May 18, 2023 • 32 mins
In this gripping season finale of the St. Andrews Jezebel Podcast, we dive into the extraordinary story of Patricia McNeal, a stroke survivor who embarked on an epic cross-country bike ride that defied all odds. Brace yourself for an inspiring tale of resilience, determination, and triumph as Patricia shares her courageous journey from stroke recovery to conquering the open roads of America. Join us as we witness Patricia's unwavering spirit and unwavering commitment to overcome adversity, one pedal at a time.Follow Patricia on social media for more updates and inspiration: @I forgot to mentioned my Instagram is @heels_on_wheelzz
Theme music writen and performed by Ashley Feller
Recorded at Boundless Sounds
Shownotes Written By Ashley Feller with assistance by Notion AI
- Overcoming Adversity: Discover how Patricia McNeil's resilience and determination enabled her to triumph over the challenges she faced after her stroke.
- The Cross-Country Expedition: Dive into the thrilling account of Patricia's awe-inspiring bike ride across America, as she shares the breathtaking landscapes, encounters with fellow adventurers, and unforgettable moments along the way.
- Inspiring Others: Learn how Patricia's incredible journey serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for stroke survivors and anyone with a dream.
Theme music writen and performed by Ashley Feller
Recorded at Boundless Sounds
Shownotes Written By Ashley Feller with assistance by Notion AI
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Because she's a Jesubem Saint Andrew ofJezebel, because she's a Jezebel. Saint
Andrew Jezebel. Hello and welcome tothe Saint Andrew's Jezebel Podcast, the show
where we explore the stories and peopleof Historic Saint Andrew's. I'm your host,
Ashley Feller, and today we havea very special guest, and that
(00:22):
is Patricia McNeil. And we recordedthis interview at Floriopolis and Historic Saint Andrew's.
Patricia is a true inspiration. Sheis a stroke survivor who accomplished an
incredible feat of riding her bike acrossthe US. Her story is one of
overcoming adversity, determination and achieving herdream. In this season finale episode,
(00:44):
we'll hear from Patricia herself about herjourney from recovering from a stroke, learning
to ride a bike, and embarkingon an epic bike across America. We'll
also discuss the impact of her aCame Michael on the community and how it
affected Patricia's return to Panama City.So back, relax, grab your favorite
drink, and enjoy the show.Today we are here with Patricia McNeil,
(01:12):
such an inspiring person. This ishow this went down. I ran into
Sonja called while the other day andshe said, hey, I got somebody
who would be great for the podcast, and she sent me Patricia's information.
I read an article that she sentme that was in Panama City Living magazine
and as like, I've got tohave this person on the show. So,
(01:34):
Patricia, you have a very inspiringstory. You suffered a stroke while
you were living in Tampa, andnot long after that you moved back to
Panama City to embark on our bikeride across America. Can you tell us
about that? Yes, Ashley,thank you for having me on your show.
How would I start after having mystroke? Well before the stroke,
(02:00):
I wasn't really riding my bike.I was what you call sightseeing, as
my husband call it. And thenfrom there he started having me do more
rides or longer rides because really wasn'tathletic and I really didn't like riding a
(02:23):
bicycle and he goes out for twoor three hours a day. But anyway,
as you were saying, how didI embarked into doing that journey,
it started when I got hit bya car. I sat around and I
was filling down and out, andbecause I'm used to moving around and I
(02:47):
couldn't move for about six months,I had a walker. After that,
my husband used to call me everyday and say, hey, I did
a hundred miles and hey I didthis, and does make you feel down?
And my son comes home, Mom, did you go outside today?
What did you do? I guessyou could say out of the clear blue
(03:12):
sky. I just started making myselfmore active, started walking, started trying
to train, riding on my bicycle. At that time, I didn't have
a fancy bike because it was stilldown in Tampa. I was telling people
I'm going and ride my bike crosscountry. I just felt like it.
(03:35):
I know, it's weird, LikeI can't explain that. So it just
felt like it. Did you knowanyone else who's done that before? No?
I didn't. And a lot ofpeople reached out to me when I
began my journey. I mean alot of people. I started this journey
because I felt like I needed todo something to inspire people or to let
(03:57):
them know, Hey, just becauseyou have a disability doesn't mean you're unable
to do it. You can doit. You just got to set your
mind into it. Didn't realize howfar that was. I wasn't looking at
the mileage at that time. Ijust did it. Didn't have the money,
(04:17):
I just did it. That's amazing. You had a dream and you
went for it, and I'm sureit was not a k clock by any
means. So my next question ishow did you deal with the various challenges
that you faced during the journey,such as I read in the article that
you slept outside and didn't really haveany money. How did you handle that?
(04:41):
Some people didn't reach out to me. I mean, there's still a
little humanity left. Shocking what canhappen while you're alone. Let me tell
you one other thing. I don'tknow how to change tires. Oh,
I don't know if you call ita miracle from writing a bicycle from Panama
City all the way to California.No flats. I guess I was praying
(05:08):
hard, but yeah, no flats. That's amazing. And so on your
journey on your bike, a majornatural disaster happened, and that was Hurricane
Michael. You had already departed.How long had you left Panama City when
Hurricane Michael struck our area. Ileft Panama City on the twenty ninth.
(05:30):
I arrived in Houston. I wrotereally pretty fast. Didn't realize that I
arrived in Houston within seven or tendays. Wow. Didn't realize that now,
But yeah, And at that time, I couldn't get in touch with
anyone on this side of the country, and I was alone. It's amazing
(05:57):
when I know a few people inTampa and they were following me through my
journey. And so a friend thatI was taking care of her husband happened
to reach out, we can helpyou, and they put me in a
room for about three days, herniece. They reached out to me,
and I was crying, and atthe same time, I was more concerned
(06:20):
of my husband, which I'm theone that should have been concerned about myself.
