 that morning after Wayne dropped me off near the end of yesterdays run. <br />
I rode by myself for over 19 miles Until Suzanne caught up with me almost by accident but we rode another 20+ miles before calling it a day and charging the higher rate ,,, as had been par for the course earlier this week ... rain didn't fall today until after the riding day was over ...<br />
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And just like knowing when the rain is going to fall ... and how to prevent it ,., trying to predict the course of multiple sclerosis ... It not going to happen ... So, with only three more of riding and blogging left I hope you cab control that excitement !!!<br />
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AKenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-52866927207000387382017-06-17T18:30:00.000-07:002017-06-17T18:30:53.092-07:00Wayneswboro (Afton Mountain) to Charlottesville June 17Good evening all !!! I trust each of you had a good Saturday !!! Even though I am in a new location tonite every day is full of many similarities ... even the hotels and the rooms all seem the same !!! Although I know they really are not ... I am truthfully feeling the fatigue creeping in on me ... As much as I enjoy cycling ... there are moments when my body just wants to say ENOUGH ALREADY !!! But then someone sees the sign on the side of my car and stops his vehicle to say he has MS and I am q1uickly brought back into the reality of just what this event is about ... raisning awareness aqbout Multiple Sclerosis and hopefully raise a liottle money for the MSAV !!!<br />
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Although last night was spent in Waynesboro, we did not actually ride teere but as there was no lodging on Afton, we decided to drop down into Waynesboro for a room.. As Brenda and Gloria had to part today ... Wayne and Juanita Gilespie came in to help Suzanne with the work needed to help keep this ol' guy rolling down the highway !!! Even folks back home are getting in on providing support and ALL efortrs are greatly appreciated !!!<br />
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It all began with a good breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express in Waynesboro !!! Then I sagged to Afton Mountain where there was some fog this morningf but not too heavy ... Then one of my favorite cycling aspects ... A FAST DECENT DOWN HILL ... WITH SOME GOOD TURNS !!! ;) The rest of the day consisted of back country roads around Albemarle County until we made a turn onto US Route 250 East right through the middle of town and UVA campus ... Almost as myuch fun aqs a fast dowqn hill run !!! <br />
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So here we are tonite in another Holiday Inn and hoping to get rest for tomorrows ride into Mineral, VA or womewhere close to there ... This trip is beginning to wind dfown but it is NOT too late to make a donation to the MSAV !!! I know many of you have already but I know some are still on that fence ... PLEASE take a moment and reconsider making a donation of ANY size to the MSAV by maiking a check to the address on <a href="http://www.msride.org/">www.msride.org</a> or by clicking on the donation kink on my facebook page !!!<br />
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This has been a tough and challenging journey and it isn't over yet !!! Even when I roll into Yorktown sometime this week ... it still won't be over ... so please help me by making a donation a donation today !!! Until tomorrow ... Good night and good night !!! Kenny<br />
<br />Kenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-78085562153560371762017-06-16T18:42:00.001-07:002017-06-16T18:42:47.518-07:00Lexingfon to Waynesboro June 16thThis time last week I was sitting in a little hotel in Breaks, VA wondering the the coming days would be holding for me. As I strongly suspected, there were some very hard days ahead of me !!! For the most part I have done as well as and,uin some instances, even betterthan I may have hoped and/or even dreamed I would have !!! And in large part I owe my successto this wonderful support group thathas been all around me overthis past week Orf course, Suzannehas been her usual superlative self !!! WHat she hasn't made happen,she has encouraged others to step up and provide assisrtance !!! Not wnting to leqave out a SINGLE name ... I will just say "you all" ... Whether having physically been a part or some BUSY behind the scene type of supoport ...My LOVE goes out to eachand everyone of you !!!<br />
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For all the folks folowing the photos posted, the BLOGS and for all the prayers and emotional support ... I DO feel you all behind me... And if I don'tfeel you behind me then I know it's because youare in front of me pulling me up each nd every hill and mountain I have crossed !!! This has truly been a TEAM effort and we are ALL on same team... TEAM MSAV!!! Whether you have this disease, are a care partner or care provider or just someone that simply cares ... We are ALL working together for the same cause,goal and purpose !!!<br />
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Today's ride began with an interview from a Channel 7 reporter and I heard it was on the 5:00 p/m/ but we could not get that station here in Waynesboro so if anyone has a copy and can post it to my facebook page PLEASE do so for all, including me, to see !!! The next buig event for day was getting crossed up on the map and being a bit delayed which actually helped the day out ... We ended up out on Route 11m, bnot part of Route 76, but a direct route to Vesuvius and with a GREAT downhill run ... which I love downhill runs !!! I climbed out of Vesuvius for a short distance and realized it was far more of a climb than I cared, or had ability, to takeon!!! So, I decided to SAG into Waynesboro and as we got to I-81 I looked back toward the mountain and saw the sky open up with showers !!! This is the third day in a row thqat I have missed being hit by rain by 30 minutes or less !!!<br />
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Toorrow I will SAG to the top ofAfton Mountain and begin my run into Charlottesville ,,, This is going ti incorporate some of our old MS=150 routes with a lot of hills with twists and turns in store !!! Please say with me as "our"journey continues !!! YES... IT IS OUR JOURNEY !!! And if you haven't qalready pleqase reqach into uyour pocket and consider making even a smalldonation to the MSAV !!! It WILL be appreciated as much as I appreciate each of you !!! Good night my dear friends and family !!! KennyKenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-89551755213770960502017-06-15T18:39:00.003-07:002017-06-15T18:41:43.167-07:00Troutville to Natural Bridge NO ... LexingtonGood evening ALL !!! At first glance today was going to be an easy day ...perhaps a bit too easy so midway through the morning I made a decision to change the over night from Natural Bridge to Lexington ... And I am glad I did !!! After leaving Troutville at a good hour ... about 8:00 a.m. ... I found myself making very good time rolling down Nace/Lithia Road and began to realize I would be ending my riding day about noon ... FAR TOO EARLY !!! <br />
