A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis

To Donate: On- Line, Phone, or Mail

2006-11-21T15:04:00.000-05:00

By On-Line: www.nationalmssociety.org/pledge
By Phone: 1-800-493-9255
By Mail: National MS Society
101 First Ave., Suite 6
Waltham, MA 02451

Please include my name and state with all donations.
100% of all money raised goes directly to the National MS Society. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Michael Myers

The Start of "A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis"

2006-11-17T14:34:00.000-05:00

North Pole, Alaska

2006-11-17T14:21:00.000-05:00

Off-Road, British Columbia

2006-11-17T14:18:00.000-05:00

Muncho Lake Provincial Park, British Columbia

2006-11-17T14:12:00.000-05:00

Ken, Owner of Sourdough Campground (the best campground)

2006-11-17T14:08:00.000-05:00

Road Construction, The Alaska Highway

2006-11-17T14:04:00.000-05:00

Spinning Southward, Yukon's Border

2006-11-17T14:00:00.000-05:00

Liard Hotsprings, British Columbia

2006-11-17T13:58:00.000-05:00

Making Friends, Marlies and Arnoud from Holland

2006-11-17T13:53:00.000-05:00

Sunset on Squanga Lake, Yukon

2006-11-17T13:49:00.000-05:00

Camping in the Bush, Yukon - Cheers

2006-11-17T13:45:00.000-05:00

Kluane National Park, Yukon

2006-11-17T13:33:00.000-05:00

Mountain Goats in Jasper National Park

2006-11-17T13:24:00.000-05:00

Rest Stop Along The Alaska Highway

2006-11-17T13:15:00.000-05:00

Biking the Icefield Parkway in the Canadian Rockies

2006-11-17T13:09:00.000-05:00

Rosie Swale Pope and I, Rosie's Running Around the World

2006-11-17T13:06:00.000-05:00

Bonnie and I near Lake Louise

2006-11-17T13:02:00.000-05:00

Mule Deer in the Canadian Rockies

2006-11-17T12:50:00.000-05:00

Conclusion to: A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis

2006-11-17T12:35:00.000-05:00

Alaska to Mexico by bicycle, solo, and self-contained...
July, 25th to November 6th, 2006
4,582 miles
105 days
3 1/2 months
8 states
3 countries
1 continent
8 national parks

Conclusion:
"A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis" has been much more than an ordinary bicycle tour for me, as I have done in the past. The amount of time, work, planning, and fundraising that went into this endeavor even before taking my first pedal stroke out of Anchorage, Alaska has been an enormous pleasure for me. This journey wasn't about me, it wasn't about the bicycle, and it wasn't about the mileage. It was about a disease called Multiple Sclerosis and what I could do to help. Though I have completed many bicyle tours before this, "A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis" was my first for a charity, and won't be my last. It has been the greatest exprience of my life. I hope for this to be a stepping stone for trips in the future and my continued support to help end the devastating effects of Multiple Sclerosis. I would like to thank everyone who supported this "Cycling for a Cause", without you this would not be possible. I tried to personally thank each and everyone of you who pledged, but being on the road with very limited internet access made this extremely difficult. I thank you now, and your generosity didn't go unnoticed.

It was my Grandfather's book "A Dream Fulfilled" that gave me the idea of "A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis". I know he would be proud and honored for me to use his book's title in a journey such as this. As many of you know, my father has had Multiple Sclerosis for over 20 years. Riding the bicycle for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has been an uplifting experience. Doing this for my father, gave meaning to each day. A reason, a hope, and most of all, a love.

Sincerely,
Michael Myers

Part 9 Death Valley, California - Mexicali, Mexico - San Diego, California

2006-11-17T10:37:00.000-05:00

642 miles
4,582 miles total

Impressions:
- Very strong winds, 25-30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, coming from a storm off Mexico...
- Walked through the ghost town of Rhyolite, Nevada...
- Welcome to Death Valley National Park...
- Summit of Daylight Pass at 4,317'...
- Amazing 13 miles of very steep downhill, from 4,317' to minus 282' at Badwater, Death Valley...
- 56.5 mph, the fastest I have ever been on a bicycle, very nervous with over 100 pounds of gear and going that fast, couldn't brake...
- Badwater, Death Valley - the lowest point in the western hemisphere at -282' below sea level...
- Salt flats and Golden Canyon in Death Valley National Park...
- Uphill for 15 miles from -282' to 3,315', very steep, very hot, and no services...
- Rest day in the small town of Shoshone, California, visitor center, museum, and the Shoshone Ruins, plus the relaxing hotpool...
- Sand dunes, ATV's, and dune buggies everywhere...
- Town of Baker, California - home of the world's largest thermometer, at over 100' tall...
- Daylight savings time, not good for me camping, gets dark to early now...
- Mojave National Preserve (Mojave Desert), very desolate, few cars, few people, no buildings, no services, no shade, lots of sun...
- One, if not the worst road I've biked on this entire trip in the Mojave Desert (tie with the Alaska Hwy.), large rocks, stones, and even boulders protruding the surface of the pavement for miles and miles...
- Kelso Depot Visitor Center, an old train depot that had been rebuilt in the middle of the Mojave, no food but they had water...
- Camping behind one of the only buildings in the ghost town of Amboy, California (the post office), hard to believe they need a post office in this one man, one dog town...
- No sleep, trains going by all night, very close, very loud, and almost constant horns blowing...
- Amboy crater and small volcano...
- Joshua Tree National Park, one of my favorite places on this trip, beautiful trees, large rock formations, and a high plateau desert landscape...
- Excellent bike riding in Joshua Tree National Park, no traffic, good roads, and magnificent sites...
- Hiked to Barker Dam and Hidden Valley, in Joshua Tree...
- Biked along the Salton Sea, a length of35 miles, this body of water hosts more birdlife than almost anywhere in the world, including thousands of pelicans...
- Mexicans and the spanish language take over the southern section of California...
- Mexicali, Mexico - "I did it" - after 4,440 miles and 102 days, I touched the Mexican Border...
- A feeling of relief as I biked into the Mexican Border - Anchorage, Alaska to Mexicali, Mexico - July 25th to November 3rd, 2006...
- Now what? Do I continue into Mexico or fly home?...
- I decided a rest is needed, my body, my mind, and most important I wanted to see my family, friends, and girlfriend, all of who I missed incredibly...
- I biked back into California and towards San Diego, along the border towns, 2 more deserts, and a mountain range that made me quit my first cross country bicycle trip nine years ago, after suffering heat exhaustion, I have some unfinished business to take care of this time...
- Stayed in Ocotillo, California, the same place, the same room, as I did nine years ago after an ambulance ride to the hospital and 3 bags of IV's to rehydrate me, as I collasped on an elder's front porch just outside Ocotillo, CA...
- Very motivated to make the summit of Mountain Spring Pass at 3,241', which got the better of me nine years ago, not this time though...
- The deep south of California is not an easy way to finish this trip, mountain range after mountain range standing in my way...
- I met Ralph and Michelle as I was biking in the small town of Boulevard, California, they drove by me and had turned around to ask if they could talk to me a minute, next thing I knew I was at their house eating lunch (made by Michelle) and talking bike touring and racing with the two of them. Michelle has bike toured in Alaska and the USA and even wrote a book (which she gave me a copy) about her adventures, while Ralph designs bicycles for a company called Zipp (a high-end triathletes bike). I stayed a couple of enjoyable hours before saying goodbye to my new friends...
- My last day of riding, Pine Valley to San Diego, a sad day and a happy day all at once. I have been on this bicycle for three and a half months, mostly alone and now for the trip to end makes me think about what I have done, what I have saw, all the people I have met, the kindness of strangers, and of course what this has meant to me riding to raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis...
- On November 5th, 2006 I finally see the shinny blue water of the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, California, 4,582 miles, no party, no balloons, no parade, and no fireworks - Just one big smile :)

