Jake's Continental Divide Dream

My name is Jake and I was in a MVA 8/12/2012 which broke my back at T12, leaving me paralyzed from the waist down.  Before my injury I was a very active person, since 2012 I have struggled to regain my relationship with the outdoors in a way that I can really enjoy it. 
I live in a small town in Wyoming at the foot of the Big Horn Mountains, a beautiful place, that I wish I could enjoy more .... outside of the car, off the beaten path.... 

I participated in the Grand Teton Half Marathon (Vacation Races) in June and it started a new fire inside me.  I finished 13.1 miles in just under 3 hours in my standard wheelchair. I was the only racer in a wheelchair.  There are no words to describe the feeling of crossing the finish line to something I really didn't think I could do until I was doing it.  I'm not going to lie, it felt really good to pass people with legs... I heard some things like "I'm being passed by a dude in a wheelchair" I even beat my wife by a good 10 minutes (LOL)
This race proved to myself that I can do it and gave me hope that I rekindle my relationship with the outdoors as a para.  

My vision is clear on what I want next.  I would like to complete the Continental Divide Trail (2,500 miles Canada to Mexico)  on a hand cycle! I'm striving to have everything ready and hitting the trail in 2020! 

The hand cycle would make my trip a lot easier on me - mentally & physically.  I will also need other equipment to complete the trip successfully-- tent, packs, cots, etc. 

I am asking for your help in purchasing an EXPLORER III .  Anything helps! I have been connected with The UNPavement who is helping me make my dreams come true. 
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions! 
(https://theunpavement.com/showroom/) 


Along with this page, there will be continual events happening at the Miners Grub Stake in Atlantic City, Wyoming.... Call [phone redacted] and ask for Laurel and she will gladly give you the details... $35 a ticket for a chance to win a firearm (changes with every event). 

Stay tuned for updates and details. I will eventually be coordinating a schedule and if anyone would like to accompany me along sections of the trail - lets get er done! My brother, brother in law and a few others are penciled in... lets make plans!  We also have penciled in plans for a support vehicle (Mom & family) ...
ANYTHING HELPS! I have already received so much support and I can't thank you all enough! I'm excited to see what the future holds for me... 
THANK YOU!
Jake