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It had been years since I had last ridden this route but I still remembered it with a lot of fondness !!! And after making the decision to roll on to Lexington I knew I would be heading down an old favorite ... Plank Road into Lexington. And as luck would have it ... just like yesterday, a major rain storm hit about thirty minutes after checking into my hotel !!! So what ended up making this day special is only going to make tomorrow's ride a little more difficult a little earlier in the day ... VESUVIUS !!! The climb I have only heard about ...whether you are going up or coming down ... IT IS A BEAST !!! So, I guess tomorrow I will find out for myself !!!<br />
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Another BEAST that effects myself and many of my friends is Multiple Sclerosis ... Whether it's an uphill battle or a downhill slide ... It IS a beast !!! And that is why I am here ... to help raised awareness about M.S. and to raise a little money to help my friends better cope with this beast !!! Many of you have already stepped forward to help by making a donation and for that I truly thank each of you !!! But to those that haven't ... there is still plenty of time to step forward and help out !!!<br />
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What ever you decide to do or wherever your life's journey takes you ... I ask that you at the very least to follow my BLOG ... And hopefully you spirit will be touched and ... which I hope include doing the right thing which is ... you will have pleasant memories from doing the :right thing which I hope is making a donation to the MSAV !!! I am tired now and crashing out so I will check cards <br />
tomorrow and hope fully wew will soon be on the right thing !!!<br />
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So I bid you all a fond farewell and please good night until our paths cross again !!! So, stay strong, stay fit and peace be with you and yours And until we meet again so good night and God Bless until our paths cross again !!! Kenny<br />
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<br />Kenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-26187017993128945362017-06-14T19:06:00.001-07:002017-06-14T19:06:14.182-07:00June14th: Christiansburg to TroutvilleGood evening all !!! I awoke this morning with the news of a 20 story apartment complex having burned in London last night. A thought I had actully had last night when the hotel I was in put me in a haqndicap accessible room on the 5gth floor of a five floor hotel and over halfway down the hallway ... My thoughtsat thattime ...In case of fire throw me in first ... Not really funny given there were deaths and serious injuries but that was just my actual thought.<br />
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I like hotels that offer a morning breakfast as there is no better way to assure I get some food in me before hitting the road. Plus, it saves some money along the way as well !!! It was mostly overcast this morning as I started riding about 8:45 but I knew it was only going to be a matter of time before the sun burned those clouds off ... And I was right !!! But the initial run down Ellet Road and over to Luster's Gate went quite wel making better time than I would have suspected !!! And then the sun made its appearance ... just as I suspected !!! Although it didn't seem as warm today as yesterday there were moments that seemed close ... usually when I was climbing a hill !!! But I must say that the hills of today are pale to those of just a few days ago !!! <br />
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After finishing up Cement Plant Road and crossing Route 220 in Daleville I had to climb my lastthree hills of the day on Route 779. Years ago I rode these hills often and with generalease but here I am 20 years later with a broken body and a threewheel machine that climbs like a rock ... BUT I MADE IT !!! The roads around 604 and Route 11 here in Troutville are an absolute mess but I feel swure there is a metghod to their madness ... I just don't get it myself !!! When we arrived we were greeted by fellow MSers Wayne & Juanita Gilespie ... Although Wayne does not have MS we accept him just as he is !!! Judy was there as was Brad and Brenda and Gloria had made their way over .. Actually they assisted Suzanne in transporting me across the mountain safely !!! <br />
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Wayne brought a slip of paper to me with the name of some folks that had mailed in donations to the MSAV ... Kay and Chip from my high school days, some 40+ years ago now, reached out and provided generous donations and a couple cycling buddies from Roanoke: Gary and Barbara did the same !!! THANK YOU ALL !!! And twice today from along the road ... People would come out and offer cash donations just because my Subaru has the paint on it provided by Suzanne !!! It's cool getting those donations from complete strangers !!! But I must admitthat Suzanne said the paint would wash right off ... Well, we ad a big rain storm today just after we checked in and the paint is still on there as clear as ever !! HHhhhmmm ... <br />
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Folks, it's now time to get a little serious ... I am doing this ride for a cause and a purpose ... to raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis and to raise a little money to help with our MSAV !!! Such a cool group with a lot of cool people !!! Many of you have already sent in donations and for that I THANK YOU !!! Some of you are sending me good thoughts and vibes for the trip and I THANK YOU for that as well. But I still ask you to please consider giving even a small donation (or large !!!) to help our group to continue to assist folks living with this disease !!! And in any case, I ask that you come back tomorrow to continue to follow my journey all the way to Yorktown, VA !!! This is not an easy venture for me as the natural aging process is further complicated by M.S. and a myriad of other health issues !!! PLEASE consider giving me a hand with this cause !!! God Bless & Good Night !!! Kenny<br />
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<br />Kenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-76361480349770836492017-06-13T17:49:00.000-07:002017-06-13T17:49:59.509-07:00Christisnsburg June 13thToday I planned on riding from Wytheville, VA to Christiansburg but that plan changed after my brake cable broke late in the afternoon on Monday. As there were no bike shops in Wytheville I determined my best bet was to return to Roanoke and have Bob fix me today. To a mechanic, it would or should be an easy repair and Bob proved that theory right ... In 10 minutes he brought back my trike at the repair price of $13.22. As he worked me in duing their busy season I handed him a $20 and told him to keep yhe change. Cardinal Bicycle takes great care of me and I am grateful !!!<br />
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I actually believe this day off may even improve my riding as well !!! Only time and tomorrow will prove that theory right or wrong !!! We are staying at the Hampton Inn in C'burg this evening and have a great rate to boot !!! Plus, as an added bonus, they serve breakfast here as well in the morning !!! That saves both time and money and that is always a bonus !!! ;)<br />
