2009 North Carolina Stroke Association's Cycle for Life

The start, with Robin Jones of Mission Neurology in Asheville on the right in the light blue shirt. She had never ridden 24 miles and made it.



I had not ridden 24 miles in more than 10 years, and not since my stroke, but I knew I could do it.


On a beautiful fall day the North Carolina Stroke Association held their 2009 Cycle for Life at Hanover Vineyards in Yadkinville, NC. I rode the 24 miles in about an hour and a half, which is about 16 miles per hour. I was happy with that.

My brother Glenn started the You Go Ralph Preston Fund, and since he donated enough to be a sponsor, it was on the back of all the T-shirts. It was kind of strange seeing my name on all the T-shirts. Thanks Glenn! You got me good.

Special thanks to all my family and friends. We raised $1,700 at last count!

Dan & Judy McConnell
Harvey & Janice Fouts
Ronnie & Judith Neumann
Denny & Kathy Hammack
Beth & Eric Moberg
Dick & Gill Heywood
Margaret & Al Ramsey
Russ & Robin Langley
Merritt & Lucille Fouts
Niek & Janis Bergraat
Bob & MaryBelle Wells
Helen Thomas
Rick & Jeanne Falknor
Pat Mercadante
John & Jean Crose
Forest & Jewel Tindall
Kathy Fannin
Glenn Preston
Barbara McRae
Rick & Lita Hinson
Bill Fouts
John & Marta Thomas
Pratiba & Yogi Kakad
Bob & Nancy Tolles
Susan Johnson
Peter Denning
Johnny & Mary Jeff Pearce
Fred Greaves, Jr.
Kate Waterfall
Charlie & Laura Vargas

Here's more on the tour (will make it a hyperlink soon)
http://www.ncstroke.org/biketour2009.html

2009 North Carolina Senior Games

“They” say I shouldn’t have the balance to ride my bike. Luckily, “they” weren’t there the last February when I decided to throw my leg over my mountain bike and ride off down the beach. I was training for the local Senior Games last year when I had my stroke on my stationary bike. So, that’s why I did them this year and went on to the NC Senior Games where I got my butt whooped by guys with $5,500 bikes who ride 350 miles a week. My truck isn't worth $5,500 and I don’t drive 350 miles a week! I did ride the 10K in less than twice my 5K time, so I felt good about that. I won my category, guys who had a stroke, as I was the only one there that had a stroke.

Speech to Tri-State Stroke Network on September 23, 2009

Laurie Mettam, the Executive Director of Tri-State Stroke Network asked me to speak to their group and I did on September 23, 2009 via a conference call. My PowerPoint was on their server, so those that wanted to could follow along. I have no idea how many people were on the call. It's a little strange talking to a group you can't see. And, I had to tell people what they should be looking at and when to advance the PowerPoint. But, it went well. It was only slightly different than my speech at Life Care Centers of America. If you want to read it and see the PowerPoint, it's further down on this blog.

Ralph,
I understand that your presentation was a great success. Hopefully, it will jump start more movement toward getting funding for your DVD. You are incredibly talented and successful on so many levels.
Warm regards, Laurie Mettam

Hi Ralph, I just wanted to take time out to thank you for sharing your story and making the presentation today for the NC Stroke Care Collaborative (NCSCC) and the Tri-State Stroke Network (TSSN). It was important for us to be reminded of the human side of a stroke and that, in addition to all of the clinical information that is important to help people with their recovery, there are many important supportive actions that are necessary to keep stroke survivors motivated to live up to their full potential. I very much appreciated your positive attitude and approach to recovery. You were an inspiration to me and I am certain to the other participants. I wish you all of the best with securing funds to make the stroke video that you aspire to create to help others who must walk down a similar recovery path to your own. Take care, and again, on behalf of the NCSCC and the TSSN, I thank you!
Sylvia W. Coleman, NC Stroke Care Collaborative