A new start...

Well...  It has been to long since I've updated this blog.

There have been a lot of things that have happened along the way.

The project is now known as The H.A.W.T Wheels Initiative.  We have added a very worthy aspect to the project to raise $10,000,000.00 (yes, TEN MILLION DOLLARS!!!) to make playground swings made to accommodate wheelchairs available to any playground that wants to install them.

You can go to http://www.gofundme.com/Hawt-Wheels-Across-Ohio or http://www.hawtwheelsacrossohio.com and make donations to the project!

Training is going very well.  I am up to 25 miles at least once a week.  The minimum distance in a training session is now 8 miles!!!  Could hardly do 2 miles when I started!!!

And the HWAO saga continues still...

I don't even know where to start...

I apologize that it has been over a month since I last posted.  It has been a really wild ride!

We were able to raise the funds to buy the FreeWheel for the front of the wheelchair.  It makes a HUGE difference in how the wheelchair operates over rough terrain!  And the $700 for it was a much better option than buying a second wheelchair!

We are quickly approaching the Hawt Wheels Across Ohio Shake Out Roll.  I am so anxious to g et this one done!  I want to be able to prove that all the hard work, training and equipment are capable of getting the trip across the state done!!!

We are still in need of raising the $25,000.00 to get across the state and the $75,000.00 (yeah $100,000.00 total) to get across the USA.  We have the benefit concert/show scheduled for July 21st of this year.

I have been kicking around a few ideas for an anual fund raising ideas and I have to thank Scruffy Scruffington for this great idea...  The Anual Hawt Wheels Walk and Roll!!!  We can have our own little marathon to raise funds for the Hawt Wheels Foundation (the non-profit I'm trying to get established) for raising awareness of Legg-Calves-Perthes and to donate to Nationwide Children's Hospital for diagnosis, treatment and further research into this syndrome.

I have decided to make the trip across the USA an attempt at a Guinness Book of World Records record...

http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-2000/trans-usa-by-wheelchair/

It has been done by someone in a powered chair but there is no record of someone doing it in a manual chair!!!  This adds a whole new layer to the opportunity to raise awareness!!!

And the HWAO saga continues...

Holy crap!!! What have I done??? Am I crazy??? Have I finally gone off the deep end??? Was I dropped on my head too often when I was a child??? Have the two brain cells I have left migrated too far apart???

I'm sure all of those questions could be answered with YES!!! But these are questions I have asked myself and others have asked me with the changes I have made for HWAO. There are many reasons why I have decided to institute these changes.

Let me start though with what the changes are. I am still making the short trip on June 2nd of this year. I will be crossing the state of Ohio starting on September 22nd of THIS year (2012) and will start the trip across the USA on June 1st of next year (2013).

Yes, I said a trip across the USA. I will start in Lubec, Maine and end in Santa Monica, California. It is a very ambitious goal. It will be a very difficult and demanding trip, but I know that with your support I can make it happen!

Now back to WHY. Many of you know that I hold tight to the independence I have (even in the wheelchair). There will come a time when some of that independence will be stripped away and I want to be able to make these trips on my terms! When will the stripping happen? I don't know! But I do not want miss out on the opportunities to make these trips!!!

Go big or go home!!!

"GO BIG OR GO HOME!!!"

The words are still ringing in my ears! They were spoken by someone I respect in regard to the HWAO project. It started me thinking and I came to the conclusion that I was not thinking BIG enough. SO here it what is happening...

We are still doing the short trip in June. I will make the trip to cross the state of Ohio in late September of this year. And I will start a trip to cross the USA next year!

I don't know how to go any bigger! This has caused a few folks to panic! There is a lot that has to fall in place to make HWAO happen.

I have increased the amount we need to raise. I have set a goal of $100,000.00. This will give us all that we need to get across the country. And part of our goals in crossing the country is to continue to raise funds that will be donated to Nationwide Children's Hospital's Orthopedic Center.

And the HWAO saga continues...

Sorry that it has been awhile...

Been breaking in the new chair. It is such a difference from the old chair! I have gotten pretty good at taking the back wheels off and getting them back on. It handles the rougher terrain much better and is actually a bit easier to push!!!

I have also spent too much time in the ER over the past week with what has now been diagnosed as gallstones. I have a follow up with a surgeon to schedule a day to get the gallbladder removed.  I hit 50 and everything really started to fall apart!!!  I need to see if my mom still has my warranty papers!!!

I will be taking a break from the training while recovering from the surgery for the gallstones.  But the day that I can get back to it I would like to do another round at Antrim Park.  Putting another 12 or so miles under the wheels will feel awfully good!!!

And the HWAO saga continues...

This is the new wheelchair!!!  It is an Invocare Topend T6a.  It is perfect for geting the training started.  It is actually an earlier model of the one we need to order to get across the state.  The folks at Columbus Medical Supply have provided this chair (at a very reduced cost!!!) to help me get through everyday challenges.  And all the major parts (wheels, seat pan, back rest) are interchangeable with the T7a that I would like to have to make the state crossing.

I picked this chair up because the old one had reached it's limitations in training.  And it can work as a back up if something goes wrong with the T7a when I get out on the road.

I received the chair on Tuesday (Feb. 28) and on Wednesday put 12 miles on it out at Antrim Park here in Columbus.  The bike trails are a very good simulation of the road surfaces I will face.  The chair performed flawlessly!!!  I wish I could say the same for my arms!!!

Training will now start to focus more on distance and endurance.  The strength will come in time.