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The temperature today hit 90 in Roanoke and is slated for the same tomorrow with scattered thunder storms in the area as well. I am planning on an early start tomorrow morning and will be disappointed if I am not on the road by 8:00 a.m. I am thankful that Suzanne has ventured outside her "norm" and has actually been aa bit "chipper" in the morning ... impressive for a sworn :"no a.m.: kind of person she claims to be !!! All I can say is THANK YOU SUZANNE !!!<br />
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Tomorrow covers territory I have not ridden in years but I once knew it all so well ... just not on a hand crank trike !!! With 50+ miles to cover tomorrow and heat slated to be a factor .... an early start is a must for any level of success. I want to thank everyone that i following me and a special thank you to those who have sent in a pledge or check to the MSAV !!! Their address is on the facepage of my website and an on line pledge can be made on my FB page by scrolling to a photo of me on my hand crank (not current photo from yhis trip but old one where I was asking for pledges) Anyway ... do I have you totally confused now ??? :)<br />
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Please come back tomorrow and see how my day went !!! I thank each of you for following me along this journey !!! KennyKenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-40317841761886396072017-06-12T17:54:00.002-07:002017-06-12T17:54:39.106-07:00Monday June 11th - Damascus to WythevilleToday I knew I was going to get an earlier start as this was going to be the longest day yet and the warmest ... Thia morning wasa cooler than anticipated and I was even hit by a few random raindrops which actually felt good on my body ... There were even a few areas I rode through that were wet from shoerrs that had just been through the area ... <br />
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Despite the morning breakfast at our hotel I was hit by a mid morning bonk which made me feel as though I were pedaling through mud and with flat tires so, honestly, I did today what I had no intentions of doing ... hitching a ride in the SAG vehicle. Since early Saturday I had been pushing this body up some sizeable hills and I decided to give my body a short break ... and well deserved if I might6 say so myself !!!<br />
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After passing through Rural Retreat I decided it was time to return to my bike for the ride into Wytheville !!! About three miles from town I loose wi5re suddenly began to dance in my face ... With just a quick glance ... Even my NON mechanical could tell my brake cable was broken ... The one I had just fized last week !!! I inquired in Wytheville if they had a bike shop to which I was told NO ,,,<br />
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After weighing my options ... the most workable one I could come up with was to bring the bike back to Cardinal for repairs on Tuesday and return to Christiansburg Tuesday night and resume riding to Troutville from there on Wednesday morning. I really don't like missing even one stage but I have a schedule I need to maintain !!! Funny ... But MS always has and comes with its OWN schedule ... Never knowing when or if it is going to hit or how bad when it does !!! That's why having a group of friends like the MSAV is SO important !!! Thank you for your support !!! KennyKenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-90617264237982028922017-06-12T17:28:00.001-07:002017-06-12T17:28:30.137-07:00Suhday Jume 11th - Rosedale to DamascusBy all standards this looked like a much easier day than yesterday ... MAYBE !!! Unlike yesterday I began the day with a good breakfast which made a HUGE as I began my only big climb of he day, Hayters Gap ... Also another appropriately named climb !!! But after topping that ... all that was left were rollers and a couple long climbs but the only thing that held me up today was leaving at 9:30 and the late day heat ... I do better than most in the heat but a combination of the past two days has taken some toll on my physical body !!!<br />
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AND I HAVE TWO ANNOUNCEMENTS TO MAKE !! The first is HUGE !!! My friend Billie was slated to help me this trip but her sister had extensive surgery last Monday and Billie will be going home with her to help her recover ... These two have a special bond as 20 years ago Billie had a Stage 4 cancer and her sister provided her with a perfect match bone marrow transplant that save Billie's life !!! I KNOW BILLIE DID THE RIGHT THING LOOKING AFTER HER SISTER !!!<br />
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So loosing my SAG driver just a couple days before the tour can be taxing but I quickly had a second to step up and volunteer ... Qualifications: a GREAT heart and a hard worker ... With little experience working before noon !!! ;) Not wanting to seem picky ... at all ... and with no other volunteers stepping forward ... Suzanne O'Connel stepped forward to offer her service as a SAG driver ... And she has really grasped hold just to what she needs to do to help keep this ship floating !!! Suzanne ... without your stepping up and support I would NOT have been able to do this trio ... And that would, or may, have had some effect on each of us ... especially a HUGE effect it would have laid on me ... <br />
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And just like MS effects each of us differently ... isn't it wonderful to have a place like the MSAV to bring or "stuff" where we can share with others that truly understand !!! And I want to remind each of you to register for our conference this July 27th thru the 30th ... It is going to be a special event with MANY speakers that are well versed in ALL of the current isues and therapies ... So please try to make it part of y7our plans this July !!!<br />
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Kenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-18894995661867106162017-06-12T16:59:00.003-07:002017-06-12T16:59:59.890-07:00June 10th ... SORRY SO LATE !!!Well, I would like to blame it on a faulty computer or maybe no service but all the blame is on ME because I could not remember my password until today ... AND after I called Beth Garst at Howling Dog Designs ... Glad I have a friend that knows just how sorry I am so she has kept ALL my codes and passwords ,,, I keep telling her I owe her an ice cold adult beverage but today she ssaidf it was now up to a KEG !!!<br />
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The first day of my cross State adventure was just about my last on a couple aspects ... AT LEAST !!! This day was FAR from the longest day I have ever ridden on ANY of my bikes but it was positively one of the toughest days ... including my 11,000' peak I crossed just last year !!! We had 5 separate mountains to traverse not counting the endless hills of SWVA !!! As I approached my first town, Haysi, VA, I saw a sign which said Corporate Limits so I figure the town would be over the next hill ... NOT !!! Three monster hills later I rolled into town <br />
