Throughout the course of planning Spinal Ride, I have met several different people. Most of the people can be placed in one of three categories; Impressed, supportive and helping, or those who doubt that I’ll be able to finish.

The large majority of people I meet fall under the ‘impressed’ category. After I explain Spinal Ride and why I’m doing it, people are impressed and exited for me. They ask a few questions and verbally express their support.  Regardless of how many impressed people I meet, it is always refreshing to know that what I’m doing is enough to impress strangers.

My favorite type of people to meet are those who upon hearing my vision are enthusiastically supportive, and want to get involved. For example, many ask to ride with me while I train or during the record itself. Some ask how to donate, or if they can help fundraise. I love these people because even though they barely know me, they immediately want to help. Because they have service in their hearts and want to help both me and those that Spinal Ride is raising money for. These are the type of people that I strive to be like. Their attitude and loving hearts inspire me, and align with my huger to help those with spinal cord injuries.

I seldomly meet those who doubt my ability to make it from Idaho Falls to Huntington Beach on a hand cycle. I can understand how one might doubt me upon looking at me. My hands don’t work properly. My upper back is the only portion of my back that works. My Shoulders are the only portion of my body that is completely innervated. The only muscles in my arms that work are my biceps. None of my muscles look particularly big. So again, it is understandable to suspect I may not be able to finish the 1,100 mile record. However, just like a book shouldn’t be judged by its cover, neither should people. In my opinion, the two muscles that matter the most in doing something that will test ones resolve are their head and heart.

I am a firm believer that “what the mind can conceive, the body can achieve.” I am extremely motivated to finish this record. In the four years that I have been in a wheelchair, I have endured a great deal of pain, and even more adversity. I am not exactly sure how difficult Spinal Ride will be in comparison, but I am prepared to endure whatever it will take to achieve what my brain has conceived. When it gets hard and my brain gets tired, I have an “ace in the whole.” I will continue because of heart. Heart is the catalyst we all possess. It is how you score the game winning shot; it is how you push through the pain of the last few miles of a marathon. Heart is the most powerful non tangible thing we all possess. The hard part is learning how to use it!