Some new gear for the road...

Hey Everyone,
Just picked up my new panniers by Deuter they are the Rack Pack DS and I have to say I love them so far. I also picked up a front bag with a map window by Vaude it is the Roadtrip II. I installed all my new gear the other night and have done two days of road testing it all. I have put the stuff through the grinder, off curbs, over big bumps and plenty of rain. All the gear is dry and the bags still look brand new. I can't wait for the trip to get here. I also picked up a new hydration bladder by PolarPak, the Mo FLow. This thing is a beast and it is pressurized so the water just squirts out when you bite the valve. We will keep ya updated on all our gear as the trip draws nearer.

Ben~

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Pulling my weight

Here is the trailer that we are modifying to carry my extra wheelchair batteries and Bipap (breathing machine) batteries. In addition to power I will be carrying drinks, weather gear and snack for each days segment. The trailer is lightweight and should work just fine. Now we need to get a custom hitch made for the wheelchair. I can't wait to road test it. We will keep you posted.

                 - James Barnett

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Preparing For the Elements

One thing is certain, following a coastal route will involve rain, sun and wind. As a result Ben and I did some research and found a piece of gear that will protect me and my wheelchair. We just installed this canopy made by Diestco Accessories  We are excited to give it a road test. Installation only took about an hour. We are going to extend the rain shield to cover my legs.
                             - James Barnett 

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Reclaiming This Life...

I am 50 years old and am bound to a wheelchair as a result of muscular dystrophy. I went into the chair at the age of 19. Prior to going into the chair I did everything I could to be active. I'm very thankful to a family that spent a lot of time doing outdoor activities. I spent time camping, hiking, and even canoeing. I was very restless and wanted to do everything I possibly could. I moved back east, went into the chair, and met my wife when I was nineteen. The next year we were married and making plans to start a family. Life was taking off. We had four children over the next ten years. In the early nineties we started a business that would end seven years later...Life starts to take a turn. My wife is stricken by an unknown neurological disorder. Over the course of the next couple of years she too became wheelchair bound. Wow Life is crazy. We moved back west as both of our physical conditions were deteriorating. One more curve ball  ... my wife loses the ability to handle the effects of her affliction and has been drawn into a depressed state that has caused her to be bed bound. I would be remiss not to mention that the faithful sacrifice and daily nurturing from our children has allowed us to live at home.. Being in the chair is something that I could deal with however when my wife, Rose became affected, the battled changed. The past couple of years I found myself the restless adventurer spending more and more time in my bed next to hers. I feel a deep stirring that I must make this journey to reclaim life for me and my family. I hope you join us and share the experience of this journey. Here is my favorite quote "Capture the moment and experience eternity".
                                                                                              - James Barnett

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Following in my father's path...

So it goes. This is my reflections and thoughts on the JOURNEY to come. My dad and I have been throwing around ideas for years as to an adventure that he and I could embark on. Our trip would have to be feasible for someone in a wheelchair, being that my father is in one and is on a breathing machine. We sat for hours pondering where to go. We threw around ideas of the Appalachian Trail and numerous hiking trails. The main problem with these is there isn't a chance a wheelchair could travel through these grueling trails. After days and months and years have passed we have finally decided upon our grand trip. We are traveling from Canada to Mexico via the Pacific Coast, I on bike and my father in his wheelchair and my brother will be traveling in the van and a scooter being our support vehicle during the trip. The background of this all happening and coming to fruition is an interesting story in and of itself. I recently am going through a divorce and my company is closing its doors May 29th so even though these have been trying events I feel they have opened the door for this trip to actually take place. This will be a very personal time for me both of self-discovery and a deep bonding time with my father and my brother. My father has beat all the odds in life and now he is going beyond just surviving and dealing with his disease. He is stepping outside of his comfort zone and pushing his physical body beyond imaginable lengths. I never grew up with a dad that could throw a football around and climb mountains, yet I have learned more from him in lessons on perseverance and the ability to deal with whatever life throws your way. We will be departing on this epic JOURNEY June 1st, 2011. It would be amazing if you could support us on this JOURNEY by donating a little to this amazing trip.There is a link on our blog that will take you directly to a paypal donation link. If you're unable to donate we would love for you to follow us on this amazing trip by checking this website daily. We will be uploading daily journals, pictures and videos for your enjoyment. Thank you for taking the time to follow us and who knows maybe we will see ya on the road. I would like to leave you with one of my favorite quotes regarding travel...
“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” Jack Kerouac

Ben Barnett~

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