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I was told while eating a bit pf lunch that one last mountain was still in my way of tonites finish line<br />
... Big A Mountain ... Well I think I have ab idea what the "A" is short for now !!! It was a long fay with over 10 hours in the saddle !!!-<br />
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I had one mechanical issue today when both my large and small derailure failed to work ... leaving me stuck with just one gear ... NOT very conducive to riding these hills and mountains !!! Several times I almost pulled to the side of the road but I kept pushing and after just continually working the shifters they just began to work on their own ... I am not a mechanic and I have no way of explain both how they jammed sand how they began to work again . <br />
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And that's the way this body works ... Sometimes it just quits when you want or need it most and at other times it works ... almost ... as we would like for it to !!! That<br />
s the way MS can effect you ... JUST ON WAY as there are so many different ways !!! Our MSAV is a special group as we have all found out !!! It is a place we re accepted just as we are !!! And t6hat is one reason I am riding to raise awareness and to raise a little momney to help kep our group moving forward !!! Most of all ... I thank each of you for following me and sending me all your great support !!! Until later !!! KennyKenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-44739498395582792092017-06-09T06:44:00.000-07:002017-06-09T06:44:36.741-07:00June 9, 2017Today I am leaving for Breaks Interstate Park to begin my cross VA ride. This is going to be a daunting task ... I feel it and I know it !!! I felt the same last year before going to Colorado ... I have trained but the body has the finak say in the matter. PLEASE follow me and send me any and all good thoughts as I have no doubt they will be appreciated !!! See you again later ,,, KennyKenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-5450864776400907282017-04-02T16:34:00.002-07:002017-04-02T16:34:27.867-07:00April 2, 2017 ... 15 years ago ...Can it really be 15 years ago that one of my major life changing events occurred ??? Where has it all gone. I knew I would be retired but little did I realize then that in 2017 just how far depleted my body would have become !!! I was working and MOST active in 2002 and I just didn't see the forest for the trees, I suppose !!! Today I am required to wear a brace on my right leg and use of a walker is necessary even for simply getting around my home ... The outside world can be another story !!! BUT DON'T YOU EVER START FEELING SORRY FOR ME !!! For I have lived a life so full of rich blessings that it would have been more than enough to make a dozen men hsappy with themselves !!!<br />
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15 years ago was when I began my cycling trek across the United State !!! From Los Angeles, CA to Boston, MA ... 4,320 miles in seven weeks !!! It has become such a special part of my life !!!<br />
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Working as a United States Probation Officer since 1992, my life was full of success and challenges ,, BOTH making for a wonderful experience !!! I loved my job and worked long hours but I didn't care about the time spent as I was having "fun" ... Then I began having noticeable health issues, particularly as it related to my walking ... not something that could be easily hidden from management. As my symptoms increased ... the duties and functions that I loves to perform were slowly taken away, At times I felt almost lost ,,, not knowing what to do or even which way to turn. The one thing I relied on was my cycling ... still riding for literally 1,000's of miles a year while still getting lost in my work that at times seemed over whelming to me !!! I tri3ed to find a balance between the two things that seemed to give a sense of meaning and purpose to my life.<br />
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Management even tried talking me in to an early retirement based on my disability.. But then I emembered the days of my High School Football. I wasn't much of a player but I loved the game ... I was like the "Rudy" of our simple little team ... Although there was NOTHING simple about our team OR our most special coaches who did far more for me than to teach me how to play the game ... THEY TAUGHT ME HOW TO LIVE MY LIFE !!! NEVER give in, NEVER give an inch and NEVER QUI !!! Although I never received any sports notoriety, the lessons I learned taught ne to give my best and to, most importantly, NEVER QUIT !!! Not just during the games but during my life as well !!! I am so bery glad I listened and ran the course !!! <br />
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Just as in 2002, when I rode my bicyckle across the country, I once agained learned to believe in myself and my ability to push myself far beyond simple living but to living a full and extraordinary life in the process !!! The same is coming true again this year ... only my main battle is coming from within ,,, I need to listen to my coaches words ... MEVER give in, never give an inch and NEVER quit !!! Many folks have questioned why I do what I do ... I really don't know how to respond other than it has been deeply ing4rained in my very soul to live by those words of my beloved coaches so many years ago now ...<br />
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So in 2017, the 15th anniversary of my Cross Country Ride, I am still dreaming BIG dreams !!! The first this year is to participate on the Blue Ridge Marathon, actually doing a DOUBLE MARATHON !!! This year I will have to ride the first leg starting around 7:00p.m. on Friday April 21st and riding it again at 1:3-0 a.m. on April 22nd with the "real" double marathoners. (I am working with the Blue Ridge Independent Living Center in hopes of having it changed in 2018 so ANY disabled athlete can participate in the actual BRM with appropriate accommodations). Secondly, on June 3rd and 4th, I will be participating in the Virginia/West Virginia MS-150 from Richmond to Williamsburg on the first day and back to Richmond the second day. This will make about 50 MS-150 tours I have ridden in over the years ... an accomplishment I am most proud of !!! :)<br />
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Thirdly, on June 10th of this year, I am looking at doing a MOST challenging ride on my hand crank trike for the Multiple Sclerosis Alliance of Virginia (MSAV) !!! This ride will take place beginning at Breaks Interstate Park on the Virginia/Kentucky border and going over 595 miles and ending in Yorktown, VA. On April 1st of this year, I dove the portion from Breaks Interstate Park to Christiansburg, VA, just to get an idea of the mountains and roads that I have before me... This will be as challenging, if not MORE challenging, than my cross country ride in 2002.<br />
