Considering the list of medical challenges Jesse Jones faces on a daily basis, it would be natural to assume he doesn’t get around much. For the past 12 years, the 62-year-old throat cancer survivor has been fed through a tube inserted into his abdomen and must breathe from an oxygen tank 24 hours a day. He doesn’t have use of his left arm and can barely speak above a whisper.
But Jones insists his physical trials help keep him going.
Ample proof of his determination will be on display Sunday as he tackles the Honolulu Century Ride, a 100-mile bicycle ride sponsored by the Hawaii Bicycling League to promote safe roads for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. The course begins at Kapiolani Park, heads south around Makapuu and on to Swanzy Beach in Kaaawa and back. He’s not sure whether he’ll finish, but that isn’t really the point.
"If I can show one other cancer survivor that what may seem impossible can be done, then hopefully they will be inspired in their life in some way," he said. "It begins with one step toward life, toward the light, toward the joy."
Jones trains several days each week, carrying oxygen in a basket on the back of his recumbent three-wheeled bike along with a bag of water that attaches to his feeding tube. During longer rides he also brings bags of food for on-the-go nourishment.
His journey really started 30 years ago when he was first diagnosed with throat cancer.
Jones’ quality of life didn’t change much at first except during the immediate recovery time after surgeries. But after nine weeks of radiation in 1988, his health began to deteriorate. Swallowing became difficult and eventually impossible. To address some of his nutrition needs, Jones created his own healthy meals that could be delivered through a feeding tube. Eventually he started a business, Drink Your Meals, to help others in the same situation.
"I’ve always been a can-do guy and know there’s a solution to everything," he said. "I developed shortcuts to deal with the physical challenges and make sure I have the best equipment to get optimum performance."
That can-do spirit applies to his three-wheeler. Jones added a Hill Topper, a motorized hub placed in the front wheel that’s meant to help the rider get over tough hills. The device is important because strenuous activity requires more oxygen and his damaged throat won’t allow him to draw in enough air.
"I still have to pedal but without the huffing and puffing," Jones said. "Because I am oxygen challenged, I don’t have that reserve that most people have when exercising."
Midway through training for the Century Ride, he rode between 10 to 25 miles, three to four times each week. Two months ago he began training six days a week and going on longer rides at least once a week.
Jones recently traveled nearly 48 miles in just under five hours.
He also trains in the gym three times a week on a recumbent stationary bike that allows him to work out without struggling to breathe.
When he hits the road onSunday, Jones will have to make certain time limits at 50- and 75-mile checkpoints in order to be allowed to continue. "A recumbent trike has 20-inch wheels, so it goes a bit slower than a standard two-wheeler," he said. His minimum goal is the 50-mile marker, and he expects to go at least 60 miles.
Once the Century Ride is over, Jones isn’t sure what his next goal might be, but he’s eyeing the 60-mile Haleiwa Century Metric Ride in April. In the meantime he plans to keep exercising to maintain his physical strength while practicing techniques to help achieve balance in his spiritual and emotional well-being.
"I think all of us have an inner strength," he said. "It’s part of being human. We just need a lot of reminders because there is so much in the world that can get in the way."
ON THE NET:
www.drinkyourmeals.com
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