And the HWAO saga continues...

Had a small set back today.  Spent several hours a the ER this morning.  They think that I am having issues with my gallbladder!!  Oh fun!!!  I should only be down for a couple of days.  And this will certainly NOT deter me from getting Hawt Wheels Across Ohio accomplished.

I have been working a couple angles in an attempt to get the wheelchair at the best price possible.  I will be going over to Columbus Medical Supply tomorrow to see what things we can do to get the best discount possible along with the upgrades necessary to make the chair truly road worthy.  Rob Jones has done a fantastic job working with me to make sure that we get exactly what we need.

I ran across a young lady, Janie Gynn, who has volunteered to help me write the book to accompany this project.  Janie has a degree in journalism and has offered her services free of charge.  She also has considerable experience in dealing with new media groups.  Janie and I will be getting together here soon to get the outlines started and to get a general history of not only me but the entire process of putting HWAO all together. And we will be putting a very simple press kit!

Hello,

My name is Jeff Lowe. My friends call me Hawt Wheels. I have been working on a project to be the first person to cross the state of Ohio in a manually powered wheelchair. I know... it seems odd that no one has done this before but apparently they have not. The state has been crossed with hand cranked bikes, powered wheelchairs (electric) and there have even been a few that have jogged across the state on artificial limbs. But no one has done so in a regular old manually power wheelchair.

There are a couple of reasons why I am doing it. One is because it has not been done! Another is to help raise awareness of Legg-Calves-Perthes Syndrome and Osteonecrosis. You can follow the link on my website (http://www.hawtwheelsacrossohio.org/) to get an explanation of these disorders.

I have planned the first big trip to start June 1, 2013. I will cross the state following Rt. 40 (with a few side trips where 40 and 70 merge). We expect the trip to take at least 10 days. I have scheduled a "shake out roll" for June 2nd of this year that will consist of a trip from the center of Columbus (High and Broad) to the center of West Jefferson (where I live). The trip is only about 16 miles but will give me a good indication of where to continue to work the bugs out in the logistics of the big trip.

The project is called Hawt Wheels Across Ohio and has a couple of substantial goals. First are the trips across the state. The first one is listed above and we have set the following trip goals also:

Cleveland - Columbus - Cincinnati, starting June 7, 2014

Toledo - Columbus - Marietta, starting June 6, 2015

Sandusky - Columbus - Portsmouth, starting June 4, 2016

Second is in forming a non-profit organization to become a repository of information and assistance for those who are diagnosed with Legg-Calve-Perthes or Osteonecrosis.

Thank you for your consideration.  Please follow the link below to make a donation!

Jeff "Hawt Wheels" Lowe

405 Madison Drive N

West Jefferson, OH 43162

614.598.5431

jeff.lowe@hawtwheelsacrossohio.org

https://www.facebook.com/jdlsr1001

http://www.hawtwheelsacrossohio.org/

And the HWAO saga continues...

I was able to push 7 miles out at Easton! The weather was fantastic! The people watching has been priceless!!!

Having a day off in the middle of the week is interesting! Got my hairs cut this morning. Got out here to Easton. The bad thing will be that I won't get a day off again until next week!

Things with the HWAO project are coming along. I wanted to take some time to explain a little more about the goals of the project. The trips are an obvious set of goals themselves but there are a few other things that I hope to accomplish too.

I want to write a book about the entire experience of planning and taking the first trip. I hope to be able to then go onto the motivational talk circuit. I think there is a great opportunity to share all the fun and frustration of making this dream come to life.

I'm also trying to get a non-profit organization built to address the issues of Legg-Calve-Perthes Syndrome and Osteonecrosis. There is so much that simply falls between the cracks because of the rare nature of both. I want to leave behind a legacy of knowledge and understanding. And not only for these two disorders but for all forms of handicaps.

It may be because I live it every day but there has been a trend lately that dismisses some of the issues faced by handicapped people. Now I know that there are those that are just using the system to be lazy. And there are those that claim some form of handicap with out any substance to their claim. But neither of those reasons is enough for us to ignore the true needs of a few that are struggling to live as normal a life as possible despite certain obstacles.

Kandie and I were heading into a Meijer store the other night and some jackass barely missed me with his car. And I mean he missed me by about 3 inches! If I hadn't stopped he would have run me square over. Now we were in the crosswalk with a very visible stop sign. This idiot was paying no attention and was accelerating through the lot. He could have hit anyone actually.  This is the kind of thing that scares me the most about the trips.

And speaking of the trip.... I need YOUR help in raising money to make this dream a reality!  Please go to http://www.hawtwheelsacrossohio.org and follow the link to make a donation!  THANKS!!!!

And the HWAO saga continues...

The new website is up and running! Go to http://www.hawtwheelsacrossohio.org and check it out!

I got some information on a better wheelchair design at the same cost as the one I was originally looking at!

This chair will function as both an everyday and travel wheelchair!!! I am very excited to be able to go and check it out. I will be even more excited on the day we can get this bad boy ordered!

I "climbed" teh hill in front of Nationwide Arena today three times!!! I can barely lift my arms to the desk to type this post!!!

And the HWAO saga continues...

The new website is up and running!!!!

http://www.hawtwheelsacrossohio.org

I will be spending some time updating the site and polishing it up a lot!!!

Please follow the link on the Links page and make a donation.  We are getting ever closer to being able to get the chair ordered!

And the HWAO saga continues...

Here we are again!

