Jun 5, 2020
Today’s episode is an interview with Longhaulpaul, also known as Paul Pelland. He’s a New Hampshire man with Multiple Sclerosis. Longhaulpaul combines his passion for riding motorcycles with his story and life experiences to help other people and make a difference in the world.
I invited Longhaulpaul to be on the podcast because he uses his voice as a patient advocate and educates audiences about MS. He also entertains audiences with world-record-breaking feats that raise money for MS charities.
Longhaulpaul is on a Million Mile Journey CHASING THE CURE for Multiple Sclerosis. Fighting an often devastating and disabling diagnosis the only way he knew how, Paul Longhaulpaul Pelland is truly riding for his life. He’s attempting to document a million miles on a motorcycle as he raises awareness and funds for Multiple Sclerosis. As a patient advocate, he shares his story at MS educational events and fundraisers. And, as a long distance rider, he presents entertaining and motivational seminars for motorcyclists and the general public across the United States. He organizes annual motorcycle fundraisers and writes for Ability magazine. Over the last seven years, he set three world records, rode 400,000 miles, and raised over $180,000 for charity.
Social Media Links
Mentioned in this episode
- Iron Butt Association is a group of the world’s toughest motorcycle riders. The Iron Butt Rally is an 11-day, 11,000 mile long-distance motorcycle-riding competition that is like a scavenger hunt on steroids.
- MS Views and News
- The National MS Society
- MS 5000 Ride for a Reason Fundraiser
- Barber Motorcycle Museum (Birmingham, AL)
- Ability Magazine article
- Bridgestone Tires supports Longhaulpaul
- Yamaha Press Release - Yamaha provides motorcycles for Longhaulpaul’s 1M mile journey
- The Ability Center of NW Ohio encourages people to “think ability first.”
- Full Ural Story available is on Episode 49 of the Long Riders Radio Podcast
Highlights
- Each person with MS experiences the disease in their own way.
- Paul found a way to use his story and his experiences in life to help other people and make a difference in the world.
- Paul said, “Find something you love to do in your life and make that more important than your disease.” People keep the worry and give away the fun. Everyone needs to have something they love to do. A passion. Do it, or think about it. It’s your “happy place.” If you can’t do what you love, find something new you can be passionate about, and do it. It will make you happy.
- Paul coined the term, MotoMedicine. MotoMedicine promotes the social and therapeutic benefits of riding motorcycles.
- Riding a motorcycle makes Paul feel more (with his senses). You can forget your troubles while on a bike. You concentrate on just riding: the sights, smells, and sounds that are part of the ride.
- Longhaulpaul’s first bike on his million-mile journey was nicknamed “Cure Chaser One.” It had 140,000 miles on it and is now in the Barber Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Alabama. “Cure Chaser 3” was donated by Yamaha. It’s 1.5 years old and has more than 100K miles! Cure Chaser 4 just came into the picture! See his social media posts for updates.
- Paul wants to ride a motorcycle from CA to HI. He needs a yacht or a cruise ship! If you can help, let him know!
Longhaulpaul has 3 World Records, and all 3 were fundraisers for MS charities.
- Drove 1000 miles on a total 100 different motorcycles in 24 hours
- Drove more than 2,000 miles in one calendar day, which was 28 hours (including 3 different time zones and a time change the day of the time change (Nov 6)
- Drove a motorcycle for 24 hours straight on an indoor motorcycle treadmill
You can help Longhaulpaul with his Million Mile Journey and support MS Charities!
- Visit the website for more information on the MS 5000 and the Iron Butt Association’s “MS 1000” (Saddle Sore 1000)
- Calendars and t-shirts offset expenses, like >$3,000/year in highway tolls.
- Donate to Longhaulpaul’s Patreon Account
- Like and follow Longhaulpaul on social media: YouTube Channel, FB page, IG, etc. It helps him attract sponsors.
The Easter egg I mentioned at the end of this episode is that I met Paul in January 2020 at the Cleveland International Motorcycle Show (IMS). I recorded Episode 2 of this podcast 24-48 hours before he and I met. When I met him, it was CLEAR that he is an amazing man with an amazing story. I invited him to be on the podcast at the motorcycle show. He knows how to use his voice to advocate, educate, and entertain. We recorded this episode April 29, 2020. I’m thankful that we met and grateful for the privilege of sharing his story with my audience. Thank you Longhaulpaul!
The Pharmacist’s Voice Podcast has listeners in 37 US States and 22 countries.