Part 8 Grangeville, Idaho - Winnemucca, Nevada, - Death Valley, California

2006-10-24T18:46:00.000-04:00

820 miles
3,940 miles

Impressions:
- Whitebird, the battlefield of the Nez Perce Indains...
- Whitebird Summit at 4,450' n elevation, 8 miles at a 7% grade...
- Hell's Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America, deeper than the Grand Canyon...
- Followed the beautiful Salmon River, and it's own deep gorges and canyons...
- Zim's Hotsprings and campground, I was the only one camping...
- Hot pool was at 104 degrees and the cool pool at 89 degrees, relaxing...
- Frost and ice covered the ground, my tent, my bike, and my body, freezing cold, 20 degrees...
- Woke up to gun shots, what seemed to be close by, hunters, target practice, me?...
- Met and biked with two middle aged woman, who were out for a day ride, nice compant and infomation on roads ahead...
- Pay more attention to where I set up my tent, 6 cows grazing beside my tent all night all, I couldn't sleep...
- Moon-like feel of South-East Oregon, nothing there, ghost towns...
- Pulled into Rome, Oregon, during a downpour, which happened to be a cafe, which happened to have cabins for rent, I stayed the night but pretty gross to be honest...
- Getting dark by 6:00pm, not good for camping solo, to early...
- Rome Hoodoos, pretty cool sand sculptures formed by wind and rain over many years...
- Blue Mountain Pass at 5,293', long climb but strong tailwinds, and a cold day, 55 degrees...
- Welcome to Nevada and the flashing neon lights, "Casino's" of course...
- Oversized trucks hauling houses, makes it very dangerous to be biking with a small shoulder...
- Met "Eldon" from Texas, who is biking from Washington State to L.A. , met him inside the visitor center in Winnemucca, Nevada...
- Became friends with Eldon, stayed in the same motel, ate dinner together, and shared stories most of the night...
- Had thoughts of going towards Reno, Nevada, but decided biking with Eldon would give me the much needed company I was looking for...
- Biked with Eldon for 4 days, thanks for the company Eldon, through the empty desert of Central Nevada...
- Golconda Summit at 5,154'...
- Battle Mountain, Nevada, holds the Human Speed Challenge every year, people try and break the world record held at 82 mph...
- Camped in the bush, with Eldon, sky full of stars and saw the space station fly across the sky at 17,000 mph...
- Biked along Highway 50, known as "America's Loneliness Road"...
- Austin Summit, the highest I have every been by bicycle at 7,484'...
- Coyote woke me at mid-night walking around my tent, I shined my headlight on it and it ran off...
- Historical mining town of Tonopah, Nevada...
- Solo again, Eldon stayed in Tonopah to do some work...
- 97 miles, my longest day this trip, nothing but desert...
- Rest day today in Beatty, Nevada, I need it...
- Less than 10 miles to Death Valley, California, which I start biking through tomorrow, Good Luck, I'll need it!...