I am overwhelmed by the level of support that all if you have pledged to this project. I'm not sure I understand where you are all coming from. I am not that different than all of you... Sure I may get around using my arms rather than my legs. But I also know that there are folks out there that suffer in ways far more intense than I do.  I am very grateful though for all the kind words, encouragement and donations you have all made!  In fact someone was offered to donate 5% of their income over the next year to help us reach the $50,000.00 goal for next year!!!!

Speaking of donations... please go to http://www.hawtwheelsacrossohio.zxq.net and follow the link to donate to HWAO.  We are only $1,500.00 away from being able to order the wheelchair so that the party can really get started!

I will be training on Sunday on the incline on Nationwide Boulevard in from of the arena.  It is an impressive incline and should prove to be a sufficient challenge to surmount!!!  Anyone wishing to join me can contact me on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jdlsr1001 and I will gladly provide details!

Well I have ot go get ready to go to work.  If I have the chance I'll write later today.

And the HWAO saga continues...

Ok... Back to getting this project done!

I'm sorry for the past couple of rants but I felt that all that had to come out.

We still need to raise $1,500.00 to be able to get the wheelchair ordered. Kandie and I have committed $1,000.00 to this purchase and we have currently raised $500.00 through donations.  Please, go to http://www.hawtwheelsacrossohio.zxq.net and follow the link to make a donation.  It would be very beneficial to order the chair as soon as possible so that training could more efficient.

Training is continuing to go well. I have been putting a few laps every day at work in the front lot. One complete circuit equals a half mile! I've been averaging about 8 laps a day!

I am sooooooo excited and anxious to get the June 2nd trip done this year. I already have three people that have committed to join me on that day and would love to have many more!

There are some other events I want to participate in... The Race for the Cure is one! The 5K will be an excellent way to gauge how well the training is going.  The team where Kandie works (Smiths Medical) has asked me to join them for this event on May 19th.  To be able to use the new wheelchair for this event we need to raise that $1,500.00 and place the order by April 20th.

I know we can do this... I know we can make HAWT WHEELS ACROSS OHIO and event like no other!!!  I promise that I am committed to the bone to make this project come to life!!!

And the HWAO saga continues...

OK... Apparently I have not been transparent enough on what exactly the funds I'm trying to raise are going to be used for... I thought I already explained this but just so there is no question of the legit nature of the HWAO project here it is again!!!

There are many different things that this money will be used for...

Purchasing a wheelchair and accessories capable of making the trips. Accessories include; an additional set of wheels, helmet, reflective vest, ect.

I will be using some of this money to pay for food, lodging along the way and for gas for the chase vehicle.

There is cost to join a gym and pool. These are essential to the training regiment I've started.

There are costs involved in banners, signs and t-shirts. I'm hoping to sell some add space on the spoke protectors on the wheels to cover some of this cost too!

I am going to establish a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The working name is The Hawt Wheels Foundation.

I'm sure that there will be other expenses along the way that I have not anticipated and they will be dealt with as they arise.

Any funds left over the first trip is made will be donated to the Pediatric Orthopedic Group at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

I also want to make it perfectly clear... I am NOT doing this just to gain some form of celebrity! I am doing this because the of the challenge and the opportunity to raise awareness to something that normally falls between the cracks.

And the HWAO saga continues...

Had the coolest thing happen to me at Tuttle Crossing Mall today... A complete stranger came up to me and asked" Are you Jeff Hawt Wheels?". They then went on to say that they had seen some of my posts out on facebook and they would be sending me a friend request and making a donation!!! Who needs the damn chair when you can float like this??????

Now I need to explain a few things....  There has been some confusion on what all this fundraising is for.  There have even been a couple of people that have "unfriended" and blocked me on facebook because of my "gorila tactics"!

The ultimate goal is to raise $50,000.00 by May 1st, 2013 so that the first trip across the state of Ohio can happen.  This $50,000 is going to be used to pay for things like lodging along the way, food, gas for the support vehicle and such.  Some of it will be used to help by equipment like the wheelchair (we are already on a good path to have that accomplished), a helmet, first aid kit, spare wheels for the wheelchair, etc.

I will also be using donated money to forma non-profit organization (The Hawt Wheels Foundation) that will be the source of information for families of children diagnosed with Legg-Calve-Perthes Syndrom and for adults diagnosed with Osteonecrosis.  I want to put into place a resource that simply does not exist on the scale that I have in mind.

Any funds left over are going to be donated to the Pediatric Orthopedic Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital here in Columbus.

Keep in mind I WILL MAKE THE TRIP NO MATTER WHAT!!!  It would be nice though not to have it become to heavy a financial burden on my family.  And that is where your monies are going.

I made my first trip to the gym yesterday (Planet Fitness).  My friend Scruff and I took the time to figure out some exercises that worked the core group of muscles to push the chair forward!!!  I also completed a 10 mile distance session today at Tuttle Crossing Mall!!!  My arms are like spaghetti noodles::  :-)


Scruff and his girlfriend Amy invited Kandie and me out to a Blue Jackets hockey game last night.  I found the perfect hill to practice on... Nationwide Boulevard in front of the arena!!!  It is at a steep enough incline to be a great challenge!!!

And now comes the begging!!!

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, 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PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE...

Go to http://hawtwheelsacrossohio.zxq.net and follow the link to make a donation to make Hawt WHeels Across Ohio a huge success!!!!

And the HWAO saga continues...

I talked with Rob Jones from Columbus Medical Supply and the price of the wheelchair has been reduced!!! We now only need to get to $3,000 and the chair and special wheels can get ordered!!!