I wasn't concerned about myself, andthey put me in a room in
Houston or in a hotel. Sorry, humans are amazing, Yeah, it
really is. So you're in thishotel in Houston, You've just gotten news
(06:42):
of the hurricane. You're worried aboutyour husband and everyone back home. What
did you do next? I contactthe friends that contact me. Thank you,
Miss Linda Smith. I think shegot in contact with a few people
in Panama City because I couldn't getin touch because you guys had no service
right, none, whatsoever. Andthat frightened me for about a couple of
(07:06):
days or so. My husband finallygot in touch with me, and it
was a relief, and he wasworried about me too, because at that
time, while you guys was goingthrough a storm, it was raining,
and I had some difficult weather aswell, I believe it. So did
you continue on from Houston? Yes? I did. I went to San
(07:29):
Antonio, but I went through differentplaces. San Antonio looked out for me
as well, and I got sickin San Antonio, so I stayed a
little longer than expected. I thinkI stayed two weeks because I could have
made this ride in less than thirtydays. Wow. And so what helped
you make the decision to keep goingon your ride rather than turn around and
(07:55):
come on back to Panama City.I kept thinking. I wasn't thinking of
coming back because I said, oh, now I gotta do this journey.
Yeah. I thought about my sons, I thought about my husband. I
thought about how would I say it, I can do this? And it
was just a willpower. I don'tknow how to explain it, but it
(08:16):
was just a willpower. That's amazingand you did it. Congratulations. Did
it take you to get from say, Houston, all the way to your
finished point, which was in California, right, yes, Los Angeles.
When I almost gave up in ElPaso and you could see a picture of
me. I have a picture becauseMexico was right there with my silly but
(08:39):
I'm like Lucille Ball and nothing wasalways carry a papermap, not to get
off the subject, but because serieswill have you somewhere else. I did
do a couple of turns the wrongway, dead ends, and I had
to ride the freeway or the interstate. I almost gave up because, oh
(09:01):
so close. It's just a longroad quite lately, and I did a
lot of singing, a lot ofI made up songs, and I had
a lot of what do you callit fans that was cheering me on.
And I have phobias of bridges.I didn't realize how many bridges are in
(09:24):
United States. So many, somany from here to Louisiana, so many
from Louisiana. It was just alot of bridges. And I overcame one
of my fears. That was quitea fear. Why don't you tell yourself
whenever you had to go across abridge. I can hear him, but
(09:45):
come on, keep peddling. Andso that's one of my It was in
back of my head. I justkept peddling. Another thing, it took
me about fifteen or thirty minutes toactually get on the bridge, and then
after getting on there, it isless than ten minutes just to go down.
Oh my goodness. And all ofthis ride was and I did it
(10:05):
solo. I didn't have anyone followingme, and I only had all was
that my phone. Four Wow,I did most of my recordings and everything
on my phone. That's amazing.That's incredible. And also that you channeled
some of your creative energy by pickingup songs and yes I did. I
(10:30):
did. And I wish I couldsend you some of those videos. I
can find him, that would beso cool. So can you tell me
a little bit more about the roleof your family in supporting your journey.
My biggest well, this man righthere, he was my role model.
Actually he's my mentor because it tookhim what twenty five years to get me
(10:54):
on a bike. Wow, that'sa long time. Another thing, at
that time, I wasn't interested inriding a bicycle. He was been trying
to get me on a bike andhe was the bike man. I wasn't.
And after doing all my rides,I got more popular and he was
(11:16):
like, how did you end upmeeting all of these people? I said,
I don't know. They reached outto me and I didn't know anything
what the Instagram and a lot ofpeople was reaching out and said what is
your handling? You're talking about thehandle bars or what I'm like, not
Eve. I didn't know anything aboutthat. All I knew was Facebook and
how and I'm trying to transfer allmy stuff onto Facebook. Yes, with
(11:43):
the iPhone four and my family theywere very supportive. My boys, they
were shocked, not really shocked becausethey know and once I said I'm going
to do something, I'll do it. But I didn't realize how long the
journey was. And I wasn't lookingat how long the journey was. I've
(12:05):
just enjoying it so peaceful, andat that time, you do a lot
of meditating, a lot of nottalking to yourself, but you're talking to
someone and you learn more about yourself. And I did came into peace.
I had to do a lot offorgiving I just did that while I was
(12:26):
writing. So it was an introspective, therapeutic experience for you. Yes,
And from having a stroke, fromgetting hit to not knowing when you can
get up or how to walk.It was a lot of determination and to
show women that you shouldn't have anykind of fears. I just did it.
(12:52):
That's amazing. And so what wasthe most beautiful place that you saw
on your er? Oh, Ihave so many. Texas was long,
Texas was beautiful, Arizona was beautiful. California was beautiful too. Was that
(13:13):
Marincy? Marincy is in Arizona.I did a lot of climbing when I
said climbing, like over ten thousandfeet. And I don't know anything about
changing gears. That's remarkable too.I stayed on actually I stayed on that
(13:33):
same gear till I got to California, believe it or not. Toothong well
close enough. Yeah, And Idon't know much about gears myself, either,
But don't gears have something to dowith the resistance? Yeah? My
legs was pretty hard. He wasat the strongest legs. Yeah at that
(13:56):
time. Yes, And to me, that trip was fun and at the
same time, when I finished,it was like, this is it what?
It was a relief and I wastired. And then when I got
home, especially riding to Mexico Beach, it wasn't nothing. I mean,
wow, can you imagine coming backfrom a trip and then you get back
(14:18):
and there's no home to go to? And I really felt for Panama City.
It was unbelievable. What did itfeel like to be celebrated by the
professional cyclists when you got to California. I met a few in Tucson.
Catherine Bertein you had to read her, but she's one of the women that
(14:43):
did toward de France. Wow,I know, in fact, jovu I
call it. I had a magazineof this woman and I'm like, I
kept looking at her. I said, God, she looks so familiar.
