My Activity Tracking
2,217
kms
Diagnosis and Prognosis
I received an email today that I want to share. I didn't ask for permission so no names are involved.A friend wrote to tell me about his wife, Lacey*. She is 50 years old. With symptoms and no answers from the local doctors, they went to a major clinic in a major city.
"Lacey called on a Tuesday. They had her in a tele -appt that Friday, and scheduled her the following Tuesday.
"There, they completed testing. By the time we met with the neurologist, they already had all the test results in hand. The neuro has 26 years experience and this is all he does. Met with him for 2 hours. He diagnosed her with Primary Progressive MS.
"With recessive recurring MS, there are 14 different medications that can be combined/titrated etc etc. As you are aware, this is only to “slow down” the disease. No cure. Once you lose function, there is no repair.
"With PPMS (it is only 7 to 14percent of the cases)…there is only one…Ocrevus. Two infusions a year. Cost is 75,027.00. Thank God for insurance!! It has a 39% rate of effectiveness. On the good side of things, it appears to have stopped any additional lesions ( She has a huge C-3 and one in the middle right side of her brain) so far.
"On the not so good side, the existing lesions are maturing and this increases her symptoms."
*Not her real name but is the real name of my favorite actress.
Mountain Training Gets Serious
The first time I went to France was 2010. I don't remember training too much. Whatever would happen would happen. On April 1, 2010, I took five friends to Altoona to ride in the mountains. But that was the extent of it.Meet the Steed
Comedian Steven Wright once said that he owned George Washington's original ax. Known for his deadpan monotone delivery he then added, "The handle rotted away so I had to replace it." And then he said the head rusted away so he replaced it. "But it still occupies the same space."Not the week I hoped for
I came to Hillsboro, Va. for a week of grand dog and grandrat sitting. (True). I was hoping for a week of good rides including at least one mountain ride.Thanks everyone for the support!
Blown Away
Mountain Training
Jim the Burger Guy
I gave him one of my cards so he could check it out. I wasn't trolling for dollars but I hope he is inspired by the challenge I am undertaking on behalf of all who are affected by MS.
Truly Humbled
I won't be the oldest
Also, he's a tiny bit older than me and I willingly cede the title of the oldest rider to Peer.
"We’ll all be raising funds to support MSIF and its aim to bring the world together to end MS. I can’t think of a better farewell gift to ask my friends, colleagues, and family for their sponsorship.
"This is a gruelling course, but a huge motivator for me will be thinking of people such as my father, who had MS, and of the daily challenges they face. By completing Cykelnerven and raising funds, I hope that we can be a beacon of hope for anyone affected by MS." - Peer Baneke (CEO MSIF)
Team Meeting #1
Hello Anonymous
My page got a boost today and when I went to see who donated I discovered that it was “Anonymous.” I like this mystery.I shouldn’t spend any time guessing so I won’t. I know the donor is either someone I know or someone I don’t know.
I like the idea of a complete stranger donating to this cause. Many donations will come to me because the donor is a friend or family and they want to help me. Indeed, I am building a campaign based on friends helping me. But a stranger may just want to be helping the cause and that is pure.
It got me wondering though about donating anonymously. I went to Lifehacker . Com. They list some reasons when to donate anonymously
Controversial causes
To avoid being perceived as rich
To protect your privacy
To avoid offending family members
Ultimately, I don’t care about the reason someone chose to be anonymous. I like it. It’s sort of cool. And it saves me sending a thank you card in the mail although I still used my form to send a return email.
Strangers welcome. Anonymous friends - welcome. All donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you Anonymous.
Stepping up the Bike and Beg game
Fund Raising Week 1
At the end of the first week, I am 10% of the way there. I was hoping for more, i.e., a big boost to start. But it all helps.My sponsors and that is what each of you are, a sponsor, range from the Old Standby to Brand New Surprise!! Both are really cool. We have cyclists and people battling MS. Starting next week I will be scoreboarding the amounts and maybe a bit of a challenge, school vs school, cousin vs cousin, will be a fund way to encourage more.
We also got an email today looking for our cycling kit sizes. Game on!
Where are my legs?
Is my life purpose just to bike and beg?
I am very shaken this morning. From the time I was diagnosed, I asked the question why do some people survive and some people do not. Of course, I asked the question everyone asks when they are diagnosed, would I survive? And I survived - this year will be my 15th Cancerversary.Since 2009, I have used my cycling to raise funds for cancer organizations, and since 2016, MS organizations as well. Surely my life is more than a cancer and MS fundraiser on two wheels. Isn’t it?
Two days ago I was reminded of 13-year-old Alex on what should have been his 22nd birthday. He was an active cyclist. I met him in Oregon and hoped we could ride but he was recovering from his fourth brain cancer surgery. I promised him I would come back always hoping, even with the false belief that we would ride. Instead, I went to his memorial service. I kept my word.
Cancer, curse words, and donuts.
I enjoyed weekly lunches with Joe P. until he was too sick to attend. Always fighting.
My Cousin Kay, was the most badass person I knew. I miss her dearly and she should still be with us. Her last phone call to me was asking me to promise to take her to the French Alps to experience those climbs, and then she added, "After I get rid of that stupid tumor." I will be riding in those French Alps in June but without my cousin.