Part 7 Lake Louise - USA Border - Grangeville, Idaho

2006-10-09T20:15:00.000-04:00

600 miles
3,120 miles total

Impressions:
- Back on the bike, after 2 weeks of hiking...
- Crossed the Continental Divide, and back into beautiful British Columbia...
- Biked over Vermilion Pass at 5,300'...
- Marble Canyon, closed due to wildfires...
- 10 bighorn sheep along the road, 2 sheep got into a fight and came towards me as I was taking photos...
- Radium Hotsprings, just wonderful, 3 hours of 104 degrees, a cyclist best friend...
- Campfire with father and son, Dave and Shane from Toronto invited me to join them...
- Very foggy, not safe to bike, waited it out in the Invermere Visitor Center...
- Met Bruce Stroud, he was also biking and met up with me along the road, he invited me to stay at his house for the night, I did...
- Bruce and his wife (Sandra) put on a triathlon every year called "The Heart of the Rockies" triathlon, plus they have a house in Baja, Mexico...
- Thank you to Bruce and Sandra, you housed me, feed me, and most of all, gave me company...
- Soaked in the Fairmount Hotsprings, short hike to one of the most amazing waterfalls I've ever seen...
- Hoodoos along the roadway...
- My niece's birthday (Andrea) on Sept.29th and my mom's birthday on Oct.1st, Happy Birthday to you both, and miss you...
- 4 black bears came into the campground I am staying in this morning (glad to be out of my tent this time), the owner of the campground came to get me, we watched them for a long time, they all stood on their hind legs, (a mother and 3 cubs) next they all climb up a huge tree to about 25' high and sat on branches for over a hour, very interesting and lots of photos...
- Headwinds again, over 25-30 mph, felt like hurricane force, not good...
- Cook stove broke, electrical tape fix...
- Camping for free in closed Prov. Parks, no one around, well some deer but no people...
- Back in the USA, Eastport, Idaho and going south on route 95...
- Bonner's Ferry fairgrounds, camping on a concrete floor and fenced in...
- Trains all night long, hard to sleep, you get what you pay for I guess, free...
- No shoulder to bike on, USA, very narrow road Rt. 95...
- Campground closed in Black Rock, Met Myrna, this nice woman invited me to stay at her and her husbands house just down the street, the kindness of strangers is incredible, I did...
- Myrna and Richard's home was right on the Coeur d' Alene Lake, awesome and a very big thank you to you both...
- Met Jerry, in the food market in Plumber, Idaho, Jerry works at the hardware store inside the market, had lunch together and after Jerry was done work he drove down to Hayburn State Park where I was camping for company, thank you Jerry, it was a pleasure meeting you...
- Marsh Hill Summit 3,620', not bad but lots of other long hills today...
- Moscow, Idaho, The University of Idaho, and homecoming weekend, parade, football game vs. New Mexico State, go Vandels...
- Camped at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints...
- Farm land everywhere, rolling hills, no trees, and high winds...
- Spiral Highway, the most amazing road, felt like the French Alps in the Tour de France...
- 4:00am rude awakening, the water sprinklers came on, blasted my tent and I couldn't sleep, I moved...
- Nez Perce National Historical Park, interesting Indian Tribe...
- Rain at night, ice in the morning, my bikes brakes and gears were frozen and would not work, getting very cold now...
- Go South Young Man, Go South...

Part 6 Lake Louise - North Cascades - Lake Louise

2006-09-30T23:50:00.000-04:00

25 miles
2,525 miles total

Impressions:
- 2 weeks off the bike, hiking with Bonnie in the Icefield Parkway and the North Cascades National Park, Washington...
- Lake Agnes hike to the beehive and to the plain of 6 glaciers, at Lake Louise...
- Saw an avalanche on one of the glaciers, not far from us at the end of the trail...
- Moraine Lake, the postcard lake of the Canadian Rockies...
- Hiked the Larch Valley trail, this hike required 6 people or more in a group to hike because of grizzly bears...
- Hiked the Moraine Lake trail, along the most beautiful Valley of Ten Peaks, very famous photo in the Canadian Rockies...
- Hiked to Helen Lake, 12 km and 1,800' of elevation gain, panoramic views and solitude...
- Fantastic views of Crowfoot Glacier from the Helen Lake trail...
- Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, 2 of my favorite spots on the Icefield Parkway, although lots of tourists...
- Woke to a few inches of heavy wet snow, in the Icefield Campground at over 6,000', very cold morning...
- Walked on the Columbia Icefield glacier, the largest glacier in the Canadian Rockies...
- Hiked to Mount Edith Cavell and the amazing Angel glacier with icebergs floating in the Cavell pond below it, where huge pieces if the glacier have broken off and fell into the pond...
- Herd of elk along the highway feeding...
- Miette Hotsprings - CLOSED - after a very dangerous drive through 6 inches of snow on this steep and windy single lane road unplowed, no electricity due to the storm, should have closed this road as well...
- Maligne Canyon, incredibly narrow and 50 meters deep, hiked bridges 1 thru 5 on a loop trail, and many waterfalls...
- Maligne Lake and Medicine Lake, the water flows underground to the Maligne Canyon...
- Saw my first male big horn sheep walking down the middle of the snowy road and ran up the hillside...
- Mount Robson at over 12,000', is the highest point in the Canadian Rockies...
- Hiked part of the world famous Berg Lake trail, 7 km of the 23 km trail one way...
- Clear views of Mt. Robson in the morning, very impressive...
- Bonnie and I drove to the North Cascades in Washington State, about 10 to 11 hours...
- Made it to Rosemary's (Bonnie sister's house) in a light rain, after a long drive...
- Hiked Pugh Mountain with Bonnie, Rosemary, Stef (Bonnie's father), and I, turned around at the Stu-Jack pass due to weather...
- Drove to Anacortes, took the ferry to the San Juan Islands, and biked from Friday Harbor to Lime-Kin State Park, with Bonnie, Rosemary, Michael, Stef, and I, Bonnie's mom did hikes on the mainland...
- Orca whales swimming just off shore at the Lime-Kin State Park, watching them from next to the lighthouse...
- All of us camped at Washington Park in Anacortes and went to dinner at "Adift"...
- Rest day, well rain day is more like it, went to the North Cascades visitor center and did the 2 mile river loop trail in the light rain...
- Hiked Driveway Butte, rain and snow made us turn around before the summit, Bonnie, Rosemary, Stef, and I, not having good luck with the weather here in Washington...
- Hiked Sourdough Mountain, very long, very steep, and very much worth it once you get to the top, incredible views on our first clear day in the Cascades, wonderful, boat ride across the Ross Lake to finish the hike and meet up with Linda (Bonnie's mother)...
- Went to the North Cascades wildnerness office where Rosemary and Michael work as Park Rangers...
- Just Bonnie and I hiked the Hidden Lakes trail, one of my favorite hikes of all time, just amazing at the summit, the hidden lake, the hut that sleeps two people on the very top with 360 degree views of pure jagged mountains, and we had a clear sunny day...
- Woke at 3:30am to drive Bonnie to the airport shuttle and for me to drive the car back to Lake Louise, a 10 hour ride...
- Drove the rental car back to where Bonnie got it from, the Calgary airport and took a bus back to my bike and gear where I stopped over 2 weeks ago at Lake Louise...
- Alone again, just my bike, my half eaten tent, and I...
- Biked out of Lake Louise campground and heading south, next stop - USA...