I also wanted to update everyone on where we stand financially...

There is a little over $260.00 in the PayPal account.

Kandie and I have $1,000.00 of our own money to contribute

That leaves us needing to collect $1,800.00 to order the wheelchair!

We need to have the $1,800.00 collected by March 15th so that the wheelchair can be ordered and delivered in time for the June 2nd trip.

I KNOW WE CAN DO THIS!!! I FEEL IT IN MY HEART THAT YOU WILL STEP UP AND WE CAN GET THIS PROJECT ROLLING (yes, pun was intended!!)!!!

Please go to our website and make a donation...  http://hawtwheelsacrossohio.zxq.net/

The ultimate financial goal of this project is to raise $50,000.00 by May 1, 2013 so that we can have everything in place for the trip starting June 1, 2013 and to get the Hawt Wheels Foundation (a non-profit organization) started.  It would please me to no end to have the non-profit up and running by the end of this year!!!

But as I have been reminded... baby steps Jeff, baby steps!!!  The priority now is to get the chair and get more training in.  As we get further along in the process than the focus can broaden to include some of the bigger picture.

And the HWAO saga continues...

I've been reminded in the last few days that I really am depending on all of you to help make Hawt Wheels Across Ohio a success. I know that the trip is for me to make, but it is only with your financial and emotional help that we can get the "rubber to the road".

So please go to http://www.hawtwheelsacrossohio.zxq.net and make a donation of any size! No donation is too small (or large!). Every penny counts. And I want you all to know that Kandie and I are doing all we can financially to make this project work!

Turning fifty was an interesting ordeal!!! It has given me even more resolve in getting HWAO accomplished! I have decided that I will make a trip every year until I just cannot push the wheelchair down the road!!!

Training is going ok. I have been trying to get as many miles as possible under the wheels. I will also be adding some time at the gym to get some weights in the air.

I cannot thank all of you enough for all the support you have shown so far. I am confident, convinced and convicted in my efforts to make these trips that make up HWAO happen!!!

And the HWAO saga continues...

IT'S OFFICIAL!!!!  HWAO has a website!!!!!!!!!!!  There is even a link to be able to donate through PayPal!!!

Check out...

http://hawtwheelsacrossohio.zxq.net/Hawt_Wheels_Across_Ohio/Home.html

It is really raw at the moment but will be prettied up here soon.

The HWAO saga continues...

Well...  Now I understand why they say when you get busy the BLOG is the first thing to get ignored!!!  I'm sorry that it has been a few days!!!  But a lot has happened since I last wrote so here we go!

I am now working full time as a Sales Consultant at Carmax.  For those of you in the Columbus area, I am working at the one off of Sawmill and 270.  I have been through 2 days of orientation so far and am throughly impressed with the quality of the process Carmax has established and the people I work with.  While I had thought there might be a few issues in trying to accommodate me and the wheelchair, my managers have been very open minded and honestly quite flexible in providing solutions to any issues the chair and I face.  It is refreshing to work with people that aren't intimidated by my handicap!!!

I have gone in and have been "officially" measured for the new wheelchair.  I will be ordering it through a company called "Columbus Medical Supply".  I met a man named Rob Jones who has been working with folks in need of custom services for a long time.  His insight into what I am hoping to accomplish was a huge surprise!  His business partner Carl was also on hand to lend some engineering experience in making sure that the chair that is ordered was going to be the right fit for me and the goals of Hawt Wheels Across Ohio.  While there are no sponsorships available (through any wheelchair manufacturer), Columbus Medical Supply is offering the best discount on the wheelchair and its accessories.  I am looking forward to working with them to make HWAO a stunning success!!!

Preparations for the big Hawt Wheels Half Century Birthday Blowout are going well (https://www.facebook.com/events/345177665496418/ ).  I am a bit nervous though.  Not that I am gonna be 50 but that we are starting our fundraising push and the impact it is going to have in getting things started with HWAO.  The new wheelchair will cost $4,052.00 (even with the discount)!!!  Kandie and I will be contributing what we can through our medical "Flex" spending account.  I know that this is a lot of money but I also know that it is not an unrealistic goal.  There will also be several other fundraisers along the way to help with logistical costs.  And the project cannot happen without the wheelchair!  And we need to order the chair as soon as possible so that the distance training is maximized by gaining familiarity with the hardware.  

And speaking of training, I have started doing laps at the Tuttle Crossing Mall.  The first two days I did 4 miles worth of laps and took a day off.  Since then I have increased the distance to 5 miles!  And will soon increase yet again to 6 and so on.  I will be looking for folks to join me with this aspect of the training.  Any volunteers can contact me on my facebook profile (https://www.facebook.com/jdlsr1001).

And if this does not make you laugh than you and I need to sit and have a talk!  I was sitting in line at Sam's Club they other day and a young boy (maybe 5 years old) said "Mom... Look... A man in a chair!" Mom replies "Leave him alone. He's special", and they walk away.  I almost fell out of the chair laughing while everyone else around me was agased!  All I could think was "Mom must know me pretty well!"  Several people in line commented on how rude she was and as I told them what I was thinking and that I probably should wipe the drool off my chin and adjust my helmet, we all got a good laugh.

And the HWAO saga continues...

Well now...

Here is a revised plan for the goals of Hawt Wheels Across Ohio...

