Good 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.
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 !!!
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 !!!
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 ...
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
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Christisnsburg June 13th
Today 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 !!!
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 !!! ;)
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 !!!
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 ??? :)
Please come back tomorrow and see how my day went !!! I thank each of you for following me along this journey !!! Kenny
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 !!! ;)
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 !!!
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 ??? :)
Please come back tomorrow and see how my day went !!! I thank each of you for following me along this journey !!! Kenny
Monday, June 12, 2017
Monday June 11th - Damascus to Wytheville
Today 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 ...
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 !!!
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 ,,,
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 !!! Kenny
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 !!!
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 ,,,
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 !!! Kenny
Suhday Jume 11th - Rosedale to Damascus
By 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 !!!
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 !!!
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 ...
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 !!!
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 !!!
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 ...
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 !!!
June 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 !!!
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
I was told while eating a bit pf lunch that one last mountain was still in my way of tonites finish line
... 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 !!!-
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 .
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
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 !!! Kenny
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
I was told while eating a bit pf lunch that one last mountain was still in my way of tonites finish line
... 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 !!!-
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 .
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
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 !!! Kenny
Friday, June 9, 2017
June 9, 2017
Today 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 ,,, Kenny
Sunday, April 2, 2017
April 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 !!!
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 !!!
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.
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 !!!
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 ...
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 !!! :)
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.
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.
On the facepage of my website at www.msride,org 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 !!! ;)
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 !!!
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.
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 !!!
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 ...
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 !!! :)
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.
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.
On the facepage of my website at www.msride,org 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 !!! ;)
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