- I would like to thank Bonnie for her support and most of all her company over the last 2 weeks, it has been a highlight and something I have been looking forward to throughout my journey, and I appreciate your effort to make this happen. Thank you for showing me the incredible North Cascades, they are as impressive as you had said....
- I would also like to thank Rosemary (Bonnie's sister), Michael (Rosemary's boyfriend), and Stef and Linda (Bonnie's parents), I stayed at Rosemary and Michael's house in Marblemount for a week and was treated like a king, they gave me a roof over my head (something I am not used to), feed me some of the best meals that I can remember, and most of all made me feel at home. I thank all of you and will never forget it...

Part 5 Grande Prairie - Jasper - Lake Louise

2006-09-28T19:11:00.000-04:00

400 miles
2,500 miles total

Impressions:
- No services for 183 km., Grande Prairie to Grande Cache on highway 40...
- Extremely desolate highway 40, became very hot, out of water, dehydrated badly, drank water out a small creek...
- Long hill after long hill, one of my harder days cycle touring...
- Coal mining plant outside Grande Cache...
- No strength in my legs, burnt out, need a store quick...
- First time this tour, I had to walk my bike up the last 3 km to the mountain top town of Grande Cache, not happy about it but my legs and body said "No"...
- Grande Cache - store "ASAP"...
- Worst sleep of the trip, camping at the Grande Cache ballfields, just so happened that there was a softball tourament this weekend and the players camped there as well, party time - till 4:00am, loud music, fires, and drinking games...
- The "Death Race" 125 km of extreme mountain running, 3 mountain summits, over 17,000' of elevation change and river crossings in Grande Cache, Alberta - so much for the Boston Marathon...
- Saw a grey wolf along the wooded highway, I stopped, it looked at me, I looked at it, but not to close...
- Freezing cold mornings, very warm by mid-day, 30-40 degrees to 80-90 degrees all in just one day, amazing temperture changes...
- Kelly's Bathtub, a beautiful green lake, 3 different stories of Michael Kelly as to why it's called Kelly's Bathtub...
- Finally finished "No Service highway 40" 300 km plus and just one town, I really mean nothing here...
- Yellowhead highway 16, a day to remember, excellent sites, lakes, ponds, mountains, just awesome...
- Willmore Wilderness, wildlife refuge, William A. Switzer Prov. Park...
- Saw mountain goats up on a cliff, along highway 16...
- Downtown Jasper...
- Started down the "most beautiful road in the world" - The Icefield Parkway...
- Woke up to 4 elk right behind my tent, feeding...
- Athabasca falls, 2 people donated to MS...
- Met "Ino" from Germany, bike touring from NY to Vancouver...
- Big horn sheep along the road...
- Waterfalls, rivers, lakes, ponds, mountains, and glaciers along the Icefield Parkway...
- Sunwapta falls and sunwapta pass, very steep and over 6,200' or about that of Mt. Washington, NH...
- Columbia Icefield Glacier, largest glacier in the Canadian Rockies...
- Out of Jasper National Park and into Banff National Park...
- Biked up to Bow Summit at 6,400', done with the 2 summits on the Icefield Parkway...
- Peyto lake and Bow Lake, 2 incredible sites not to be missed...
- Welcome to Lake Louise, heavy downpour of rain...
- Lake louise campground, played cards with Ronald and Daniel from Germany, Tim from New Zealand, and Sarah from Australia, inside the cook shelter with the woodstove to warm us, cold mornings and nights...
- My girlfriend, (Bonnie) arrived at Lake Louise campground in the very early morning to meet with me for 2 weeks of hiking in Banff, Jasper, and the North Cascades of Washington State...
- 2 weeks off the bike, not that my legs will get much rest hiking mountain after mountain but it's different and really look forward to the company...

Part 4 Fort Nelson - Dawson Creek - Grande Prairie

2006-09-02T14:47:00.000-04:00

400 miles
2,100 miles total

Impressions:

- Rest day in Fort Nelson, 1st rest day since Denali NP, Alaska...
- Lesson on ice curling, 42 pounds of granite slide down the ice...
- Fort Nelson Heritage Museum, history of the Alaska Hwy...
- Muskwa River bridge, the lowest point on the Alaska Hwy., at 1,000'...
- Mesa-like topography of Mount Yakatchie...
- Litter barrels everywhere, that's their rest areas, a pull out with just a barrel...
- Trutch Mountain was the second highest summit on the Alaska Hwy., before the highway was rerouted, with an elevation of 4,134'...
- Buckinghorse River Lodge, free tent camping, met Ken and Matt, workers at the lodge, Matt and I fed oats to the seven horses and the two mini horses at the stable, pretty interesting...
- Watched the Red Sox vs. the A's on direct tv, first tv in over a month, sox lost 7-0, they were up 3 games on the Yanks when I left...
- Female moose ( cow) ran right in front of me biking...
- First frost on my tent, no more bugs, I hope...
- 8% climbs of Sikanni Hill and Pink Mountain at 3,600'...
- 30' tall lumberjack at Clark's sawmill...
- Welcome to Fort St. John, pouring rain, thank you to the visitor center for letting me wait it out inside...
- Met Wallace Teal in the visitor center, Wally biked across America for Parkinson's Disease in the 1990's and lives part time in Panama...
- Heavy fog, could not see the hand in front of my face, burned off later...
- Rita and Deb, at the visitor centers in Taylor and Dawson Creek, both donated to MS...
- Peace river bridge and the gas pipeline bridge...
- 4 miles at 10% grade, climb, climb, and climb...
- Kiskatinaw river bridge, the only original timber bridge that is still in use today along the Alaska Hwy...
- Dawson Creek, Mile "0" of the Alaska Hwy., "I did it" - Finally finished what seemed to be the longest road in the world and the worst conditioned road in the world...
- Hit 2,000 miles on my odometer in Dawson Creek...
- Prairie Lands, flat, dry, and very windy...
- Welcome to Alberta, my 3rd province, Northwest Territories being the only part of Canada I've yet to visit...
- Pacific time to Mountain time, 1 hour ahead and 2 hours back from the east coast...
- Grande Prairie, population 43,000 and this place seems like NYC or LA to me, traffic, people, buildings, what is this?...