2012 - HWAO 0.5 Downtown Columbus to downtown West Jefferson (June 2nd)
2013 - HWAO 1.0 Travel Rt. 40 straight across Ohio (June 1st)
2014 - HWAO 2.0 Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati (June 7th)
2015 - HWAO 3.0 Toledo, Columbus, Marietta (June 6th)
2016 - HWAO 4.0 Sandusky, Columbus, Portsmouth (June 4th)
2017 - The project makes the big jump to Hawt Wheels Ultimate Road Trip where I travel through each of the lower 48 states to their capitols!!!

If you are not part of the Hawt Wheels Across Ohio facebook group, here is the link  https://www.facebook.com/groups/hawtwheelsacrossohio/ , feel free to join so that you can receive the most current updates as the project continues!!!

And the HWAO saga continues...

All right.... NOW I KNOW I"M CRAZY!!!  I had a dream last night that actually sounds like a challenge I can hardly pass up.  I want to travel to the capital of each of the lower 48 states in the wheelchair.  I can call it the Hawt Wheels Ultimate Road Trip.  Talk about gain recognition for a cause!!!  Osteonecrosis does not just happen here in Ohio, it happens across the world (that's a different trip!!!).   And if I can draw some awareness to this condition for at least the children's sake... I think you know what I have to do.

I don't even begin to know how to plan a trip like this and I am thinking in the long term.  Let's get Ohio conquered first with the understanding that the nation is next!

And the HWAO saga continues...

Where to start today...

I guess first in apologizing for not updating the past couple of days!  I have been a busy boy and now have been offered a job!  I will be working at the CARMAX off Sawmill and 270.  It is a full time position and it will certainly help in infusing what I can financially to HWAO.  I cannot expect people to donate if I am not willing to do the same.

This project has become a true driving force in keeping me going from day to day.  The word is quickly spreading on what it is all about and the levels of unbridled support from almost everyone is in fact a little overwhelming.

I get asked very regularly what my "problem" is so here is a simple explanation of what Osteonecrosis is:

"Osteonecrosis is a disease of bone which ultimately leads to collapse of the articulating joints such as the hip joint. Osteonecrosis is estimated to afflict 10,000 to 20,000 new patients each year in the United States alone. It primarily afflicts individuals during their Productive' years, i.e., 20s, 30s, and 40s. The bony destruction which occurs usually necessitates that total joint arthroplasty (total hip replacement) be performed. However, the percentage of good to excellent results for hip replacement is not as high in patients with Osteonecrosis as it is for other patient populations. Controversy surrounds the choice of methods of diagnosis and treatment of osteonecrosis."

It has also been explained this way:

Osteonecrosis - A bone disease that few have heard of. Some where between 10,000 and 20,000 people are diagnosed with this disease each year in the United States alone. Yet, with the population of the United States of approximately 274 million, these people are being lost in the crowd. And given an average lifespan there are approximately 500,000 people with the condition living in the United states.


There is a sub category of Osteonecrosis called Legg-Calve'-Perthes Disease that affects children and here is an very detailed explanation of what this diagnosis and treat is like:

Legg-Calve'-Perthes Disease

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a rare disease of the hip that afflicts approximately 1 in 1200 children. Of those children, only about one in four are girls. About 5% of all diagnosed develop the disease in both hips (bilaterally). Most of these children are very active and often very athletic. The age of diagnosis is usually between 2 and 12 years old, with the average age of 6. Legg-Calve'-Perthes children tend to be of shorter stature due to delayed bone age. What is Legg-Perthes Disease? Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a form of osteonecrosis of the hip that is found only in children. It is known by a few other names such as ischemic necrosis of the hip, coxa plana, osteochondritis and avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Most commonly it is called Legg-Perthes disease, LCPD, or Perthes. LCPD is of unknown origin. It is known that bone death occurs in the ball of the hip due to an interruption in blood flow. As bone death occurs, the ball develops a fracture of the supporting bone. This fracture signals the beginning of bone reabsorption by the body. As bone is slowly absorbed, it is replaced by new tissue and bone. Initial Phase Reabsorption Phase Reossification Phase/Healed Four Stages of LCPD Femoral head becomes more dense with possible fracture of supporting bone; Fragmentation and reabsorption of bone; Reossification when new bone has regrown; and Healing, when new bone reshapes. Phase I takes about 6-2 months, Phase 2 takes one year or more, and Phase 3 and 4 may go on for many years. Who is at Risk? There is no specific cause known for LCPD, however, there are some risk factors. Some of the factors identified as possible links include children who are small for their age and are extremely active. The disease is found more often in Asians, Eskimos, and Whites, with a much lower incidence found in Australian aboriginals, Native American, Polynesians and Blacks. Exposure to secondhand smoke is correlated with LCPD. First Symptoms The first symptoms characterized in LCPD are usually a limp and perhaps pain in the hip, groin, or knee (known as a referred pain). Often you will first notice limping during your child's active play. They usually cannot tell you an instance when they hurt themselves. They may not be able to tell you exactly where they hurt, especially if the pain is referred toward the knee area. They may not even experience much pain. Other cases may not be diagnosed until some precipitating event (fall, twisting injury) leads to an x-ray that uncovers the previously undiagnosed Legg-Calve'-Perthes disease. Diagnosis Initial diagnosis will require an x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or bone scan. Other diagnostic measures may include tests for limitation of abduction, a measurement of the thigh to determine muscle atrophy, and tests to determine the child's range of motion. Extent of Disease It is rare for a patient to have whole head involvement. However, age can play an important role in the prognosis of the disease. New bone growth typically reshapes better in younger children and it may improve with growth. There are several different classifications used to determine severity of disease and prognosis. The Catteral Classification specifies four different groups to define radiographic appearance during the period of greatest bone loss. The Salter-Thomson Classification simplifies the Catteral Classifications by reducing them down to two groups: Group A (Catteral I, II) which shows that less than 50% of the ball is involved, and Group B (Catteral Ill, IV) where more than 50% of the ball is involved. Both classifications share the view that if less than 50% of the ball is involved, the prognosis is good, while more than 50% involvement indicates a potentially poor prognosis. The Herring Classification studies the integrity of the lateral pillar of the ball. In the Lateral Pillar Group A, there is no loss of height in the lateral 1/3 of the head and little density change. In Lateral Pillar Group B, there is lucency and loss of height of less than 50% of the lateral height. Sometimes the ball is beginning to extrude the socket. In Lateral Pillar Group C, there is more than 50% loss of lateral height. Many doctors utilize these classifications as they provide an accurate method of determining prognosis and help in determining the appropriate form of treatment. Prevention There is no known effective preventative measure. TREATMENTThe Goal The goal of treatment is four-fold: I) to reduce hip irritability 2) restore and maintain hip mobility 3) to prevent the ball from extruding or collapsing 4) to regain a spherical femoral head Types of Treatment Often at the initial diagnosis, the physician may take a "wait and see" approach to get a clearer picture of the progression of the disease. As long as the patient's symptoms are mild, the physician may only prescribe physical therapy exercises to help maintain good range of motion. If the patient's mobility changes, then the physician may prescribe either non-surgical or surgical treatment. Non-Surgical TreatmentNon-surgical treatments come in varying forms. Crutches are used for non-weight bearing treatment for pain. Casts, traction, and braces help return range of motion and mobility. Range of motion exercises may be given to you by your physical therapist to do with your child in the home. Surgical TreatmentTenotomy A "Tenotomy" is a surgery that is performed to release an atrophied muscle that has shortened due to limping. Once released, a cast is applied allowing the muscle to regrow to a more natural length. Cast time is about six to eight weeks. Osteotomy There are different types of "osteotomies" (cutting the bone to reposition it) and, depending on the need they are performed at different stages of the disease. At times with the softening of the ball, there is the possibility of the ball slipping out of the socket. To protect it, a femoral varus osteotomy, with or without rotation partially redirects the ball into the socket. Another approach to surgically treating Legg-Calve'- Perthes is to do an osteotomy above the hip socket. This allows the surgeon to reposition the hip socket in such a way that the femoral head will have less tendency to become deformed. The shelf arthroplasty gives added coverage of the ball from the top lip of the socket. Both the innominate and the shelf arthroplasty help in reshaping. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Studies on long-term results of LCPD indicate that the incidence of late degenerative osteoarthritis is dependent on two factors. If the ball reshapes well and fits well in the socket, arthritis is usually not a concern. If the ball does not reshape well, but the socket's shape still conforms to the ball, the patient will tend to develop mild arthritis in later adulthood. Patients whose femoral head does not shape well and does not fit well in the socket usually develop degenerative arthritis before the age of 50. Although Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease cannot be prevented, much has been accomplished toward minimizing its effects. Research and clinical studies continue to provide patients with better long-term results.

LCPD is what I had as a child and as an adult I have developed Osteonecrosis.  This goal of this project is to bring some attention to this entire condition.

And the HWAO saga continues...

Well... Wow... OK...

The response I received on making a short trip this year has been tremendous!  As it stands right now (and there are a few things that can change this) I will be making a short trip on Saturday June 2nd of this year from downtown Columbus to West Jefferson!

Now again there are a few things that may change this date and trip.  Most importantly I need to be able to order and have delivered a new wheelchair.  I will be following through with the wheelchair manufactures I have found and see who will sponsor or offer the best discount and who can get the chair delivered fast!

Another factor will be whether I can get some descent training in.  This should be much less stressful than ordering the chair!  I have already started with doing some simple laps at the mall.  I will soon be posting some of these results on the Nike website.  I'll post a link to the progress page here in a few days.

I would also love to have anyone who could walk or jog the trip come along with me.

I plan on having as much media coverage as I can arrange for this day.  It would be really cool to have a large crowd in downtown Columbus to see me off!!!

And the HWAO saga continues...

I am sooooooooo anxious to get this old body out on the road! I am thinking of maybe doing a short trip this year (something along the lines of Columbus to West Jefferson approx. 16 miles)!!! Making a short trip would help prove the technologies I want to use for the big trip.

Trying to do the marathon stuff has proven very disappointing (they all have very limited slots for wheelchairs and they are all booked) and expensive!!! I'm thinking I could get more marketing bang for the buck by just putting rubber to the road and contacting the various news media outlets.

If I do decide to do the short trip this year would anyone be interested in making the trip me?

I have also found another wheelchair manufacturer.  http://www.colourswheelchair.com/ Colours Wheelchair makes some pretty radical chairs!  I have a voice mail in to the VP of sales to see if there is anything they can do in sponsoring our little shindig here!!!  Check out one of their wheelchair designs in this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NJvgT60-mk&list=FLxl6Lexq5qZHAtADJzretkw&index=1&feature=plpp_video This kid has some mad skills and a real hard head!!!!

And the HWAO saga continues...

OK, now all of you can say that I am officially crazy...

HAWT WHEELS ACROSS OHIO just got a LOT bigger!!!  I have decided that it will become an anual event.  And it is going to become a five year cycle of routes.  Please let me explain.