And she brought out a magazine thatI had had of her, and I'm
like, oh my god, that'sthat woman. That's all. And there's
(15:03):
reasons why I always keep magazine becauseI look at him and I'm like,
I'm gonna do this one day,and I kept saying to myself, I'm
going to ride to California. Infact, she was the one that reached
out to me. And when someonewants to meet you, and they're like,
I'm their hero, and I'm like, oh, no, you're the
(15:24):
hero. I told them, justan ordinary woman, grandmother on a bike
that's learning how to ride a bike. He said, you obviously don't know
what you just did. I said, no, I just rolled a bike
cross country. That's it. AndI'm still to this day, I'm still
not processing it. That's a bigthing. And I tell people the way
(15:48):
I describe it, I'm riding ona bicycle to different states. It's almost
like driving a car to different states, but I'm on a bike. And
that's the best way of describing it. So you had like magazine manifestation going
on. Thank you that's what hiscall, That's what it is. Yes,
(16:12):
And he's like, in fact,he threw the magazine away, and
I'm like, I know this woman. I don't know her. I know
of her, and I said,one day I'm going to be just like
her. But didn't realize it's likea full circle in life. It's amazing.
And they had a big dinner celebrationfor me, and she has a
(16:37):
foundation going on as well, andUSA Cycling reached out well Swall Street Journal,
NBC today's show. I'm supposed tobe riding along with Harry Smith as
well and several and Outside magazine andbicycle magazine, oh yeah, National Geographic.
So I just want people to know, live a little, just go
(17:02):
out there and do it like youlive a lot. And I happened to
do my last trip, but didnot complete it because I was waiting on
my bike and it's taken too long, and I was volunteering and doing work
at the laundry map. But anyway, I have a lot of things
going on. This is my tenthyear anniversary for Stroke Free Wow, December
(17:26):
to twenty second, and I'm goingto do it big. Have you decide
what you're going to do yet?Oh? Yeah? Are you sharing what
you're going to do? I'm notsure if I want to share it,
but is yeah, I did share, I will share it and I'm going
around the world. Oh my gosh, how are you going to do that?
(17:48):
Right? My bike? That's amazing. Yes, soon as all my
paperwork and everything. But I thinkthat's going to be the epic. Yes,
and yeah, that's the epic,you know, riding around the United
States. That's yeah, it's okay, but that's the epic and I see
it, I've felt it. Idon't know how to describe it. Well,
(18:12):
I'm excited for you, and we'llhave to do a follow up episode
before and after. Yeah, sinceyou have a podcast, you can probably
talk to me while I'm writing.We absolutely could do that. You can
mess the beauty of podcast. Youcould do anywhere. So that's right.
When you made it to California andthe hurricane had happened back here, did
(18:33):
you fly back? How did youget back to Panama City? My husband
came picked me up. He passedme up. Actually, oh did you
Yeah, you passed me up right. Yeah. He couldn't believe the climbing
I had to do because I usedto complain a lot. But yeah,
he picked me up. He said, while you actually did a lot of
(18:55):
climbing, and I say, yep, and didn't know how to change my
gear. Wow, that's embarrassing.That's amazing. So you came back to
Panama City together and the hurricane hadhappened. How did you react when you
saw the devastation? I was numbfeeling really because he was my husband was
(19:21):
trying to show me pictures and tellme things that happened. It was really
bad, and you guys had like, what is it curfew and things like
that. It was really bad.I did not know, but for me
to come back when I was ridingthrough the neighborhood, it was terrible.
(19:42):
I was just numb, feeling Ican't explain it, and devastated. And
then we were trying to find aplace as well, and that's how we
end up at the beach. Butunbelievable. It was unbelievable. Well,
and that resonates with me when yousaid numb, because that's a trauma response
(20:03):
a lot of us had. Yes, absolutely, but I was more numb,
Yes, because you really couldn't reallyride your bike. I mean you
could, but the roads are fullof trees and yeah, and pieces of
people's house. Yes, yes,it was absolutely. In fact, the
(20:23):
table to turn, he was outriding his bike trying to help out people
because you couldn't use your car.Unbelievable. Yeah, it was unbelievable.
So let's move forward a little bit. So y'all are back in this area,
back in Bay County, and asyou can see, Panama City,
(20:44):
Mexico Beach and all the surrounding area. We're building back and it's we're really
making some progress here. And I'lltell you a little bit. I'm from
Saint Andrews. This is my hometown. I grew up here and wow,
yeah, that's the premise of thisshow is all about Saint Andrews and our
ongoing progress since Hurricane Michael, whatare your thoughts on how we've grown and
(21:07):
really kind of like risen like aphoenix from the ashes. People don't realize
it was a Category five hurricane andit was just like nothing anybody saw.
How do you feel about the development? I'm still numb. I mean,
we did come a long way,and that was one of my second rise.
I wanted to do something for ourcommunity, and really I couldn't do
(21:33):
much because I was the one personpeddling and I felt so out of place,
and I'm like, I really wantto help Panama City. How can
I do that? I wanted tobring bikes in because you guys really needed
it. And then at that timewhen everything was going on, then COVID
hit us. I'm still numb andthen but a lot of people did come
(21:57):
in and help. I'm still numb. I understand that I'm still a little
numb too. I'm proud of us, but part I understand that too.
