Momentum - Summer 2013

too far. “Taking a day or two off does the body wonders. It helps tissue repair and rests the muscles and joints,” says physical therapist Sue Kushner, MS, PT. “Sometimes, even giving your mind a rest can do you good.”

Stretching is especially important for
participants with progressive MS, who may
experience muscle cramping and fatigue.

says the Mono County, Calif., resident.

Make sure to pace yourself
training, as well. “For every hour
you ride, take a break for five
or 10 minutes and stretch,”
Dr. Mayadev says.

“Always drink water or beverages with electrolytes before you feel thirsty,” Kushner says. “Because by the time you feel thirsty, you’re already on your way to becoming dehydrated.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL MS SOCIETY

“Appropriate stretching is
paramount to one’s health and
safety,” Kushner says. “Stretch the
hamstrings and quadriceps and
also the upper and lower back
muscles.” For stretching ideas,
go to nationalMSsociety.org/
stretching.

there are alternatives, such as
tandem bikes and recumbent
bikes. For the past five years,
Gordy Myre, from Boise, Idaho,
has ridden 50 miles of Bike MS
using a hand bike—a three-wheel
cycle that relies on upper body
strength to pedal. “I have
secondary-progressive MS, but I
continue to do everything,” says
Myre, who was diagnosed 23
years ago. “The hand bike gave me
the opportunity to get back out
there.”
Stretching is especially important
for participants with progressive
MS, who may experience muscle
cramping and fatigue, says Dr.
Mayadev. She also offers advice
for cyclists who experience hand
numbness: “Get bike gloves
with padding and double tape
the handlebars. That puts less
pressure on the wrists.”

The right bike
A properly fitting bike will
make your ride safer and more
comfortable, Dr. Mayadev says.
To make sure the saddle and
handlebars are at the correct
height for your body, get your
bike professionally fitted by
a trainer or physical therapist.

That’s what Parker did when he inherited his brother Rick’s bike, an old 12-speed, steel-frame Schwinn from 1987. “That’s what planted the seed,” he says. “Riding in Bike MS seemed like the right way to honor his memory.”

Stay cool

Another challenge for cyclists
who have MS is becoming
overheated, says participant
Anna Strathman, diagnosed
with relapsing-remitting MS in
January 2011. “I drink enormous
amounts of water and pour water
over my body to try to keep my
core temperature down as I ride,”
Parker had the seat adjusted
both horizontally and vertically
based on his body measurements,
which helped relieve the upper
leg pain and intermittent knee
soreness he had been experiencing
while riding.

The lay of the land Train on the same bike you plan to ride during the event and familiarize yourself with the course in advance. That way, you can learn what types of terrain you will encounter and train for them accordingly. “I recommend driving the course so you can see how hilly it is but also speak with the ride coordinators to get more information,” Kushner says. Then, like McCasker, you’ll be better prepared for your best ride on the big day.