- Stay tuned Part 5 coming soon...
- Most important, remember this is "A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis" - Cycling for a Cause - as I need everyones help in making this possible, I am trying my hardest to do my part out here on the road and I hope that you will do your part and help spread the word and support this charity. I really appreciate all of the help and support I have recieved so far and hope that it continues. I thank you, my father thanks you, and everyone with MS thanks you.

- We can make a difference, and we will...
Sincerely,
Michael Myers (founder and rider of "A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis"

Part 3 Whitehorse - Watson Lake - Fort Nelson

2006-08-26T15:44:00.000-04:00

587 miles
1,707 miles total

Impressions:
- Whitehorse (population 22,241) the capitol of the Yukon...
- S.S Klondike, built in 1929, the vessel was the largest on the Yukon, ran aground in 1936...
- Old log church and log skyscrapers...
- Yukon river...
- Miles Canyon, originally called the "Grand Canyon" by early gold seekers...
- Rock shops everywhere...
- Marsh Lake dam...
- The Alaska Hwy. parallels beautiful Marsh Lake for several miles...
- Inn on the Lake, where Martha Stewart stayed and filmed "Martha Stewart Living"...
- Jake's Corner, food, showers, and gas. Had lunch there and the man behind me saw my MS shirt and bought me lunch, saying his wife has MS and appreciates what I am doing, now that is what "cycling for a Cause is all about"...
- Black flys head to toe, (eyes, ears, and mouth) on Squanga Lake...
- Sunset on Squanga Lake, beautiful...
- Thousands of creek crossings...
- Nisutlin Bay Bridge, the longest water span on the Alaska Hwy. at 1,917'...
- Mice running on top of my tent at night, can't sleep, went into the 5'x6' bathroom and tried to sleep there but the mice were in there too, not a good nights sleep...
- Crossed the continental divide for the first time...
- Black Bear clawed through my tent while I was sleeping, head and arm of the bear were with 12 to 18 inches of my face, the most afraid I've ever been in my life, this happened at the Continental Divide Campground and the owners tried to kill it but I think missed it...
- Nervous, blame me...
Watson Lake visitor center, "stay indoors tonight, there is a grizzly bear running around here", ok enough said...
- My first flat tire, a blow out destroying the tire and spliting the tube in half, that's why I carry a spare...
- Air Force Lodge, my first bed since Anchorage...
- Met Marlies and Arnoud from Holland, they are on a 3 year bicycle tour of South and North America...
- Whirlpool Canyon, mountain portage rapids...
- Nervous about camping in the bush now, sleeping with one eye open and my ears alert...
- Liard Hotsprings, soaked in a natural 108 to 126 degree hotspring for hours. a must do if travelling the Alaska Hwy...
- Camp and dinner, courtest of Roger and Judy Dumm, a wonderful home cooked meal in their RV, and breakfast too, thank you and miss you...
- Guitar, auto harp, and singing folk songs around the campfire, oh and the frog...
- Liard River Bridge, the only remaining suspension bridge on the Alaska Hwy...
- Muncho Lake, beautiful deep green and blue water, 7 miles long, 1 mile wide, and mountains all around it, the color is attributed to the copper oxide leaching into the lake...
- Herd of Buffalo beside the Hwy...
- Stone Sheep in the road near Muncho Lake and wouldn't move out of the way...
- Bike crash, hit loose gravel, skidded, front wheel jacknifed and over the handlebars I went, down a small imbankment, hitting my head, shoulder, and back...
- Caribou in the road near Stone Mountain...
- Summit Lake and summit Pass, 4,250' the highest on the Alaska Hwy...
- Rosie Swale Pope (Rosie's Run) she is running around the world, pulling a 200 plus pound trailer, and started on Oct. 1st, 2003 from Wales and is 59 years old, amazing woman...
- Rosie, and motorcycle Dave and Lane donated to MS...
- Cinnamon buns everywhere and they are good...

Part 2 Fairbanks - Tok - Whitehorse

2006-08-16T20:45:00.000-04:00

August 5th - August 16th
600 miles
1,120 total miles

- Animal chews threw my tent, 5 holes, what animal?...
- World Ice Championships, the olympiad of ice carving...
- Walked through the low-key theme park of historial displays in "Pioneer Park"...
- Going south for the first time, on the Richardson Hwy...
- North Pole, Alaska - "where the spirit of Christmas lives year round"...
- Santa Claus house, Giant Santa, Reindeer, Santa Clause Lane, St. Nicholas Drive...
- F-16 fly-overs near Eielson Air Force Base...
- The Knotty Shop, not what you think...
- Alaskan Flag...
- Alaska Gold Rush Era and the Tanana Valley Gold...
- Trans-Alaska Pipeline crossing the Tanana River...
- Out of water...
- Delta Junction, the offical end to the Alaska Hwy., 1,422 miles to Dawson Creek, BC...
- Met Mark from Iowa, Ruth from Spain, Andy from Oregon, Tom from Chicago, and Phillip from Victoria, all bike touring...
- Quiet on the Alaska Hwy., few cars, few truckers, mostly huge RV's...
- No towns, no stores, no gas, no food, no water, no wonder I'am crazy...
- Alaska Hwy., a paved (or somewhat paved) road through the forest...
- Dot Lake, (Population 33), that must have been last year, and 33 people moved since, I see no one...
- Awesome view of the Alaska Range...
- Tok visitor center, "thank you for riding for me". Volunteer woman with MS...
- Sourdough Campground - A must see if in Tok, Alaska...
- Sourdough pancake toss...
- Solitude...
- Alaska Hwy., under construction everywhere, loose gravel signs, means getting sandblasted by cars, trucks, or RV's as they go by...
- Lake bathing...
- Sunset on Larger Lake, Alaska - 9:45pm days are getting shorter...
- Head to Head with a black bear near the Yukon...
- Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge...
- Canadian Customs...
- Welcome to the Yukon...
- Laundry, for the first time...
- Kluane Lake is the largest lake in the Yukon...
- Headwinds - 25 to 30 mph = 8 to 9 mph biking, tough day and sore legs...
- Kluane National Park, snow capped mountains, an incredible place...
- Bear Creek Summit - 3,294' highest point on the Alaska Hwy., between Fairbanks and Whitehorse...
- Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon...