Absolutely. One thing that I've observed, and I don't know anything about bicycles,
I don't get on bikes because Istuck my ankle in the spokes as
(22:17):
a child and rolled forward. Sothat's that's my experience with bikes. And
you're never getting back on, andyou haven't never, but you haven't got
back on. I'm sorry it.Oh wow, yeah, pretty dumb thing
to do. I laugh at myself. But one thing I have noticed in
the way of bicycles, because Ihave lots of friends that were cyclists in
(22:38):
their advocates for safety for cyclists,yeah, I've noticed that there's more indication
that our roads are met for bikesas well. What do you think about
what's going on in that direction?What they're doing is getting better, But
I want more bike lane now.I just notice, what is it,
(23:00):
beach drive They had a bigger lane, and it's actually because bigger cities are
doing that. And still there's peoplethat's just not cautious or they're not giving
us respect on the road. AndI still ride and people are like,
(23:21):
aren't you scared? And I'm like, now, but it would be nice
if we got more lanes, andit would be nice if we can take
the time to teach other people that'son bicycles, that's not wearing helmets and
they're riding on the wrong side.We need more education education, yes we
(23:42):
do. This is a good teachingpoint. So for people who are fairly
unfamiliar what it's like to be abicyclist or even I was a pedestrian.
My car didn't run for two monthsand that was a big awakening as to
how people in cars can treat people, yeah, who are not in cars.
So for everyone who drives cars ona regular basis, how would you
(24:07):
say that they should behave when theyare within the sphere of a bicyclist?
What is the safest way they canbehave the three feet which we needed here,
all right, But still when amotorist comes beside me, they'll either
cut me off, and even withthe walking signal, they cut me off.
(24:33):
And what I do, I'll justlet the car go because they do
not show no respect for us.And if we had more of that going
on, it would be nice.I do get upset about that, but
I am happy that they have widerstreets, but they still right instead of
(24:57):
riding behind you, they'll pass youby. I'm not saying ms fast cyclists,
but he is. But they shouldjust give us more room three feet
room, and they should have thatsigned up for us too. I focus
mostly on my ride in my streetsand and a lot more people need to
(25:19):
be wearing helmets as well. Theyare regular cyclists. I mean people that's
riding bicycles that don't know the law. They just riding on the wrong side
of the street. I don't knowif you noticed that. So for everyone
listening, I actually I think Iknow, but I'm not sure what is
the proper form when you're riding abicycle to be on the correct side of
(25:42):
the road. Which side should yoube on? You you should be riding
along with the traffic. You're shouldbe going the same direction of the traffic.
Awesome, great tip. And arethere any other safety tips that you
would offer to cyclists who may bean inclement weather? Oh, like rain,
(26:04):
light wind, rain. Yeah,we do a lot of writing in
the rain too, I said,dress for the weather. We do have
light jackets, and like for thewinter, we're pretty layered up, three
layers, four layers. It doesn'tget as cold here now we've written in
(26:26):
what a thirty five degree weather twentyseven in it? Yeah, twenty seven.
And how many layers did you wear? I think three? About three?
Yes, we need to be visible. Most people don't have enough lights.
It's never enough lights. Whether ornot you have lights, people still
(26:52):
what get in front of you cutyou off. So plenty of lights,
especially riding in the dark. Plentyof light and lighter bright clothes. Well,
you need bright clothes during the dayas well, that's true. Yeah,
because they don't see you either.That was two of my safety things.
(27:14):
All bright. Well, great advice. Do y'all ever spend any time
every here in Saint Andrews since werebel? Oh yeah? What my favorite
spot was the marina. That wasmy favorite spot and before it, oh
yeah, I really missed that thatwas our spot because it was really Torah
and that was one of my things. I was going to get a boat
(27:36):
and live on it. But hesays, since Harry Kane and my husband,
I don't like the ideal of livingon a boat. But that was
my favorite spot. We do hangout at the My son as well.
Was the coffee shop I'm avida.Yeah, yeah, the nice spot,
(27:56):
but I love the Saint Andrew feeling. It's really it's like I call it,
what is that Andy Griffin type?Mayberry? Mayberry is really cozy.
Yeah, you know, and Ilike all the different arts and I like
it here. But I do haveto remind you we live in the beach
(28:17):
and we come over, but Ilove riding over the bridge. This was
my favorite spot. Awesome. Well, thank you for sharing that with us,
and thank you so much for beingon the Saint Andrew's Jezebel podcast.
I appreciate you coming all this way. We came from almost the same area
you came from a little further.So, before we close out and we
(28:38):
get your information, what's the nextfor you? Aside from the big the
big plan, which is the world, more like maybe smaller local things are
regionally, what's in store for you? I want to do something big for
the community, I really do.I've been trying to do this the last
(29:00):
three years. I want to dosomething for the boys and girls and the
girls incorporation. Yes, do youknow how many girls or young boys that
don't know how to ride a bicycle? That would be awesome. I mean,
my plans it's just me myself,but but to have Panama City on
(29:25):
the books or people for bikes.They're wanting to change the atmosphere where everyone
can everyone's on the bicycle instead ofusing their car. So that's my plan.
I wish it could be here.That would be a nice thing to
see. If Panama City can bemore bike friendly, it would be a
(29:48):
great thing to see. I wouldactually probably buy a Trike's that where to
happen. The books can laugh atme all they want, but no,
you could probably that would be nice. You could set it up and and
the basket. Yes, yes,you can do it. Awesome. Well,
that's exciting and I really hope thatmaybe there'll be another magazine manifestation for
(30:11):
you in that area and in termsof the world as well. Well.
Thank you so much. That's justinspiring story that you've told, and and
for coming all this way and forfolks listening. How can they find you?