I have decided that each year starting in 2013 I will make a trip from border to border across the state of Ohio.  The first one you all know will be from east to west running on Rt. 40.  2014 will be a trip from Toledo to Marietta.  2015 will be a trip from Conneaut (Cleveland) to Cincinnati.  2016 will be a trip from  Sandusky to Portsmouth.  2017 will be a trip to follow the track of the Ohio River.  All trips will start on June 1st and hopefully be finished by the June 21st.

WHEW!!! I'm getting tired just thinking about all this!!!  I believe though that I can do all this with your support.

And the HWOA saga continues...

https://www.facebook.com/events/345177665496418/

Above is the link to the event on Facebook for my birthday party!!!

I am reluctant to ask this but I have been advised that it is a good idea...  If I could get each friend to donate at least $10.00 each to the Hawt Wheels Across Ohio (HWAO) project that we would get a great head start on the $50,000.00 we have estimated it is going to take to get this project done and done right.

We will start collecting donations at the birthday bash.

Thank you!!!!

Hawt Wheels Across Ohio

Well... Come to find out that some of the marathons I was looking at have very limited entry spaces for wheelchair athletes (one was limited to only 2 wheelchairs and 8 hand crank bikes!!!). WTF?!?!?!?

I also have found (at last) a national organization that deals with my diagnosis directly. The National Osteo Necrosis Foundation (www.nonf.org). They deal with my current condition and also address the conditions I had as a child. I spent the better part of last night reading through their website and will be applying for membership as soon as we start with the fund raising at my birthday bash!

Speaking of birthdays... We are having a big blow out for my 50th birthday this year at O'Sheckys here in Columbus. O'Sheckys is located in the Continent just north of the intersection of 161 and Busch Boulevard. The party will be Saturday, Feb. 4th and will start at 9:00pm. I am asking that instead of buying me a shot or two (I don't drink anyways) you make a donation to the Hawt Wheels Across Ohio project!!! There will be live music that might and there is NO cover charge!!! Crazy Dave is celebrating his birthday that night also! Come on out and join us for a drop dead great time!!!

With the current snow fall it will be impossible to train out in parking lots so instead I will probably start doing laps inside Tuttle Crossing Mall. I can at least get in some distance training. I need to figure out though how to attach an odometer to the chair or put a pedometer on my arm somehow! Seems to always be a little challenge at every turn of these wheels!!!

And the saga continues...

I'm not sure if I'm ambitious or just crazy...

The thought occurred to me that one of best ways to get the message out about Hawt Wheels Across Ohio (HWAO) is to participate in several marathons between now and June 1st 2013.  There are several marathons in the state and a few in adjoining states that have divisions for wheelchair athletes.  I think it would be great to get involved in a few of these to not only get maximum coverage for HWAO but also the training potential seems too good to pass up.  Winning one would be great but lets be realistic, just participating should be reward enough again in getting the message out about HWAO.

The first one would be (and no it is not a joke!!!) on April 1st in Athens, Ohio.  Then Toledo, then Cincinnati, then Cleveland, then Canton and Dayton and Akron and Findlay and Columbus!!!  Maybe I am crazy!!!

It means that I've got to really get started on the training.  It means that I have got to find a way to get the all terrain wheelchair.  It means I am going to need to depend on YOU to keep me encouraged and focused on really getting this done!!!

And the saga continues...

Well my peeps... I have to follow through with this project... I have had the logo tattooed on my chest!!!

I've actually run across a couple of people that do not think that this project is the smartest thing I could do... On young lady just simply kept asking "Why would you want to do that?" and the other was more concerned that I will end up getting run over by a careless motorist while traversing the roadways!

But please be assured that my resolve in completing this project remains intact.  And I have continued to verify that this is indeed will be the first time anyone has crossed the state in a manually powered wheelchair and have found no other record of anyone doing this.

I am hoping to make the "official" start to this project on Feb. 4th at the birthday party we are having for me at O'Sheckys (6240 Busch Blvd, Columbus, OH 43229).  We will start taking donations at this event to go directly to funding the project.  If you need any information on making a donation please feel free to contact me here or on my facebook timeline.


I am sooo excited to see this all coming together.  And I want to thank all of you that have the faith in me to actually get this done!!!

Hawt Wheels Across Ohio...

I am sorry that I have not updated the last couple of days...

Yesterday (1/15/2012) was a terrible day.  I hurt so bad in a new way that brought tears to my eyes.  It was like a weather change hurt but much more intense.  It really felt like someone had set my pelvis on fire while trying to split me up to my sternum!!!!  I have a follow up appointment with the doctor next week and will discuss the issue with him then.  It hurt so bad I actually took pain meds!!!

Today is a little better.  It is still on fire but I don't feel like I'm being split open.

I have an appointment this morning at 10:00 with a personal trainer.  He contacted me last week and I want to see what he has to offer.  If it works out right I will post his info here.  I ma interested not only in what routines he thinks would help me build the strength I need but also how and if they plan on sponsoring!

I will be back later today to update how things go.

And the saga continues...

Today is a rough day...

I am so sore I have actually given in and taken some pain meds.  I HATE THAT!!!  It feels like someone is trying to split me into with a battle axe starting in my crotch.  And the left knee is yelling at me too.  It hurts so bad I'm queazy.  I've taken two Perc 30's.  I'm even tempted to go to the ER and get all hyped up on dilaudid!!!