Part 1 Boston - Anchorage - Fairbanks

2006-08-05T22:58:00.000-04:00

July 25th - August 5th, 2006
520 miles

Impressions:
- Sad goodbyes, leaving family, friends, and co-workers...
- 23 hour flight to Anchorage, Alaska...
- Meeting Theresa Philbrick, in the Anchorage Airport at 1:00am...
- The Zimmer Family (I stayed at their house for 3 nights, in Anchorage)...
- Noah and Kaylon Zimmer, ages 7 and 11, their letter to me and their donation to Multiple Sclerosis...
- Zimmer's went on vacation, left me the house to myself, a total stranger...
- Pete Robert's and the "Downtown Bicycle Rental" in Anchorage, a huge Red Sox fan, the green monster painted on one of the store walls...
- The Brewhouse dinner with Theresa and Arlene, art work and photos, Arlene used to summer on the beaches of Marshfield years ago...
- Midnight bicycle ride with Theresa, views of Mt. Mckinley, moose, red fox, and porcupine along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail...
- Tour begins, bicycled out of Anchorage on July 28th, 2006...
- Chugach and Talkeetna Mountains...
- Camp prayer in Palmer...
- Cold rain in the 50's to warm sun in the 80's...
- Combat fishing for Salmon, in Willow Creek State Park...
- Welcome to Beautiful Downtown Talkeetna...
- Cloud covered Mt. Mckinley along the Parks Hwy...
- Met Greg from Utah, Steward for New Zealand, a couple from Germany, and Victor from the Czech Republic, all bike touring...
- Victor and I rode together one day, I went into Denali NP and he continued to Fairbanks, and is going to South America...
- Camped at Theresa's Philbricks home away from home in Cantwell...
- Denali National Park, biked 30 miles of the park road, beautiful...
- 11 hour tour bus to Wonder Lake and Mt. Mckinley, along the 85 mile dirt park road, amazing...
- Mt. Mckinley 20,320', North Americas highest point...
- Grizzly bears, caribou, dall sheep, and moose along the park road...
- Nenana's Ice Classic Tower...
- The mosquito is often referred to as the "Alaska State Bird"...
- Killer bees, everywhere...
- Fairbanks, to busy, I like the small quiet towns better...
- Camping every night, $10-16, sometimes free...
- No shower for 8 days, sorry to tell you about this, good news is that I am taking one tonight...

This is how I will be writing my blogs. No one needs to read my journal, nor wants to. I will keep it short and if someone has a question on one or more of the impressions please write me at mjmworldbike@hotmail.com and I would be more than glad to fill you in with more detail.

I am so pleased with the overwhelming support I have recieved. I am almost at 30 percent of my goal, and I have you to thank. Please continue to spead the word about "A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis".

Sincerely,
Michael Myers (founder and rider of "A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis")

The Jan Perrin Challenge

2006-08-05T22:02:00.000-04:00

A close friend of mine, Jan Perrin (owner of the Fieldston Restauant on Route 139 Marshfield) has made a challenge to all of our mutual friends, and others who would like to join him in a Pledge Per Mile, to "A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis". In doing so, your pledge would be totalled up at the end of my ride, and contributions made accordingly. Caution: the end of my ride is unknown at this point! For example: If you pledge 1 cent per mile and I bicycle 5,000 miles, your total pledge would be 50 dollars. Jan has generously offered a 10 cent per mile pledge, and wanted me to make this challenge known to help raise money for "A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis".

Sincerely,
Michael Myers (founder and rider of "A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis")

Le Tour de Michael Myers

2006-07-27T13:30:00.000-04:00

Written By: Bob Carrol, Boston Globe Newspaper, Globe South Section

Endurance cyclist draws inspiration from his grandfather
For three consecutive mornings the young boy lay in wait behind a row of bushes. Heart beating wildly, he fixed his eyes on the milkman and his horse-drawn wagon. The year was 1926 and 10-year-old Jack Damm was lying in wait, watching closely. Which houses did he stop at? How long was the animal left alone? Preparation, figured the boy, was the key to successfully taking that horse for a joy ride. more....

Cycling for a Cause

2006-07-23T13:20:00.000-04:00

Alaska to Mexico, and Beyond
Starting: July 25th, 2006
Michael Myers
Marshfield, MA. USA
Bicycle Adventurer
E-Mail:mjmworldbike@hotmail.com

To Donate: On-Line, Phone, or Mail

2006-07-23T13:16:00.000-04:00

By On-Line: www.nationalmssociety.org/pledge
By Phone: 1-800-493-9255
By Mail: National MS Society
101 First Ave., Suite 6
Waltham, MA 02451

Please include my name "Michael Myers" and my state "Massachusetts" with all donations.

Interview photo taken by the Boston Globe

2006-07-23T07:03:00.000-04:00

Thanks for your support

2006-07-23T06:48:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, July 27th, 2006, there is an article coming out in the Boston Globe, (Globe South section) about my dad and me. Unfortunately, I will not be home to see this. I leave the morning of July 25th, for Anchorage, Alaska, to begin "A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis". My hope is that everyone who reads this story is touched in some way and feels more aware of the devastating effects of MS.

I now would like to thank everyone who has shown support to this "Cycling for a Cause" and to those who will show their support as I am pedaling southward from Alaska to Mexico to raise money and awareness. Without you, this would just be an ordinary solo bicycle trip as I have done in the past. I have had an amazing adventure getting "A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis" off the ground and under way. I thank those who have helped me in any way, and want you to know that I appreciate it. This is for my father, and I will never forget this as long as I live. I love you dad, you taught me well and took care of me, now it's my turn to help you.