If I'd like to connect with you, they can find me on Facebook
under Patricia McNeil or Instagram. Ihave heels Underscore on Underscore Wheels, but
(30:37):
it is spelt with the Z insteadof the S, and you can actually
most of my rides and most ofmy daily things that I'm doing will be
on heels on heels, on wheels, fantastic. Well, Patricia, thank
you so much for being here todayat Floriopolis on location in the art of
(31:00):
Historic Saint Andrew's and until next time, keep Saint Andrew's Salty. Thanks for
tuning in, y'all. What anincredible story from Patricia. Thank you so
much for being on the show andsharing your journey with us. You're truly
an inspiration and I am honored tohave had you as our guest. Before
we wrap up this season, Iwant to take a moment to thank all
(31:21):
the guests who have shared their storieswith this It has been a joy and
a privilege to hear so many amazingpeople in our community and to our listeners,
thank you for tuning in and supportingthe Saint Andrew's Jezebel Podcast. I
really couldn't do this without you.As we gear up for next season,
I'm seeking sponsors to help me continuebringing these incredible stories to you. If
(31:41):
you're interested in sponsoring the show,please send me a DM on Facebook or
Instagram and I'll get you the information. Also, if you're interested in donating
to the podcast, please visit ourcoffee page. Every little bit helps,
and it helps keep the show going. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook
and Instagram for updates in season eight, I can't wait to share more stories
(32:01):
with you. Thank you again forlistening to the sant Andrews Jezebel Podcast
Because she's a Jesubem Saint Andrew ofJezebel, because she's a Jezebel. Saint
Andrew Jezebel. Hello and welcome tothe Saint Andrew's Jezebel Podcast, the show
where we explore the stories and peopleof Historic Saint Andrew's. I'm your host,
Ashley Feller, and today we havea very special guest, and that
(00:22):
is Patricia McNeil. And we recordedthis interview at Floriopolis and Historic Saint Andrew's.
Patricia is a true inspiration. Sheis a stroke survivor who accomplished an
incredible feat of riding her bike acrossthe US. Her story is one of
overcoming adversity, determination and achieving herdream. In this season finale episode,
(00:44):
we'll hear from Patricia herself about herjourney from recovering from a stroke, learning
to ride a bike, and embarkingon an epic bike across America. We'll
also discuss the impact of her aCame Michael on the community and how it
affected Patricia's return to Panama City.So back, relax, grab your favorite
drink, and enjoy the show.Today we are here with Patricia McNeil,
(01:12):
such an inspiring person. This ishow this went down. I ran into
Sonja called while the other day andshe said, hey, I got somebody
who would be great for the podcast, and she sent me Patricia's information.
I read an article that she sentme that was in Panama City Living magazine
and as like, I've got tohave this person on the show. So,
(01:34):
Patricia, you have a very inspiringstory. You suffered a stroke while
you were living in Tampa, andnot long after that you moved back to
Panama City to embark on our bikeride across America. Can you tell us
about that? Yes, Ashley,thank you for having me on your show.
How would I start after having mystroke? Well before the stroke,
(02:00):
I wasn't really riding my bike.I was what you call sightseeing, as
my husband call it. And thenfrom there he started having me do more
rides or longer rides because really wasn'tathletic and I really didn't like riding a
(02:23):
bicycle and he goes out for twoor three hours a day. But anyway,
as you were saying, how didI embarked into doing that journey,
it started when I got hit bya car. I sat around and I
was filling down and out, andbecause I'm used to moving around and I
(02:47):
couldn't move for about six months,I had a walker. After that,
my husband used to call me everyday and say, hey, I did
a hundred miles and hey I didthis, and does make you feel down?
And my son comes home, Mom, did you go outside today?
What did you do? I guessyou could say out of the clear blue
(03:12):
sky. I just started making myselfmore active, started walking, started trying
to train, riding on my bicycle. At that time, I didn't have
a fancy bike because it was stilldown in Tampa. I was telling people
I'm going and ride my bike crosscountry. I just felt like it.
(03:35):
I know, it's weird, LikeI can't explain that. So it just
felt like it. Did you knowanyone else who's done that before? No?
I didn't. And a lot ofpeople reached out to me when I
began my journey. I mean alot of people. I started this journey
because I felt like I needed todo something to inspire people or to let
(03:57):
them know, Hey, just becauseyou have a disability doesn't mean you're unable
to do it. You can doit. You just got to set your
mind into it. Didn't realize howfar that was. I wasn't looking at
the mileage at that time. Ijust did it. Didn't have the money,
(04:17):
I just did it. That's amazing. You had a dream and you
went for it, and I'm sureit was not a k clock by any
means. So my next question ishow did you deal with the various challenges
that you faced during the journey,such as I read in the article that
you slept outside and didn't really haveany money. How did you handle that?
(04:41):
Some people didn't reach out to me. I mean, there's still a
little humanity left. Shocking what canhappen while you're alone. Let me tell
you one other thing. I don'tknow how to change tires. Oh,
I don't know if you call ita miracle from writing a bicycle from Panama
City all the way to California.No flats. I guess I was praying
(05:08):
hard, but yeah, no flats. That's amazing. And so on your
journey on your bike, a majornatural disaster happened, and that was Hurricane
Michael. You had already departed.How long had you left Panama City when
Hurricane Michael struck our area. Ileft Panama City on the twenty ninth.
(05:30):
I arrived in Houston. I wrotereally pretty fast. Didn't realize that I
arrived in Houston within seven or tendays. Wow. Didn't realize that now,
But yeah, And at that time, I couldn't get in touch with
anyone on this side of the country, and I was alone. It's amazing
(05:57):
when I know a few people inTampa and they were following me through my
journey. And so a friend thatI was taking care of her husband happened
to reach out, we can helpyou, and they put me in a
room for about three days, herniece. They reached out to me,
and I was crying, and atthe same time, I was more concerned
(06:20):
of my husband, which I'm theone that should have been concerned about myself.
I wasn't concerned about myself, andthey put me in a room in
Houston or in a hotel. Sorry, humans are amazing, Yeah, it
really is. So you're in thishotel in Houston, You've just gotten news
(06:42):
of the hurricane. You're worried aboutyour husband and everyone back home. What
did you do next? I contactthe friends that contact me. Thank you,
Miss Linda Smith. I think shegot in contact with a few people
in Panama City because I couldn't getin touch because you guys had no service
right, none, whatsoever. Andthat frightened me for about a couple of
(07:06):
days or so. My husband finallygot in touch with me, and it
was a relief, and he wasworried about me too, because at that
time, while you guys was goingthrough a storm, it was raining,
and I had some difficult weather aswell, I believe it. So did
you continue on from Houston? Yes? I did. I went to San
(07:29):
Antonio, but I went through differentplaces. San Antonio looked out for me
as well, and I got sickin San Antonio, so I stayed a
little longer than expected. I thinkI stayed two weeks because I could have
made this ride in less than thirtydays. Wow. And so what helped
you make the decision to keep goingon your ride rather than turn around and
(07:55):
come on back to Panama City.I kept thinking. I wasn't thinking of
coming back because I said, oh, now I gotta do this journey.