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Once again I will be doing this challenge ride for the MSAV ... our local 501c3 non-profit here in South West Virginia. ALL donations stay in this part of the State to help folks living with this disease and their families to have a place to "connect" and find support. The board and all leaders operate on a completely volunteer basis so ALL monies go directly to services, programs simple neds for folks in this area. We are still affiliated with the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and very much appreciate their support and direction as we all work together tio make lives a little better while searching for a cure to this devastating disease.<br />
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On the facepage of my website at <a href="http://www.msride,org/">www.msride,org</a> is an address that checks may be sent to and all checks must be made out to the MSAV. And once again, as last years Colorado Tour, I plan on keeping a daily BLOG on this site so that anyone interested may follow along and even send notes of encouragement if you wish. Once again, I do not seek ANY sympathy for the way my body hurts and feels. ALL I seek is your friendship and support ,,, either financially and especially through your kind thoughts, words and prayers.. By the way ... jsy to make you doubly aware ... ALL monies collected go to the MSAV as I pay all of my own expenses for this trip ... Bless you my friends and have a GREAT week ... You will be hearing more from me as the time gets closer !!! ;)<br />
Kenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-44057344841859125572017-03-30T12:19:00.001-07:002017-03-30T12:20:06.048-07:00March 30m 2017 ,,, A NEW CYCLING SEASON BEGINS !!!Good afternoon ALL !!! It has been a while since my last BLOG note and this is to make you aware that I am alive and well !!! Well, as well as this old guy can be any3y !!! ;) Things are moving fast lately ... I was trying earlier this year to get into the Blue Ridge Marathon but for "logistic" reasons I will not be an "official" rider this year ... BUMMER !!! Never fear and don't think I have given up hope !!! I have ridden the course aqt least 5 times already this year and was looking at doing the DOUB:E MARATHON so .. to make a long story short ... I will be doing it still just that I will be riding the first loop of the course by myself starting at 7:00 p.m. on Friday April 21st. ANYONE car to join me for the first 26 mile loop .. I will begin at the Roanoke City Library on Jefferson Street and head to Walmut, up mill Mountain to the Blue Ridge Parkway, ride the Roanoke Mountain loop, back to Mill Mountain and up to the STAR,, down the old road to the greenway, cross South Roanoke Park and go under the train track, cross over to Avenham and ride up the Clydesdale to Peakwood and up, up, up to West Ridge, back down to right on 27th Street to South Jefferson and loop that neighbor hood until I come back down to Jefferson next to South Roanoke United Methodist Church, right again on Jefferson back toward town and turn left on Highland Avenue all the way and turn right toward Wasena bridge, cross the bridge and ride through Vic Thomas Park, cross Memorial Bridge and to a left turn up by the Jesus Saves Church and back down Winona and cross back over Waseba Brisgw ti 5th street, turn at the old Jefferson Gym and go past YMCA until you get to Martin's and turn right up hill , cross Franklin at the old APCO building and YWCA to left hand turn back down to Patr4ick Henry Hotel and Roanoke Library ... THEN REPEAT AGAIN !!! The second loop will have the "official" double marathoners running ... I am just not allowed to ride in the daylight this year due to "safety" and "insurance" reasons ... GO FIGURE !!! ;) This issue will be resolved by next year and I have promised to be a good boy and not cause any issues this year !!! And just to make you aware, provided you have read akk of this post ,, I WOULD NEVER INTERFERE WITH ANY OF THE RUNNERS !!! So, keep your eyes posted on this BLOG for future postings as it appears this may be another interesting year and I plan on keeping you posted on this site !!! As ALWAYS, I thank each of you for your continued support in ALL that I do !!! Kenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-39467029345098142732016-06-29T17:40:00.000-07:002016-06-29T17:40:07.265-07:00The last HOORAH !!! (OR IS IT ???)To ALL my DEAR FRIENDS that have followed this old guy's dream and adventure ... As I said on FB ... I THANK EACH OF YOU FROM THE TOP, BOTTOM AND MIDDLE OF MY HEART !!! Although I was the only one on that hand crank trike I KNOW I was NOT ALONE !!! I had the support of so many ... pushing me ... pulling me and literally willing me up and over those mountain passes ... And I have KNO FOUBT I could NOT have achieved this dream without having EVERYONE'S support around me at ALL times !!!<br />
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Although my body is still physically hurting and may be for a while ... I promise to you ... my friends living with M.S., for those who are care providers and for those of you who simply care ... I will MEVER quit as long as I can draw a breathe into these lungs !!! and EACH OF YOU are my inspiration !!! I am aware ... that without your support and friendship ... I would ne nothing ...<br />
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My next dream is just that ... still a dream ... But just like the Bicycle Tour of Colorado was once upon a time a dream ... It is NOW a reality ... One I hope we can ALL draw strength and encouragement from for this was not just one man's ride ... I WAS RIDING FOR ALL OF US !!!<br />
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And so ... until I find another dream to share with those I love may I encourage you to pursue your own dreams ... And ALWAYS remember that achieving the dream is not the real meaning behind all this but the fight and battles to get there ... even the one's you don't win ... as long as you never quit ... YOU CAN NEVER LOSE !!!<br />
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Take care my friends !!! United we stand ... Divided we fall ... May the MSAV and ALL of our friends stand together for a long time !!!<br />
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KennyKenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-32848390773179394512016-06-25T20:13:00.000-07:002016-06-25T20:13:01.559-07:00Saturday June 25, 2016 Naturita, CO to Montrose, COHellp All !!! Today was aq very special day !!! We have ridden full circle on our journy hich began last Sunday ... a 359 nile journey around the Southwetern corner of one of the most bautiful places I have eve been !!! It hasn't all been a party as there were many hardships and hard timsd face3d this week. Major decisions were faced and standing up tall to those decisions is the ONLY ay one can face them and also face the world !!! So lets get started on todays journey ... including decision made, plans set and lets see what,if any, goals were achieved this day and/or week !!!<br />
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The ride tomorrow was going to be the longest ride of the week, 83 miles fom Naturita back to our starting point in Montrose. Many of the folks had miles to driv upon our return so "group decisions" were made to SAG a ways into tomorrows ride before we would unload our "bikes" to complete this truly hard and epic journey !!! Certainly there are those folks that might saythere is nothing EPIC about this journey but if it could be done in another person's shoes ... One's determination of what epic is ... one's opinion may greatly change !!!<br />