I had a disc golf date with a good friend scheduled in a couple of weeks. Today he canceled opting for hospice and morphine instead. WHY? Why do some survive and others do not? Why the *%*$ am I still here? It can’t be just to bike and beg. Ugh.
The news today hit me like a ton of bricks. I am reeling.
I don't feel like riding. I don't feel like fundraising.
My Affinity with France
I never planned to head back to the Alps. But as things worked out this year I will be. Now have to get into shape.
Perimeter Nokesville
Official Day 1
A Facebook post yesterday kicked off the campaign. I offered to match the highest donation on Day 1 but being late in the day I will call yesterday Day 0. There is some money in there so I will be matching some amount.As for riding, I bonked. It was only 50 km (31 miles) and often I could ride that without carrying nutrition with me. I meant to grab a gel and didn't. I headed out to Leesbugr on the W&OD. It was chilly, 45 degrees which must be 7.5C and had a favorable cross-tail wind but didn't realize it. When I turned to go back I realized it. My effort was much greater than the result. The good thing for me is that I do have time to get into bike shape but this wasn't a great training day.
However, I also went over 1,000 miles for the year which I believe is the quickest I have ever done that. Upon reflection, in 2019, I reached 1,000 one day sooner. Well, gotta do better.
The Campaign Begins
Here we go!
I'm fundraising for a world without MS
Thanks for coming to my page! Starting June 5th, I will be taking part in one of the world's toughest cycling challenges, the Cykelnerven.Cykelnerven is famed as Europe’s most unique and challenging charity cycling event. I'll be riding 500km (300 miles) over the toughest mountain climbs used in this year’s Tour de France.
I'm taking part in the Cykelnerven to raise money for research and support for people living with Multiple Sclerosis worldwide. It is personal as we have MS in our family. I would love to see an MS cure in my lifetime.
Please join me in the fight against MS by contributing to my page. We are moving closer to a world without MS. Let's help make that come faster.
Thank you for your support! Every donation matters.
Thank you to my Sponsors
$41.60
Jamie Higgins
$31.20
Janice Smiley
$515
Bryan Snow
We love you.
$67.60
Cheryl Weyant
$50
Vicki Lacapria
Keep it going Barry! You are an inspiration!
$52
Jenny Clegg
$156
Edward Kestel
Beat MS
$52
Orange Pinarello
$36.40
Terri Elms
Thank you Barry for all you do to raise awareness and support for MS! Good luck!
$135.20
Kirby And Cheri
$67.60
Brian Bohnsack
$30
Jaime Sherry
Best wishes, Cuz!!
$250
Cindy Rouse
You are such an inspiration to so many. Thank you for Doing Good and Riding Hard.
$50
Makeem Hill
$26
Vincent Amodeo
$52
Janet
$67.60
Vic & Alison
Thank you for what you do!
$52
Gloria And Bill Richards
We just got home from a five-week stay in Florida and picked up your note card with the mail. Bill and I are glad to help our cousin in this worthy endeavor. Gloria
$52
Sandra Macgurn
Best wishes for the ride of your life at Cykelnerven 2024
$20.80
Ken Sherry
Good luck!
$67.60
The Greyhound Resort, Llc
Hi Barry — A Donation from the Greyhounds at the Greyhound Resort -Woof!
$26
Mark & Patti
Best of Luck and Thank You Barry for all you do!
$31.20
Anonymous
Blessed wishes. Enjoy and what a great cause!
$52
James Jones
$52
Paul Sullenberger
$50
Bobbie Vucelich
Go for it Barry!!
$20.80
Kim Woodside
Good luck Barry!
$50
Dan
Barry, We wish you the best in your 7th ride in France and conquering the Gabilier! We appreciate your commitment to rid the world of MS. Dan and Kay
$104
Kimber Broughton
$25
'chele
$104
James Ray
Thank you Barry for your steadfast example DO RIDE LIVE
$100
Alonzo Baxter
Have a great trip, Barry Alonzo and Nicole
$75
Barry Sherry
For my daughter. For my grandsons. For my family.
$31.20
Jim Bledsoe
Barry, I can do this w/o working up a sweat, unlike your contribution. I admire your determination and perseverance.
$220
Christine Currie
Shut up, legs!
$75
Elaine And Alan
Keep fighting Barry—thanks for your energy and dedication.
$515
John Andre
At least one of us is getting proper exercise ... and for a most worthy purpose. :-)
$52
Terrance Moran
$67.60
Kathy Brown
My pleasure!!!
$52
Renee Kenney
You got this.
$52
Anonymous
$52
Alexa Gubinski
$26
Gloria Lasley
$52
Joe Studer
$50
Marie Metts
$31.20
Michele Haalman
$31.20
Margaret O'rourke
Good luck to a champion!
$26
Monica Dean
So sorry to hear about Bethany’s MS diagnosis. I wasn’t aware of that. Good luck on your ride!!!
$260
Mack The Knife
I will always donate to a QR code!
$208
Patricia S Lawmaster
$20.80
Mary Solberg
Best of luck to you, Barry! You have a big heart and are an inspiration! Keep moving forward!!!!! “Benson”
$50
Dave Freeman
$31.20
Kristi Wallace
Thank you for all that you do!!
I hope you have a great time in France and hopefully, the airline won't lose your bike! I'm looking forward to hearing about your ride!