Yeah. I thought about my sons, I thought about my husband. I
thought about how would I say it, I can do this? And it
was just a willpower. I don'tknow how to explain it, but it
(08:16):
was just a willpower. That's amazingand you did it. Congratulations. Did
it take you to get from say, Houston, all the way to your
finished point, which was in California, right, yes, Los Angeles.
When I almost gave up in ElPaso and you could see a picture of
me. I have a picture becauseMexico was right there with my silly but
(08:39):
I'm like Lucille Ball and nothing wasalways carry a papermap, not to get
off the subject, but because serieswill have you somewhere else. I did
do a couple of turns the wrongway, dead ends, and I had
to ride the freeway or the interstate. I almost gave up because, oh
(09:01):
so close. It's just a longroad quite lately, and I did a
lot of singing, a lot ofI made up songs, and I had
a lot of what do you callit fans that was cheering me on.
And I have phobias of bridges.I didn't realize how many bridges are in
(09:24):
United States. So many, somany from here to Louisiana, so many
from Louisiana. It was just alot of bridges. And I overcame one
of my fears. That was quitea fear. Why don't you tell yourself
whenever you had to go across abridge. I can hear him, but
(09:45):
come on, keep peddling. Andso that's one of my It was in
back of my head. I justkept peddling. Another thing, it took
me about fifteen or thirty minutes toactually get on the bridge, and then
after getting on there, it isless than ten minutes just to go down.
Oh my goodness. And all ofthis ride was and I did it
(10:05):
solo. I didn't have anyone followingme, and I only had all was
that my phone. Four Wow,I did most of my recordings and everything
on my phone. That's amazing.That's incredible. And also that you channeled
some of your creative energy by pickingup songs and yes I did. I
(10:30):
did. And I wish I couldsend you some of those videos. I
can find him, that would beso cool. So can you tell me
a little bit more about the roleof your family in supporting your journey.
My biggest well, this man righthere, he was my role model.
Actually he's my mentor because it tookhim what twenty five years to get me
(10:54):
on a bike. Wow, that'sa long time. Another thing, at
that time, I wasn't interested inriding a bicycle. He was been trying
to get me on a bike andhe was the bike man. I wasn't.
And after doing all my rides,I got more popular and he was
(11:16):
like, how did you end upmeeting all of these people? I said,
I don't know. They reached outto me and I didn't know anything
what the Instagram and a lot ofpeople was reaching out and said what is
your handling? You're talking about thehandle bars or what I'm like, not
Eve. I didn't know anything aboutthat. All I knew was Facebook and
how and I'm trying to transfer allmy stuff onto Facebook. Yes, with
(11:43):
the iPhone four and my family theywere very supportive. My boys, they
were shocked, not really shocked becausethey know and once I said I'm going
to do something, I'll do it. But I didn't realize how long the
journey was. And I wasn't lookingat how long the journey was. I've
(12:05):
just enjoying it so peaceful, andat that time, you do a lot
of meditating, a lot of nottalking to yourself, but you're talking to
someone and you learn more about yourself. And I did came into peace.
I had to do a lot offorgiving I just did that while I was
(12:26):
writing. So it was an introspective, therapeutic experience for you. Yes,
And from having a stroke, fromgetting hit to not knowing when you can
get up or how to walk.It was a lot of determination and to
show women that you shouldn't have anykind of fears. I just did it.
(12:52):
That's amazing. And so what wasthe most beautiful place that you saw
on your er? Oh, Ihave so many. Texas was long,
Texas was beautiful, Arizona was beautiful. California was beautiful too. Was that
(13:13):
Marincy? Marincy is in Arizona.I did a lot of climbing when I
said climbing, like over ten thousandfeet. And I don't know anything about
changing gears. That's remarkable too.I stayed on actually I stayed on that
(13:33):
same gear till I got to California, believe it or not. Toothong well
close enough. Yeah, And Idon't know much about gears myself, either,
But don't gears have something to dowith the resistance? Yeah? My
legs was pretty hard. He wasat the strongest legs. Yeah at that
(13:56):
time. Yes, And to me, that trip was fun and at the
same time, when I finished,it was like, this is it what?
It was a relief and I wastired. And then when I got
home, especially riding to Mexico Beach, it wasn't nothing. I mean,
wow, can you imagine coming backfrom a trip and then you get back
(14:18):
and there's no home to go to? And I really felt for Panama City.
It was unbelievable. What did itfeel like to be celebrated by the
professional cyclists when you got to California. I met a few in Tucson.
Catherine Bertein you had to read her, but she's one of the women that
(14:43):
did toward de France. Wow,I know, in fact, jovu I
call it. I had a magazineof this woman and I'm like, I
kept looking at her. I said, God, she looks so familiar.
And she brought out a magazine thatI had had of her, and I'm
like, oh my god, that'sthat woman. That's all. And there's
(15:03):
reasons why I always keep magazine becauseI look at him and I'm like,
I'm gonna do this one day,and I kept saying to myself, I'm
going to ride to California. Infact, she was the one that reached
out to me. And when someonewants to meet you, and they're like,
I'm their hero, and I'm like, oh, no, you're the
(15:24):
hero. I told them, justan ordinary woman, grandmother on a bike
that's learning how to ride a bike. He said, you obviously don't know
what you just did. I said, no, I just rolled a bike
cross country. That's it. AndI'm still to this day, I'm still
not processing it. That's a bigthing. And I tell people the way
(15:48):
I describe it, I'm riding ona bicycle to different states. It's almost
like driving a car to different states, but I'm on a bike. And
that's the best way of describing it. So you had like magazine manifestation going
on. Thank you that's what hiscall, That's what it is. Yes,
(16:12):
And he's like, in fact,he threw the magazine away, and
I'm like, I know this woman. I don't know her. I know
of her, and I said,one day I'm going to be just like
her. But didn't realize it's likea full circle in life. It's amazing.