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I chose to ride with my companions and friends, Matt and Myles, two paraplegics that had a quick wit and insatiable desire to keep moving ... characteristics I look for and desire in people !!! My other friends made this week, Bobby and his son Lucas, saged in to the top of the Dallas Diivde because they had atleast a 5 hour ride after finishing today to get to their reservations. We stopped first in Placerville to unload Matt, Myles and myself andsaid our so longs to Bobby and Lucas. I have a good feeling that our paths will definitely cross again !!!<br />
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The climb for today began almost immediately but the gradiant of steepness was almost negligable but the length was 13 miles. So, nearly 2,000' in thirteen miles ... Unlike our climb out of Euray a few days ago where we climbed close to 3,500' in 12 miles ... The odds for a successful climb at this point were definitely in our favor !!! The only excitement in the early point of this day was when a motorcycle poliuce officer pulleed between Matt and myself and advised us thatwe needed to stay entirely within the bicycle lane, Honestly, we seldom had more than our left rear wheel over the line and that was due to debri and rocks within the lane ... but the law is the law and better than getting a ticket we just said "Yes Sir" and the officer drove on,<br />
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Then we reached our second Aid Stop for the day, just ove the top of the Dallas Divide at 8,600'. And then our fun for the afternoon began in ernest !!! We all ran diffeent speeds on downhill runs so we decided to get back together closer to he bottom of the run. Myles took off first and Matt motioned me to go second. Within 300 yards, I was hitting 40 mph and quickly passed Myles. soon there after I hit my top speed for the weekend at 52.6 mph ... not the fastest I have eve traveled on a bike but stikk a fir rate of speed !!! Matt caught up to me at the end of the "big hill" and later Myles joined us as well. Even more fun was about ready to begin !!! Although the three of us had ridden together some during the wek ... our travel speeds often separated us from each other, <br />
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But today was different, Tody we stuck together in a three man hand crank pce line rotating frequently off the front to help keep our speed up !!! Matt first took off after a young lady ho was riding quite well so we quickly caught onto his wheel and kept "the machine" churning along !!! About seven miles outside of Montrosse Myles pulled up beside me and in a moment's notice ... PSSHHhhh ... Matt hit some debris and flattedone of his rear wheels. Matt was already there and I rolled back to them to keep a watch on approaching traffic as we were right on the side of the road. Another Adaptive Assistance Voluynteer soon joined us as Myles qyuckly set off to change the flattted tube in his left rea wheel, As I was at the back watching traffic another young girl came riding byt and asked if I had been hit by a car ... to which I responded, "No Ma'am ... I've always looked like this" !!! She continued to roll on andI shook my head wondering just how bad I might really look !!!<br />
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A BTC mechanic soon arrived on the scene and took over the job of replacing the tube and shortly thereafter we were rolling again !!! This time, Ron continued to roll with us taking the point and was averaging about 17 mph the ret o the way back to our starting point !!! And just as we made the final turn toward the school, Myles flatted again but this timw he kept rolling until we all crossed the finish line !!!<br />
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One observation I can make of today's ride is that often times when things in our lives seem to be rolling so smoothly there can come an obstacle which can change our day in the blionk of an eye ,,, Like Myle's first flat tire ... still miles from the finish ... just when things had been running so smoothly all day !!! But Myles NEVER got excited or lost his temper ,,, He simply unhooked himself from his trike seat lowered his body to the pavement, pulled out his toold and began replacing his tube so he could continue his journey, Just like an M.S. exacerbation in our lives hitting us when things sem to be running so smoothly ,,, Is it proper for us to react negatively or simply to contact our Dr, to determine the best course of action to take night be, I KNOW WHIUCH ONE IS THE EASIER CHOICE !!! But really, which one is the best for us in the long run ??? I believe you know too !!!<br />
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And then we may be hit by a second setback shortly after the first. I too know how easy it is to give in ... when you are so close to your goal !!! Myles had that second flat a few hundred yards from the finish but instead of pulling to the side of the road he chose to keep riding to achieve his goal of crossing the finish line at the Bicycle Tour of Colorado !!! A second hit is at times far harder to take thn the first hit ... especilly when there is little time in between those hits, Once gain I ask you ,,, which is the best chioice ti make ... to pull over to the curb abd simply say "I quit !!!" ... or to persevere forward and achieve that gol youmay be looking for !!! And I say again ... I know which choice I would like to make !!!<br />
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But making choices is an individual matter unless we have family or friends that "get it" to help steer us though "stormy" times !!! And that may be where you may need to reach out to a friend like one you may have at the Roanoke Valley M.S. Support Group. And if we don't have the answers ,,, we can help to connect you to theright folks that BOTH "get it" and "have an answer" But to make sure we keep this goup going ,,, we need to help support it !! Please consider making even a small taxdeductable donation to the NSAV today and mail it to the address of the facepage of www,msride,org<br />
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And once again I thank each of you for following this journey and hope in some small way it may have helped or encouraged you or someone you know in some small way !!! Thank each of you for your time and contributions to the MSAV ... But resy assured ... the journey is not over for the guy ... Not until we find a cure for this ugly disease ,,, M.S. ... the disease that robs so much from so many ...<br />
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And I'm NOT done ... just done for tonight ... so please come back tomorrow "for the rest of the story" ... Rest well My Friends !!! KennyKenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-11005547440085014892016-06-24T17:06:00.000-07:002016-06-24T17:06:30.084-07:00Thursday & Friday: Telluride to NaturitaHello all!!! Today's entry will be little different, since Thursday was a rest day and Friday a riding day, both days will be included in this Blog to get us up to speed. <br />