It's days like this that make me wonder if I really am up to the task of making this trip.  Do I really have the right stuff?  Do I have the resolve?  Do I have the vision?  Do I have the balls?

I know that some of this equivocation comes from simple doubt.  I am guilty of over thinking and demanding from myself Herculean efforts to all challenges.  Been that way since I was a kid.

I have sent some inquiries out to a couple of different energy drink manufacturers.  I ran across a new company in California.  Their facebook link is https://www.facebook.com/drinkbodyarmor.  It looks pretty interesting.  I asked to have a sample sent and asked about their interest in supporting the project.  I also sent an inquiry to the folks at Gatorade.

I had the chance to talk with Ronni Hunter from 99.7 The Blitz and she is very excited to be a part of this too.  I am working on getting a press kit together so that we can get the word out about the project to all the media outlets I can think of!

The pain meds have really kicked in so I am going to let this go for the moment... I will try to write more later when my head is a little clearer!

And the saga continues...

Here it is day three of the blog and only 505 days left till this journey hits the road.  And again the support I'm getting from all of you on this project is mind blowing.

I will be spending some time working on a much more detailed description of the project over the next few days.  Some folks do seem to be a bit confused on exactly what I'm trying to do.

No rants today.

Till tomorrow!!!

The Saga continues...

Well... here we are on day two of this blog.

I have 506 days until the start of this trip and feel that I need about 500 more to get everything done the way I want it done!!!

I am continually amazed at people's reactions to this event.  The look in their eyes is priceless.

Someone asked me the other day about growing up handicapped and I had to tell them that I really didn't know I was handicapped until I was 18!  My parents didn't raise we with the concept of being handicapped.  I knew I was different and I knew that I had to do some things differently and there were simply some things I could not do.  But it was really put to my attention at a job interview when I was 18. Back then they asked everything on an application.  The man I was interviewing with finally got to the medical information section (we were about 20 minutes into the interview) and saw the long list of surgeries and stopped the interview with "I'm sorry son, I don't need to hire you I have all the handicapped people I need."  I was devastated.  I went back home and with a very stern voice asked my mom "Why didn't you tell me I was handicapped?"  She still laughs at this story to this day (as do I)!!!

I have to admit that I still struggle with the handicapped status.  Maybe it's because of the stigma we have associated with the word handicapped.  I remember as a kid that me and the whole family were required to go to counseling because and I quote "if there is a leg problem there must be a psychological problem".  The counselor we had (Dr. Bermount) would tell my mom that we were the most balanced family he talked too.

Yes, there were the times I had to deal with bullying at school.  One time someone had disassembled my crutches during a class and it made me late to the following class because I had to put them back together. I normally just  attributed it to ignorance and would go on my way.   Yes, I have had to deal with prejudice.  We all have felt that tinge of doubt when we see someone get out of a car parked in a handicapped spot and they don't limp!

I will be first to admit that there are folks out there that have it far worse than I do, but it seems to me that there has been a real drop in the level of common courtesy that people have to those with handicaps.  Now I'm not saying I demand that someone else be inconvenienced by my needs, I would just like to have the same opportunities (within reason) to the pursuit of life and liberty!

That is why I'm planning this trip.  I hope to raise some awareness.  I hope to earn some respect.  I hope to show those who struggle like I have that there is no limit to the fullness of the human spirit.

Getting things started...

WOW...

I first want to thank everyone who has encouraged me in the planning and execution of this project!  I am truly fortunate to have such a good foundation of friends and loved ones to build the courage and nerve to carry this project to completion.

I have to admit when I was told that no one had ever crossed the state of Ohio in a wheelchair I was a bit skeptical.  But with a ton of research I found out it was true!  There have been people travel across the state in hand cranked bicycles and even a couple that have crossed in electric chairs but no one has ever done it in a manually powered wheelchair!  I have made it my goal to be that first one.  And at the sake of getting ahead of myself if the trip goes well there will be others planned.

Now... to the tasks at hand.  There is a lot of things to get accomplished before we get rubber on the road as it where.  I have already contacted the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Ohio Department of Public Safety and received permissions and instructions on how to plan this all out.  ODOT will be there to help with keeping me up to date on construction and the folks at Public Safety will be there to help with enforcement of the Ohio Revised Code as necessary.

Oh... I should explain what I want to do!!!  I will be traveling across the state of Ohio from east to west along Rt. 40 the old National Highway.  The trip will be 230 miles from start to finish.  I plan on getting out there to get this started June 1, 2013 and expect it to end by June 21, 2013.

I have already started the physical training (and it is gonna take a lot to get this fat butt back into shape!!!).  I have also started getting my head in the right place.  And again I have a great group of folks that have already given me the best in encouragement and love.

I have had contact with a bunch of potential sponsors, Nikon USA (www.nikon.com), Lytro (www.lytro.com), GoPro (www.gopro.com), Invacare (www.invacare.com) just to name a few.  I also have the support of a couple of local small businesses.  Jim Rinaldi at Wide Photography Studios here in West Jefferson and Dago and Traci from Easy Street Ink have already pledged to help in any way possible.  I am also selling some of my books of photography to raise funds (http://www.blurb.com/user/store/hawtwheels).

As you can imagine this project is more than one person can keep up with.  Heather "Sunny" Martin has been a great help in administrating the Hawt Wheels Across Ohio Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/hawtwheelsacrossohio/).  And we will have a dedicated web page up and running very soon (http://www.hawtwheelsacrossohio.zxq.net).

It will be my goal to post something here at least once a day.  Let's see what we can get done!!!