And they had a big dinner celebrationfor me, and she has a
(16:37):
foundation going on as well, andUSA Cycling reached out well Swall Street Journal,
NBC today's show. I'm supposed tobe riding along with Harry Smith as
well and several and Outside magazine andbicycle magazine, oh yeah, National Geographic.
So I just want people to know, live a little, just go
(17:02):
out there and do it like youlive a lot. And I happened to
do my last trip, but didnot complete it because I was waiting on
my bike and it's taken too long, and I was volunteering and doing work
at the laundry map. But anyway, I have a lot of things
going on. This is my tenthyear anniversary for Stroke Free Wow, December
(17:26):
to twenty second, and I'm goingto do it big. Have you decide
what you're going to do yet?Oh? Yeah? Are you sharing what
you're going to do? I'm notsure if I want to share it,
but is yeah, I did share, I will share it and I'm going
around the world. Oh my gosh, how are you going to do that?
(17:48):
Right? My bike? That's amazing. Yes, soon as all my
paperwork and everything. But I thinkthat's going to be the epic. Yes,
and yeah, that's the epic,you know, riding around the United
States. That's yeah, it's okay, but that's the epic and I see
it, I've felt it. Idon't know how to describe it. Well,
(18:12):
I'm excited for you, and we'llhave to do a follow up episode
before and after. Yeah, sinceyou have a podcast, you can probably
talk to me while I'm writing.We absolutely could do that. You can
mess the beauty of podcast. Youcould do anywhere. So that's right.
When you made it to California andthe hurricane had happened back here, did
(18:33):
you fly back? How did youget back to Panama City? My husband
came picked me up. He passedme up. Actually, oh did you
Yeah, you passed me up right. Yeah. He couldn't believe the climbing
I had to do because I usedto complain a lot. But yeah,
he picked me up. He said, while you actually did a lot of
(18:55):
climbing, and I say, yep, and didn't know how to change my
gear. Wow, that's embarrassing.That's amazing. So you came back to
Panama City together and the hurricane hadhappened. How did you react when you
saw the devastation? I was numbfeeling really because he was my husband was
(19:21):
trying to show me pictures and tellme things that happened. It was really
bad, and you guys had like, what is it curfew and things like
that. It was really bad.I did not know, but for me
to come back when I was ridingthrough the neighborhood, it was terrible.
(19:42):
I was just numb, feeling Ican't explain it, and devastated. And
then we were trying to find aplace as well, and that's how we
end up at the beach. Butunbelievable. It was unbelievable. Well,
and that resonates with me when yousaid numb, because that's a trauma response
(20:03):
a lot of us had. Yes, absolutely, but I was more numb,
Yes, because you really couldn't reallyride your bike. I mean you
could, but the roads are fullof trees and yeah, and pieces of
people's house. Yes, yes,it was absolutely. In fact, the
(20:23):
table to turn, he was outriding his bike trying to help out people
because you couldn't use your car.Unbelievable. Yeah, it was unbelievable.
So let's move forward a little bit. So y'all are back in this area,
back in Bay County, and asyou can see, Panama City,
(20:44):
Mexico Beach and all the surrounding area. We're building back and it's we're really
making some progress here. And I'lltell you a little bit. I'm from
Saint Andrews. This is my hometown. I grew up here and wow,
yeah, that's the premise of thisshow is all about Saint Andrews and our
ongoing progress since Hurricane Michael, whatare your thoughts on how we've grown and
(21:07):
really kind of like risen like aphoenix from the ashes. People don't realize
it was a Category five hurricane andit was just like nothing anybody saw.
How do you feel about the development? I'm still numb. I mean,
we did come a long way,and that was one of my second rise.
I wanted to do something for ourcommunity, and really I couldn't do
(21:33):
much because I was the one personpeddling and I felt so out of place,
and I'm like, I really wantto help Panama City. How can
I do that? I wanted tobring bikes in because you guys really needed
it. And then at that timewhen everything was going on, then COVID
hit us. I'm still numb andthen but a lot of people did come
(21:57):
in and help. I'm still numb. I understand that I'm still a little
numb too. I'm proud of us, but part I understand that too.
Absolutely. One thing that I've observed, and I don't know anything about bicycles,
I don't get on bikes because Istuck my ankle in the spokes as
(22:17):
a child and rolled forward. Sothat's that's my experience with bikes. And
you're never getting back on, andyou haven't never, but you haven't got
back on. I'm sorry it.Oh wow, yeah, pretty dumb thing
to do. I laugh at myself. But one thing I have noticed in
the way of bicycles, because Ihave lots of friends that were cyclists in
(22:38):
their advocates for safety for cyclists,yeah, I've noticed that there's more indication
that our roads are met for bikesas well. What do you think about
what's going on in that direction?What they're doing is getting better, But
I want more bike lane now.I just notice, what is it,
(23:00):
beach drive They had a bigger lane, and it's actually because bigger cities are
doing that. And still there's peoplethat's just not cautious or they're not giving
us respect on the road. AndI still ride and people are like,
(23:21):
aren't you scared? And I'm like, now, but it would be nice
if we got more lanes, andit would be nice if we can take
the time to teach other people that'son bicycles, that's not wearing helmets and
they're riding on the wrong side.We need more education education, yes we
(23:42):
do. This is a good teachingpoint. So for people who are fairly
unfamiliar what it's like to be abicyclist or even I was a pedestrian.