I awoke early Thursday morning and my body did not feel just right. Both my arms and legs ached a great deal. But, the sore I had developed on my backside had turned into what might become a potential ride stopper. Additional, the flatted right rear tire had not been repaired as a mechanic had not been available. So, at this point, I made the tough decision to stop riding in this tour. I was greatly disappointed, however, I felt like I was making the right decision. Unlike last years tour, where the wreck on the motorcycle and untimely departure could be attributed mainly to my error: this years departure was the result of giving what I believed 110% of my effort to the cause so backing out at this point was not a "failure" but rather my body's response to my effort given. As disappointed as I should have been there was some peace in my decision. <br />
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On Friday morning I awoke and felt a bit lost as I knew my friends were preparing to leave and I was not among them. I climbed in the car and we headed to Naturita. We stopped a couple of times to provided assistance to my fellow riders and each time I felt a bit lost believing I should be riding with them. Additionally, this route consisted of over 5000' of decent and 1700' of climbing, a riders dream. After arriving at our hotel decision was made to consider repairing my strike for the last day's ride. The parts needed for this repair were assembled together and taken to the bicycle mechanic who quickly made the repairs. The strike was now ready and I had a twinge of excitement building within as it was now becoming more clear that I was indeed going to return in the last days ride of the 2016. My dream was indeed reigniting that my return was going to be a reality. Although my body pains continue, I felt there was enough left in me to ride one last day. <br />
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Living with MS is very much the same, as you never really know what your symptoms maybe from one day to the next. I believe that is why we must all choose to live our lives to our own fullest potential on our good days and strive as quickly as we can to overcome our bad ones. That is why the Roanoke Valley Multiple Sclerosis Support Group was established. To give folks a place to connect with other folks that "get it" . This group ca9 not continue without your assistance. Please consider making your tax deductible donation today and make it out to The Multiple Sclerosis Alliance of Virginia and mail it to the address listed on the face page of www.msride.org. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. <br />
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Please return tomorrow to find out how this tour ends. Although this tour maybe coming to a close, our fight with MS continues and we can not do it without your help. Until tomorrow... Take care!!!<br />
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P.S.: pleas leave any comments, questions or concerns at the bottom of this page. Thank you, KennyKenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-82335796927042036912016-06-23T21:27:00.001-07:002016-06-23T21:28:38.074-07:00Wednesday June 22, 2016 Cortez to TellurideHello all !!! I hope both of you reading this BLOG had a good day !!! Mine started EARLY !!! 4:00 a.m. TOO EARLY TO WAKE UP TO GO RIDE A BIKE !!! So we were on the road at 5:00 a.m. but the weather was close to perfect for riding !!! We left early as well: 5:00 a.m., and other than being too dark to see, after we left the city lights.<br />
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Matt, Myles and myself initially rode together as a unit but we eventually all split up riding on our own or with other riders for a short while. At first I ran fairly well but after I tried a short kick ... my "battery" was beginning to lag behind and I fell off on a most reasonable pace That was being set. Was I just having a bad moment and soon to recover or was this the beginning a much larger issue ??? The day could only tell !!!<br />
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The road we left Cortez on had become a rather flat, excluding an occasional hill must have been to add a little balance to our long day still ahead of us ... Though at moments I felt like I was riding along at a reasonable speed: just when a group of riders flew past revealing I was only puttering along. Although it was a long flat road, there had been and still was a construction zone along our same route, leading to big trucks and lose gravel. Not much fun ... particularly as the heat of the day was starting to rise !!! And just to add a little excitement to the mix ... there was a thunder storm brewing in the distance and word was"possible severe thunder storms" in the area.<br />
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Then there came that moment when my right rear wheel dropped off a short side of the road and put a pinch in my tire giving me a flat tire ... my first one on the rear wheel since I bought the bike. Reluctantly putting a possible end to my day. just then the Adaptive Adventures van drove by and advised me we were being taken off the route due to an impending storms ... So was this an unofficial withdrawal from today's or was I forced to withdraw by "unforeseen storms" ??? <br />
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Anyway ... we drove into Telluride and went to our "mountain village"; our home for two nights and some much needed rest !!! I must confess, my entire body aches and hurts as much as it ever has !!! Additionally, I am having other issues, even though I am using "protection" ... O.K. just checking tosee if you have fallen asleep yet !!! Even with the "air cushion" I have been using helps ... my "pain" there hurts quite intensely ... I need this day off the bike so much !!!<br />
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And that's the way life is !!! Even with the right "medication", there is no guarantee other "stuff" might hit us !!! Just like our M.S. hit us !!! So what is one to do: see a Dr., take your medication as directed or maybe even join a Support Group" !!! And I hope those of you living with this disease are encouraged to do 111 PLEASE REACH OUT AND FIND US TODAY !!!<br />
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Until our paths keep me in your thoughts and vibes and prayers for a day of rest and haling ... PLUS remember I have to get my trike fixed tomorrow too !!! Take care ... Kenny Kenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-48260271451419084442016-06-23T08:02:00.001-07:002016-06-23T08:02:38.202-07:00Tuesday Durango, CO to Cortez, COHello All !!! I'm glad to be back here with Ya'll !!! The ride from Durango to Cortez was a good ride ... We did have some climbing but is was more gradual in nature unlike the previous day !!! And there was one ood bit of news to start the day ... Last year when I was in Durango I rear ended a car with my motorcycle and was sent flying ... This year, I made it out of town and NEVER came close to any car bumpers ... A VAST improvement I must say !!!<br />
