Caleb's Quest
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This summer I will tandem cycle across America with my dad! I have prepared all my life for this event. I have Hydrocephalus, Asperger’s (high functioning autism), and Cerebral Palsy (which effects the right side of my body). I have had multiple brain surgeries and leg surgeries. I have also worn braces on my right leg multiple times throughout my life. I enjoy pushing myself beyond what is expected. I have never liked others to do for me what I can do for myself, even as a little child. I want to do what I can do, even if it is harder than it would be for others to do. What I have found however, is that I am doing what others do not attempt. My goal in exceeding what is expected is for the purpose of inspiring others to do more as well. “A rising tide lifts all ships.” I want to be the tide that lifts others.
So when at age eleven I told my mom that I wanted to run 1,000 miles the following year (2018), she was a bit startled. She explained that running 1,000 miles would be a lot for anyone. My initial limping attempts at running were slower than her walking speed and I would often fall. Over time, I got faster, and my balance improved. In December of 2018, I achieved my goal of running 1,000 miles. To this date, I have run eight half-marathons- but I knew I wanted to do more.
In 2019 I wanted to tackle cycling. I had tried riding a bike with training wheels when I was small, but I would always tip over. I had equestrian training to help with my balance. I often rode in tandem with my dad. I also got in miles on a road bike hooked up to a trainer with a virtual app (Zwift), which felt realistic because the bicycle wheels have greater resistance when going up virtual hills. Between the tandem rides and the trainer, I was able to cycle 5,000 miles- but I wasn’t done yet.
In 2020 my goal was to lap swim 500K yards but that was canceled in March due to Covid closing the gyms, so I did 4,500 miles cycling (tandem and Zwift). I still wanted to be able to ride a bicycle all by myself so in addition to Zwift and tandem rides, I practiced balancing on a bike without pedals, called a strider. On the 4th of April, I succeeded in riding a single speed bike ALL by myself! Even though it took me until age thirteen to ride a bike, I did not give up and I achieved my goal.
In 2021 I rode 10K miles. Because I have CP on my right side, and that is also the side where shifters are located, I used a single speed bicycle. On my 15th birthday, I was surprised with a 10-speed bicycle customized for me with shifters on the left side. In June, I accomplished a challenge of riding twenty training miles, every 4-hour block for 48 hours straight. Then a week later I did a 300-mile week (50 miles/ day). Between July 1st-3rd, my dad and I rode tandem in a 330-mile ride. At this point I knew I was able to take on my biggest challenge to date- RIDING ACROSS AMERICA!
In a few short months, it will be time to accomplish my goal. We will start in Seattle, Washington and ride to Saint Simons Island, Georgia and I would love your support in my quest.
I love to inspire others, but I cannot and have not done it alone. Doctors have helped me to be alive and healthy. Community organizations have helped me to get special help. Family has supported me through my activities and goals. This year, 2022, my dad and I will push ourselves physically, averaging 100 miles a day for a month on bike, over all kinds of terrain. We ask for and appreciate support extended from those who are inspired by my story and want to help me inspire others, for that is truly what I live for. That is what drives me.
Check Caleb Out In Action
Follow Calebs Journey
So when at age eleven I told my mom that I wanted to run 1,000 miles the following year (2018), she was a bit startled. She explained that running 1,000 miles would be a lot for anyone. My initial limping attempts at running were slower than her walking speed and I would often fall. Over time, I got faster, and my balance improved. In December of 2018, I achieved my goal of running 1,000 miles. To this date, I have run eight half-marathons- but I knew I wanted to do more.
In 2019 I wanted to tackle cycling. I had tried riding a bike with training wheels when I was small, but I would always tip over. I had equestrian training to help with my balance. I often rode in tandem with my dad. I also got in miles on a road bike hooked up to a trainer with a virtual app (Zwift), which felt realistic because the bicycle wheels have greater resistance when going up virtual hills. Between the tandem rides and the trainer, I was able to cycle 5,000 miles- but I wasn’t done yet.
In 2020 my goal was to lap swim 500K yards but that was canceled in March due to Covid closing the gyms, so I did 4,500 miles cycling (tandem and Zwift). I still wanted to be able to ride a bicycle all by myself so in addition to Zwift and tandem rides, I practiced balancing on a bike without pedals, called a strider. On the 4th of April, I succeeded in riding a single speed bike ALL by myself! Even though it took me until age thirteen to ride a bike, I did not give up and I achieved my goal.
In 2021 I rode 10K miles. Because I have CP on my right side, and that is also the side where shifters are located, I used a single speed bicycle. On my 15th birthday, I was surprised with a 10-speed bicycle customized for me with shifters on the left side. In June, I accomplished a challenge of riding twenty training miles, every 4-hour block for 48 hours straight. Then a week later I did a 300-mile week (50 miles/ day). Between July 1st-3rd, my dad and I rode tandem in a 330-mile ride. At this point I knew I was able to take on my biggest challenge to date- RIDING ACROSS AMERICA!
In a few short months, it will be time to accomplish my goal. We will start in Seattle, Washington and ride to Saint Simons Island, Georgia and I would love your support in my quest.
I love to inspire others, but I cannot and have not done it alone. Doctors have helped me to be alive and healthy. Community organizations have helped me to get special help. Family has supported me through my activities and goals. This year, 2022, my dad and I will push ourselves physically, averaging 100 miles a day for a month on bike, over all kinds of terrain. We ask for and appreciate support extended from those who are inspired by my story and want to help me inspire others, for that is truly what I live for. That is what drives me.
Check Caleb Out In Action
Follow Calebs Journey
Organizer and beneficiary
Christen Bartley
Organizer
Saint Simons, GA
Kirk Schroeder
Beneficiary
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