Bike MS: Kevin’s Journey from the Road to Garage Dayz.
Every month, he does 100 miles one… more… time…
Bike MS is a series of charity cycling events featured by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Cyclists gather for one- or two-day rides in at least 49 chapters across the United States. They do this to raise money and celebrate their collective fight against multiple sclerosis (MS).
Kevin rode in his first event back in 2003 while living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Since that time, he has participated in Bike MS events in NYC, Delaware, Washington, and now Oregon. His last Bike MS was in 2023, when he completed the 30-mile loop with his daughter, Rogue. That was Kevin’s last ride on the open road.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1999, Kevin medically retired from the Army a year later. His disease progression forced retirement from corporate America in 2017. Since that time, he founded the charitable organization NEVER STOP NEVER QUIT. He manages this organization, dedicated to fighting the debilitating effects of MS. The nonprofit’s efforts directly support the National MS Society. Bike MS was their centerpiece for fundraising and awareness, driven by Kevin’s mantra: Never Stop… Never Quit….®
“Over the years,” Kevin explains, “MS has destroyed or transformed so many parts of my life I once considered normal.” In 2010, his inability to hold handlebars forced his change to a recumbent bicycle. “That lasted two years, but my balance worsened. I switched to a recumbent trike.”
Strong legs propelled Kevin through the next few Bike MS rides. He completed several 100-mile century options and participated in the 206-mile Seattle to Portland bike ride.
In 2020, COVID-19 forced the cancellation of Oregon Bike MS. Undeterred, Kevin mounted his trike on an indoor trainer in the garage. It was a lonely ride, but one he made more bearable with social media fun. Bike MS returned in 2021. By 2023, Kevin’s MS had made it unsafe for him to ride. “It was so hard to keep my hands on the steering bars, operate the gearshift, and properly brake.” Nevertheless, Rogue motivated him through the 30-mile short route.
“There was no way I could ride on the road in 2024. We raised money, but when everyone gathered in McMinnville on September 21st, I wasn’t there. I don’t know if it was shame, embarrassment, or just that feeling of being left out.”
Kevin had a special plan in store for that year. He pulled out the indoor trainer from 2020 and mounted his trike to it one more time. On October 6, 25 years to the day that he was first diagnosed with MS, Kevin completed his second 100-mile ride from his garage. For several weeks, he documented his experience 25 years prior–those initial symptoms and issues while serving as an Air Cavalry Troop Commander in Korea, through the first diagnosis, testing, and struggles with a new burden.
His lonely ride was less so when a group of Bike MS leaders showed up in front of his garage with a rest stop tent, treats, smiles, and hugs!
Kevin’s 2025 energy was easy to find, motivated by the outpouring of support he received in ’24.
“I branded my ride Garage Dayz and moved it to the week before Oregon Bike MS. That way I could do my ride and still join our MS family for the full celebration. It was fabulous.”
One… More… Time…
That phrase became the theme Kevin used to justify another century option in October. One more time in November, then in December.
“I was hooked!”
No longer just a recumbent trike mounted to a stationary trainer, his garage has become the envy of any home gym.
“I’ve got a flatscreen TV, surround sound speakers connected to streaming music and videos, plus ice chests full of snacks and drinks. I ride hard, keeping the same resistance levels since I started. Every month, my time gets better. I now finish in under six hours of riding. There is no countryside scenery, but I have plenty of distractions. Delicacies from my favorite Sesame Donuts and an army of Rogue’s stuffed animal friends are a staple every month.”
Kevin’s goal is to create a social media buzz for Garage Dayz. “My antics add levity to the pain I experience; they put a personality to the desperate nature of our fight. I want to showcase my struggles as much as I can, in hopes of gaining your support.” With a vow to ride each month for as long as his worsening condition will allow, he hopes to make his perpetual cycling event a testament to the words he first spoke years ago:
The fight is not over and it won’t be over until a cure is found.
It will never stop…nor will we
It will never quit…nor will we
Never Stop… Never Quit…, for them
[The rest of the story is updated on a regular basis.]
Three separate emphases will make September a whirlwind of emotion and excitement for Kevin’s Garage Dayz undertaking. On Tuesday, September 10, his 13th consecutive century option will kick off the new year. His ride will be Day 1 of Bike MS with the Oregon Chapter of the National MS Society.
Kevin explained, “2026 marks a shift for the Oregon Chapter, resetting Bike MS from a two-day to a one-day event. I always like to do things different from the rest. Beyond being the first person to complete the century ride (16 days earlier), I will bring my stationary trike and trainer out to McMinnville so I can ride Day 2 with my MS family!”
Isolation and loneliness will not be an issue for Kevin’s ride in McMinnville. He will be on full display with his trainer, his music, and a healthy supply of Sesame Donuts for everyone. It will be a great event, but the ride will have a deeper meaning: suicide prevention.
“September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, so that will be my focus. Among military veterans, the suicide rate is 50% higher than the general population. Those battling the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis face a nearly 2x suicide rate. I will ride my 100-mile Garage Dayz on September 10, which is also World Suicide Prevention Day. The World Health Organization (WHO) helped establish this date in 2003. Their current theme, a perfect description of my efforts, is Changing the Narrative on Suicide.”
This theme calls on us all to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and foster open, compassionate conversations about suicide. It is about shifting from silence and misunderstanding to openness, empathy, and support—creating environments where people feel able to speak up and seek help.1
“On September 26, I will join my MS family. I’ll ride 22 miles on my trainer to reinforce the commitment to overcome the loneliness, isolation, fear, and shame behind suicidal battles. I want my efforts to demonstrate our support for those in need and for those left behind if a fight is lost.
“I am branding my ride to reinforce the message: 22 Miles, Countless Lives.”
Every dollar raised from this swag will go to a program earmarked for the unique community of veterans living with multiple sclerosis.
“The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that 70,000 veterans live with MS in the United States.2 Veterans commit to support and defend the nation from which we sprang. Our small sample size highlights a greater need. As a retired Army officer fighting MS, my love and dedication will never waver. I will stand beside anyone in need. I will support them and fight for them. I will Never Stop… Never Quit…, for them.”
1 https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-suicide-prevention-day/2025/
2 https://news.va.gov/72753/va-partnership-improves-treatment-veterans-ms/
Garage Dayz September 2026
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