Sincerely,
Michael Myers (founder and rider of "A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis")

Frank Myers wheeling in Marshfield's annual 5 mile road race

2006-06-18T08:01:00.000-04:00

For his father

2006-06-18T07:59:00.000-04:00

Marshfield resident set to bike from Alaska to Mexico to fight MS
By Kathryn Koch
MPG Newspapers

MARSHFIELD - In 1936, a 19-year-old Jack Damm accepted a job offer as a cowboy on the LU Bar Ranch in Wyoming.
It was the fulfillment of a childhood dream for Damm, and he wrote a book, A Dream Fulfilled, chronicling his time there.
The book was never published, but his grandson, Michael Myers, has the oringinal manuscript. The book has helped inspire Myers, 37, of Marshfield, to fulfill his own journey.
Myers has incorporated the name of his grandfather's book into his own personal journey, A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis - Cycling for a Cause.
This summer, Myers will set off on a solo journey on his bicycle from Alaska to Mexico, and potentially into Central America, to raise money for the National MS Society.
Detouring from his mapped-out route, Myers plans to visit the ranch where his maternal grandfather (Barbara Myers' dad) worked. It would also be a plus, if the owners allow, to stay there.
Myers was a teenager, about 14 years old, when his father, Frank Myers, was diagnosed the MS. He was told originally that his father had a back injury, but then he learned about his disease.
"Before my Dad, I didn't know what MS was," he said.
The chronic, progressive form of multiple sclerosis that Frank battles becomes more noticeable over time. The use of his legs has steadily declined.
"It hurts," Michael said. "It's not easy. But he's still here."
In the last few years, Michael has done even more research into the disease. He includes some of what he has learned on his Web site, www.mjmworldbike.blogspot.com, where people can follow his journey online.
Myers will stop at libraries and internet cafes along the way to add to his blog. Anyone can also send him comments, share their stories or offer encouragement.
Michael lives by the philosophy that there's a lot to do and see in the world. The 1987 Marshfield High School graduate has biked a multitude of countries in Europe, not to mention the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, since his first ride, from Plymouth to Philadelphia with his brother-in-law, when he was 20. But this will be his first charity ride.
"Along the way, I'll be thinking of my Dad and my Granddad," he said.
Frank can walk with two canes and drives a hand-controlled car, but spends most of his time in his wheelchair. He hasn't just let the world go by in the five-plus years he's been in that chair, however. Three years ago, he realized his dream of participating in the Boston Marathon. He was the oldest in the wheelchair division and wants to make a repeat apprearance next Patriots' Day. He's already scheduled to travel to Utah in October for a race.
"It's great for my upper-body strength," Frank said.
Running beside him, and behind him at the finish line three years ago, was Michael. It's not in his father to just lay low, even though it would be easier for him, Michael said.
"Dad has a hard time getting around, but he has a pretty good attitude on things," he said.
Michael's pride in his father may only be matched by his father's pride in him. Every chance he gets, Frank hands out the business cards printed with information about how to donate to the National MS Society in his son's name.
"I think it's fantastic," Frank said. "I'm really proud of him. He's quite a guy."
Although concerned about his son, Frank plans to keep in touch.
"I'll have my map out following every mile along the way," he said. "I'll be thinking of him every day."
Michael, an electrician with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103, currently works at Children's Hospital in Boston.
He will start out his long journey July 25. He isn't in a race, so he plans to take his time, probably about four to six months.
As he travels south from Alaska, which he will visit for the first time, he will raise money and spread awareness about MS. He will be all decked out in gear donated by the National MS Society, and will welcome help from various MS Society chapters along the way. His father won't be surprised if he exceeds his goal of raising $10,000 for MS research.
"No matter what money is raised, it's money they wouldn't have had," Frank said.
Michael will camp out many nights. It may be hard for most people to believe, he said, but he's often invited into people's homes on his long journeys. He said the people are part of what drives him to make long trips.
"If I didn't see it. I probably wouldn't believe it," he said.
Also, it will be obvious by the MS markings on his gear that he's riding for a charity. This time, he's loading his bike and trailer with 75 to 80 pounds of gear for sleeping and cooking, and enough food and water to last several days at a time - all for charity.
"I just thought it's my time to do something, and of course, my Dad has it," he said.
After leaving Alaska, he will travel through the Canadian Rocky Mountains, where he plans to meet his girlfriend, Bonnie Seifried of Weymouth, who will join him for a week of hiking, and then continue through the U.S. Rockies.
He will travel about 6,000 miles from Anchorage to the Mexico border. If he continues his journey into Central America, it could add another 3,000 miles to the trip. He'll pass through several national parks in the United States and Mexico.
To donate, pledge by e-mail to www.nationalmssociety.org/pledge, call (800) 493-9255, or mail to National MS Society, 101 First Ave., Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451. Include the name Michael Myers and the state of Massachusetts with all donations.
Myers faces many unknowns along the way, but he'll take a one-day-at-a-time approach, much like the more than 400,000 Americans and 2.5 million people worldwide with MS.

My Friend, My Hero, My Dad

2006-06-12T21:51:00.000-04:00

My Dad and me, outside his home in Marshfield, Massachusetts. My Friend: A friend to me is someone you can talk to, someone you can rely on, someone who believes in you, and most of all, someone you are proud to call your friend. My dad is my friend.
My Hero: The dictionary states hero as, "A man of distinguished valor". Bravery, courage, and intrepidity, no three words better describe my dad. For most people, a hero is someone that you look up to, and I am no different. My dad is my hero.
My Dad: "Moose", a childhood nickname that his buddies gave to him in middle school, has lasted a lifetime. He lifted weights, wrestled, and was bigger than most as he grew through adulthood. Moose is still wrestling today, but instead of an opponent, he is head to head with Multiple Sclerosis and has been for over twenty years. The never-give-in attitude my dad has amazes me to this day. "Attitude is Everything". He drives a hand-controlled car, cuts his own grass with a riding lawnmower, and races marathons in a wheelchair. That's my Dad and I'm proud to say so. Happy Father's Day.

New Zealands South Island, 2001

2006-05-14T17:14:00.000-04:00

A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis

2006-05-10T19:02:00.000-04:00

About the trip and Why MS?

My name is Michael Myers. I am 36 years old and currently residing in Marshfield, Massachusetts. An avid bicycle adventurer, I have toured through some 31 countries on 3 continents around the world.