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Today I wanted to ride with one of the other hand Cyclists, Myles, a 33 years old who has been a quadriplegic for nine years ... A remarkable young man who loves a good challenge himself !!! We spent th morning just cruising along and that was fine with me. After pushing myself the way I did yesterday, I was really beginning to "feel the pain" !!! And with two more days until we reach our rest day ... zzzzi knew I needed to pace myself a bit to get through.<br />
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After we had reached our lunch stop we had the highlight of our day ... long uninterupted downhil run into our stopping point for the night, Cortez, CO. I really like going fast down those mountains and again hit speeds in excess of 50 mph !!! <br />
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But I must admit that despite taking it a little easier today .. my body is feeling the pain. My shoulders are quite sore from all the spinning and climbing but I am trying to push through it. Also my left shoulder is experiencing pain related to the tore rotator cuff I received during my motorcycle wreck last year ... And to be even more honest ... I am developing a sore spot on my backside despite borrowing an air cushion seat from Matt. Right now I am OK and dealing with it all ... I can only hope that any and/or all of these symptoms do not increase. So please continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers ... I will be 60 in a couple weeks and this body just doesn't recover the way it once did.<br />
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I know we ALL deal with our own set of aches and pains and the ones related to our MS symptoms are the ones where we all "get it !!!" With our MS, it's tough to sometimes explain our "unseen" pain but WE know just how real it is !! That's why it is so special that we have our Roanoke Valley M.S. Support Group where we can be comfortable being ourselves and not have to try to pretend our "stuff" doesn't exist for a society that can't understand what we deal with on a daily basis. <br />
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And as always I close in asking those who haven't already made a donation to the MSAV ... please consider doing so today !!! As always ... I appreciate each of you !!!Please check back later as I work on getting this BLOG back up to speed !!! KennyKenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-88099465109005295322016-06-22T18:36:00.003-07:002016-06-23T08:03:11.658-07:00Monday Ouray, CO to Durango, COWell, folks ... lets give it a NEW try !!! I will attempt to share some of the particulars of Mondy's ride ... And if I say so myself ... IT WAS A Doozie !!!<br />
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It was going to be our first long day and the beginning was NOT a disappointment !!! We leftthehotel about 5:20 a.m. and trust me it was still dark. We turned right out of the parking lot and there was our first hill of the day. Nothing bug but BIG was just around the next corner !!! And it did not disappoint !!! We were already at 6,800' and we were heading up nearly 3,500' more to put at our highest elevation for the trip ... just over 11,000' !!! It was indeed a long slow climb and surprisinglyto me ... I had no problems with the altitude !!! And might I add that the descent was almost as spectacular hitting speeds of nearly 50 m.p.h.<br />
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The second climb of the day was immediately thereafter but only took us up to 10,900' ... And the third clumb was none the less steep topping out at 10,600'. My riding partner for the day had been Matt, a neat guy and good rider but he had indicated this would be the last for him today. By the way, let me tell you that Matt is a paraplegic,runs Adaptive Assistance and is quite the rider !!! I contimplated riding the van into Durango but decided to take this downhill run that was in front of me. And furthermore, those first three climbs all occurred within the first 40 miles of today's ride leaving a healthy 35 miles remaining !!!<br />
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I kept riding all the way into Durango but I suspected this may have reprocutions later in the week ... You will just have to cone back to see what happens !!! <br />
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You know ... just like I could not plan on hotels not having computersso I could share my BLOGS in a timely manner ... NO ONE EVER plans on getting MS !!! And that is why I am here, to share my journey and my request ... that you might come back again to learn more and to possibly enourage you to make a tax deductible gift to the MSAV and mail it o the address on the face page of www.msride.org Thanks for your kind patience and I will return to catch you up on all the days I nissed !!! Thanks ... KennyKenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3520868302336081367.post-9223554699004366122016-06-22T18:36:00.001-07:002016-06-22T18:36:05.118-07:00Monday Ouray, CO to Durango, COWell, folks ... lets give it a NEW try !!! I will attempt to share some of the particulars of Mondy's ride ... And if I say so myself ... IT WAS A Doozie !!!<br />
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It was going to be our first long day and the beginning was NOT a disappointment !!! We leftthehotel about 5:20 a.m. and trust me it was still dark. We turned right out of the parking lot and there was our first hill of the day. Nothing bug but BIG was just around the next corner !!! And it did not disappoint !!! We were already at 6,800' and we were heading up nearly 3,500' more to put at our highest elevation for the trip ... just over 11,000' !!! It was indeed a long slow climb and surprisinglyto me ... I had no problems with the altitude !!! And might I add that the descent was almost as spectacular hitting speeds of nearly 50 m.p.h.<br />
<br />
The second climb of the day was immediately thereafter but only took us up to 10,900' ... And the third clumb was none the less steep topping out at 10,600'. My riding partner for the day had been Matt, a neat guy and good rider but he had indicated this would be the last for him today. By the way, let me tell you that Matt is a paraplegic,runs Adaptive Assistance and is quite the rider !!! I contimplated riding the van into Durango but decided to take this downhill run that was in front of me. And furthermore, those first three climbs all occurred within the first 40 miles of today's ride leaving a healthy 35 miles remaining !!!<br />
<br />
I kept riding all the way into Durango but I suspected this may have reprocutions later in the week ... You will just have to cone back to see what happens !!! <br />
<br />
You know ... just like I could not plan on hotels not having computersso I could share my BLOGS in a timely manner ... NO ONE EVER plans on getting MS !!! And that is why I am here, to share my journey and my request ... that you might come back again to learn more and to possibly enourage you to make a tax deductible gift to the MSAV and mail it o the address on the face page of www.msride.org Thanks for your kind patience and I will return to catch you up on all the days I nissed !!! Thanks ... KennyKenny Wingfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05936850479373019822noreply@blogger.com3