Interview: Andy McKenna, Stoked on MS Founder
“Ironically, I took the news of an impending life in a wheelchair, immobile, potentially blind and unable to swallow - as a damn fine reason to go “f*ck that!”. It was in that moment I decided to give up my job as a marketeer and turn to my lifelong hobby - mountain biking - and create a new career on my own terms.”
Andy McKenna is a 51 year old legend within the UK mountain biking community who lives in the Scottish village of Clovenfords. He traded corporate life for a completely different lifestyle surrounding bikes and shared experiences in the mountains following his diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis back in 2007. Despite the challenges of his condition, he’s able to retain his infectious laugh and still finds his solace in the hills aboard his Santa Cruz Heckler.
Tell us about your story
I received the (false) news of an emergency potentially fatal brain hemorrhage in 2007; only to be told instead by the experts that I had an incurable neurological disease. Whilst this was quite a twisted relief, it became a catalyst to discard one life and ‘build’ a new one at the same time.
Build is apostrophe’d because it suggests a level of forethought and planning which there wasn’t. In hindsight, I realise I was running scared from my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, anxious to outrun the apparently inevitable compromised life that I was warned to prepare for.
Most people know someone with MS, and the reaction’s inevitably the same - one of sad mournful faces, well intentioned “I’m sorry to hear that.” My internal (and all too often external) response goes something like “I’m sorry for your f*cking stupidity…”
I guess I haven’t fully come to terms with MS, maybe I never will. I’m generally pretty philosophical about this rollercoaster ride, but maybe coming to terms with it completely is to give too much of the old me away to the menace, so I’ll keep overcoming it in my own way.
How does or did the bicycle help you to bounce back and foster resilience?
Ironically, I took the news of an impending life in a wheelchair, immobile, potentially blind and unable to swallow - as a damn fine reason to go “f*ck that!”. It was in that moment I decided to give up my job as a marketeer and turn to my lifelong hobby - mountain biking - and create a new career on my own terms.
Fast forward 14 years - I may no longer be fit to guide on a mountain bike, but more than ever, I crave the moments of liberating freedom I only ever experience on the bike.
What bike puts the biggest smile on your face and why?
Hands down, no thought required - the Santa Cruz Heckler has been an absolute game-changer. Heat is my Kryptonite. MS thrives on heat. Mountain biking increases the body’s core temperature dramatically and when the temps spike, the symptoms flare: blurred vision, brain fog, tremors, imbalance, loss of grip and feeling through hands and feet and muscles that don’t get the messages from the brain - these are some of the standard fare for MSers trying to stay active. Mountain biking can soon become an overwhelming battle of determination over risk and reality.
My Heckler e-bike helps me massively to stay out of that red, danger zone - to stay within the realms where the symptoms are more manageable, and glimmers of the old mountain biker shine through. And even when they don’t, the simple act of getting outside, or better still up a hill - still gives me the sense of daily perspective I need to function. I love that bike and I feel very fortunate to have it.
What would you say to help someone looking to rebuild their life, whilst they are trying to navigate a period of hardship?
Lean into it. Don’t waste your time denying the reality of your situation - to yourself or others. Forget positivity - that’s only a thin veneer that flakes and cracks. Give yourself the time and space for grief if you need it. When the dust settles and the pain subsides, celebrate what you can achieve. Say ‘f*ck it’ to the rest. And laugh, a lot!
What’s your favourite quote?
“We are Number one. All others are number two or lower.” The Sphinx, Mystery Men Movie
I laugh a lot at the random, ridiculous beauty and horror of life and that quote always makes me chuckle.
Follow Andy’s journey
Instagram: @StokedOnMS
Facebook Group: Stoked on MS
Websites: www.stokedonms.org.uk / www.ridemor.org / www.go-where.co.uk