On July 25th, 2006, I plan to expand my cycling resume, as well as raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis, by embarking on a solo, self-contained bicycle journey through the Americas. Starting in the far north of Anchorage, Alaska, the trip would run some 6000 plus miles following the Canadian and U.S. rockies southward into Mexico and perhaps Central America.

The National MS Society holds a special place in my heart. My father has been living with MS for over 20 years. All but bound to a wheelchair, his attitude is an inspiration to everyone. I've never been more proud of my dad since he has needed a wheelchair. He has taught me a valuable lesson in life. "It doesn't matter what cards you were dealt, but what you make of them". I hope he can be an example to others with a handicap or illness, and to let them know, they too can move forward despite what life has given them. For the past several years he has trained for and completed many marathons around the country, including the world famous Boston Marathon, which he did in 2003. At age 62, he was the oldest competitor in the wheelchair division by almost 20 years. In fact, he is probably one of the oldest wheelers in the country.

There are over 400,000 americans and 2.5 million people worldwide living with this disease every day. I'm hoping my trip will take us one step closer to finding a cure for MS. What if everyday you woke up not knowing if you'd be able to get out of bed or hold your child? For many people with multiple sclerosis, this is their reality. Multiple Sclerosis usually strikes adults in the prime of life-between the ages of 20 and 50. It is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, affecting the brain and spinal cord. One new case of MS is diagnosed every hour. The countless volunteers and events they hold every year to raise money for research and awareness deserve recognition and support. Together we can fight this disease and bring hope to the people it affects so much.

I have a goal of raising $10,000 to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. I am asking you for your help and support in making my goal come true. TO DONATE BY E-PLEDGE, go on-line at:(www.nationalmssociety.org/pledge). Enter my name "Michael Myers" and my state "Massachusetts" under participant info. Then click Search. Next click on the blue " Personal page" button where you can read my story about the trip, the cause, and make a secure, tax deductible donation on-line, by clicking on the "Sponsor Me" in the upper right hand corner of this page. Next click on "E-Pledge" under new users and follow the steps to submit. TO DONATE BY PHONE, call: 1-800-493-9255, or TO DONATE BY MAIL, send to: National MS Society, 101 First Ave., Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451. Please include my name "Michael Myers" and my state "Massachusetts" with all donations. 100% of the money raised will go directly to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Donations of any size, large or small, are greatly appreciated.

The title "A Dream Fulfilled" originates from a book my grandfather wrote but never had published. This story is the dream of a nine year old boy from Philadelphia, who wanted to go West to become a cowboy. The never- ending strict rules of his father made him determined to become a cowboy, partly to escape the rules of his homelife and partly because he fell in love with horses. In 1936, at age nineteen, the boy accepted a job offer in Dwyer, Wyoming, as a cowboy on the LU Bar Ranch. That nineteen year old boy became my grandfather and is the author of "A Dream Fulfilled". "A Dream Fulfilled for Multiple Sclerosis" is a tribute to my father and grandfather.

Thank you, Michael Myers

Four Clinical Courses of MS

2006-05-08T20:51:00.000-04:00

People with MS can expect one of four clinical courses of disease, each of which might be mild, moderate, or severe.

Relapsing-Remitting
Characteristics: People with this tpye of MS experience clearly defined flare-ups (also called relapes, attacks, or exacerbations). These are episodes of acute worsening of neurologic function. They are followed by partial or complete recovery periods (remissions) free of disease progression.

Primary-Progressive
Characteristics: People with this type of MS experience a slow but nearly continuous worsening of their disease from the onset, with no distinct relapses or remissions. However, there are variations in rates of progression over time, occasional plateaus, and temporary minor improvements.

Secondary-Progressive
Characteristics: People with this type of MS experience an initial period of relapsing-remitting disease, followed by a steadily worsening disease course with or without occasional flare-ups, minor recoveries (remissions), or plateaus.

Progressive-Relapsing
Characteristics: People with this type of MS experience a steadily worsening disease from the onset but also have a clear acute relapses (attacks or exacerbations), with or without recovery. In contrast to relapsing-remitting MS, the periods between relapses are characterized by continuing disease progression.

MS Facts

2006-05-08T20:31:00.000-04:00

MS is a chronic, neurological disease that affects the central nervous system.
MS is not contagious and is not directly inherited.
Most people with MS have a normal or near normal life expectancy.
The majority of people with MS do not become severely disabled.
There is no cure for MS yet, but drugs can help slow the course and/or symptoms in some patients.

Who Gets MS?

2006-05-08T20:09:00.000-04:00

Anyone may develop MS, but there are some patterns.
Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50.
Two-three times as many woman as men have MS.
Studies indicate that genetic factors make certain individuals more susceptible than others, but evidence that MS is directly inherited.
MS occurs more commonly among people with northern European ancestry, but people of African, Asian, and Hispanic baackgrounds are not immune.

Approximately 400,000 Americans acknowledge having MS, and every week about 200 people are diagnosed. Worldwide, MS may affect 2.5 million individuals.

What Causes MS?

2006-05-08T19:53:00.000-04:00

While the exact cause of MS is unknown, most researchers believe that the damage to myelin results from an abnormal response by the body's immune system. Normally, the immune system defends the body against foreign invaders such as viruses or bacteria. In autoimmune diseases, the body attacks its own tissue. It is believed that MS is an autoimmune disease. In the case of MS, myelin is attacked.

Scientists do not yet know what triggers the immune system to do this. Most agree that several factors are involved, including: Genetics, Gender, and Environmental Triggers (viruses, trauma, heavy metals).

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

2006-05-08T19:41:00.000-04:00

MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves. Surrounding and protecting the nerve fibers of the CNS is a fatty tissue called myelin, which helps nerve fibers conduct electrical impulses.

In MS, myelin is lost in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue called sclerosis. These damaged areas are also known as plaques or lesions. Sometimes the nerve fiber itself is damaged or broken.

Myelin not only protects nerve fibers, but makes their job possible. When myelin or the nerve fiber is destroyed or damaged, the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain is disrupted, and this produces the various symptoms of MS.