My car didn't run for two monthsand that was a big awakening as to
how people in cars can treat people, yeah, who are not in cars.
So for everyone who drives cars ona regular basis, how would you
(24:07):
say that they should behave when theyare within the sphere of a bicyclist?
What is the safest way they canbehave the three feet which we needed here,
all right, But still when amotorist comes beside me, they'll either
cut me off, and even withthe walking signal, they cut me off.
(24:33):
And what I do, I'll justlet the car go because they do
not show no respect for us.And if we had more of that going
on, it would be nice.I do get upset about that, but
I am happy that they have widerstreets, but they still right instead of
(24:57):
riding behind you, they'll pass youby. I'm not saying ms fast cyclists,
but he is. But they shouldjust give us more room three feet
room, and they should have thatsigned up for us too. I focus
mostly on my ride in my streetsand and a lot more people need to
(25:19):
be wearing helmets as well. Theyare regular cyclists. I mean people that's
riding bicycles that don't know the law. They just riding on the wrong side
of the street. I don't knowif you noticed that. So for everyone
listening, I actually I think Iknow, but I'm not sure what is
the proper form when you're riding abicycle to be on the correct side of
(25:42):
the road. Which side should yoube on? You you should be riding
along with the traffic. You're shouldbe going the same direction of the traffic.
Awesome, great tip. And arethere any other safety tips that you
would offer to cyclists who may bean inclement weather? Oh, like rain,
(26:04):
light wind, rain. Yeah,we do a lot of writing in
the rain too, I said,dress for the weather. We do have
light jackets, and like for thewinter, we're pretty layered up, three
layers, four layers. It doesn'tget as cold here now we've written in
(26:26):
what a thirty five degree weather twentyseven in it? Yeah, twenty seven.
And how many layers did you wear? I think three? About three?
Yes, we need to be visible. Most people don't have enough lights.
It's never enough lights. Whether ornot you have lights, people still
(26:52):
what get in front of you cutyou off. So plenty of lights,
especially riding in the dark. Plentyof light and lighter bright clothes. Well,
you need bright clothes during the dayas well, that's true. Yeah,
because they don't see you either.That was two of my safety things.
(27:14):
All bright. Well, great advice. Do y'all ever spend any time
every here in Saint Andrews since werebel? Oh yeah? What my favorite
spot was the marina. That wasmy favorite spot and before it, oh
yeah, I really missed that thatwas our spot because it was really Torah
and that was one of my things. I was going to get a boat
(27:36):
and live on it. But hesays, since Harry Kane and my husband,
I don't like the ideal of livingon a boat. But that was
my favorite spot. We do hangout at the My son as well.
Was the coffee shop I'm avida.Yeah, yeah, the nice spot,
(27:56):
but I love the Saint Andrew feeling. It's really it's like I call it,
what is that Andy Griffin type?Mayberry? Mayberry is really cozy.
Yeah, you know, and Ilike all the different arts and I like
it here. But I do haveto remind you we live in the beach
(28:17):
and we come over, but Ilove riding over the bridge. This was
my favorite spot. Awesome. Well, thank you for sharing that with us,
and thank you so much for beingon the Saint Andrew's Jezebel podcast.
I appreciate you coming all this way. We came from almost the same area
you came from a little further.So, before we close out and we
(28:38):
get your information, what's the nextfor you? Aside from the big the
big plan, which is the world, more like maybe smaller local things are
regionally, what's in store for you? I want to do something big for
the community, I really do.I've been trying to do this the last
(29:00):
three years. I want to dosomething for the boys and girls and the
girls incorporation. Yes, do youknow how many girls or young boys that
don't know how to ride a bicycle? That would be awesome. I mean,
my plans it's just me myself,but but to have Panama City on
(29:25):
the books or people for bikes.They're wanting to change the atmosphere where everyone
can everyone's on the bicycle instead ofusing their car. So that's my plan.
I wish it could be here.That would be a nice thing to
see. If Panama City can bemore bike friendly, it would be a
(29:48):
great thing to see. I wouldactually probably buy a Trike's that where to
happen. The books can laugh atme all they want, but no,
you could probably that would be nice. You could set it up and and
the basket. Yes, yes,you can do it. Awesome. Well,
that's exciting and I really hope thatmaybe there'll be another magazine manifestation for
(30:11):
you in that area and in termsof the world as well. Well.
Thank you so much. That's justinspiring story that you've told, and and
for coming all this way and forfolks listening. How can they find you?
If I'd like to connect with you, they can find me on Facebook
under Patricia McNeil or Instagram. Ihave heels Underscore on Underscore Wheels, but
(30:37):
it is spelt with the Z insteadof the S, and you can actually
most of my rides and most ofmy daily things that I'm doing will be
on heels on heels, on wheels, fantastic. Well, Patricia, thank
you so much for being here todayat Floriopolis on location in the art of
(31:00):
Historic Saint Andrew's and until next time, keep Saint Andrew's Salty. Thanks for
tuning in, y'all. What anincredible story from Patricia. Thank you so
much for being on the show andsharing your journey with us. You're truly
an inspiration and I am honored tohave had you as our guest. Before
we wrap up this season, Iwant to take a moment to thank all
(31:21):
the guests who have shared their storieswith this It has been a joy and
a privilege to hear so many amazingpeople in our community and to our listeners,
thank you for tuning in and supportingthe Saint Andrew's Jezebel Podcast. I
really couldn't do this without you.As we gear up for next season,
I'm seeking sponsors to help me continuebringing these incredible stories to you. If
(31:41):
you're interested in sponsoring the show,please send me a DM on Facebook or
Instagram and I'll get you the information. Also, if you're interested in donating
to the podcast, please visit ourcoffee page. Every little bit helps,
and it helps keep the show going. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook
and Instagram for updates in season eight, I can't wait to share more stories
(32:01):
with you. Thank you again forlistening to the sant Andrews Jezebel Podcast
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