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Christopher Schwenker
Para-cyclist Kevin Korenthal considers virtual cycling a life-saver that gave him the strength to overcome a near-fatal accident.
A phantom is an entity apparent to sense but with no substantial existence, with artistic allusions as apparitions resembling their mortal form that seek revenge in the afterlife. Haunted by the sensation, often painful and highly unpleasant at first, the phenomenon is known as “phantom limb,” the feeling of an amputated appendage as if still attached to the body.
In literature and film, the evil misdeeds of these protagonists are vanquished or fade away, almost to be forgotten. For an amputee, this and many other physical and emotional transgressions must be dealt with until ultimately it is as if they didn’t lose the limb at all. The positives of a well-lived post-trauma life fill the void.
The amputee then has exacted their revenge in that the only thing phantom is the thought that the limb ever existed at all.
The amputee then has exacted their revenge in that the only thing phantom is the thought that the limb ever existed at all.
The Conversation at the Coffee Stop
In October of 2013, Kevin Korenthal was one of 100 cyclists to complete the “Million Dollar Challenge,” a 620-mile multi-day ride along the California coastline from San Francisco to San Diego.
While a significant achievement in its own right, such undertakings are commonplace in the experience of many avid cyclists and not necessarily one worthy of much more than polite acknowledgment when comparing ride notes over coffee at the group ride turnaround.
The conversation chronicling the magnitude of the adverse situations Kevin overcame, and the transformation of his body and soul that resulted, is one worthy of telling in a more auspicious setting and will require more than one espresso to do so. So you may want to choose a more potent potable to get through this one.
A Few of the Things Kevin Loves About Virtual Cycling
- The ease and quickness with which one can prepare for and complete a group ride. Hours are spent preparing for and either riding or driving to an in-real-life group ride.
- I love reading the banter when I can actually see straight! But, unfortunately, nobody converses in spin class.
- It feeds the part of me that longs to experience extended periods of discomfort and pain.
- Zwift is a safe way to have an aggressive cycling experience without the dangers that come with riding on roads and technical trails.
The Accident That Changed His Life...For the Worse
A Varsity swimmer and cyclist in high school, Kevin was three weeks from departing for Navy boot camp following graduation in 1991, when a traffic accident, the dreadful outcome of a regretful decision, shattered his left femur (the long bone of the thigh).
He was placed in a drug-induced coma and woke 30 days later to discover he had lost the function of his lower leg. The compound fracture allowed bone marrow to seep into his bloodstream, causing irreversible nerve damage and “drop foot.”
The accident and its life-altering aftermath were too much for the 20-year-old to process emotionally. Kevin’s depression manifested in a chain reaction of poor decisions involving drinking and unhealthy relationships. During which time complications of his injury and the progression of the deformity left him no choice but to undergo a below-knee amputation in 2005.
Kevin Hit Rock Bottom During His “Lost Twenties”
During this dark period of his life, described by Kevin as “my lost twenties,” he reached rock bottom following a short time spent in jail for DUI.
“After the initial injury in 1991,” states Kevin, “I was very depressed and lost all motivation. My ankle was in a brace, I walked with a limp and in constant pain, and I was never going to get any better. It took all that I had to concentrate on keeping my head above water as I faced the world.”
Difficult Decisions Provide Clarity for Tough Choices
The decision to amputate his left lower leg provided him with clarity of thought and the opportunity to make some difficult life choices. He chose cycling as one of the ways he would turn his life around.
Shortly after being fitted for his first prosthetic, he began attending spin classes after his rehab sessions. As a result, his strength, fitness, and motivation improved, and he was soon taking two classes per day several times a week.
When a friend invited him on a ‘no drop’ group ride outdoors on the roads of his Santa Clarita, California neighborhood once ridden during the Tour of California, Kevin overcame his apprehension and agreed.
Kevin Adapted His Body and Mind By Cycling
“I started with the goal in mind to adapt myself, not the bike so that I could ride any bike without the hassle and expense of alteration,” he remarks.
His spin bike experience using SPD pedals on his prosthetic foot made for an easier transition.
By 2012 Kevin was riding 200-300 miles per week, had completed several century rides, and was training for his first triathlon. In addition, he had devoted his professional life to helping others through politics and advocacy.
Kevin was in a ‘good place’ until one day changed everything.
The Accident That Changed His Life...For the Better
In December, while on a training ride, Kevin was struck head-on by a teen driver traveling at over 40mph. The life-threatening accident left him with multiple severe injuries, including a broken right wrist, broken right tibia and fibula (bones of the lower leg), a fractured right scapula (shoulder blade), a fractured spine, three broken ribs, and several fractures to the bones in his neck.
In addition, the metal rod which supported the fracture in his amputated left leg was bent to a nearly 45-degree angle. As a result, Kevin’s surgeon told him he might never walk again.
Kevin went home 29 days after the accident.
“I set forth on my path to recovery with a positive mindset,” states Kevin in describing how he summoned the strength. “Even if I had to fake it, I always kept a bright and cheery attitude and put my full self into the process of building back. Then, of course, there was pain and frustration, but nothing I couldn’t handle.”
Kevin’s Second Accident Changed His Perspective in Many Ways
- I learned that I am more than the sum of my parts. My body is battered, broken, and to some extent, will always be. But with the right attitude and determination, almost anything is possible.
- I realized how precious life and family are.
- I realized that I could be a symbol and a peer to those who face traumatic injury and illness.
A Week After Leaving the Hospital Kevin Commits to a Challenge
As a challenge to himself, Kevin committed to the 620-mile multi-day challenge in October soon after leaving the hospital.
“The first time I got on Zwift, I knew right away that this was going to work,” Kevin described his initial ride on the long road to recovery. “I don’t think I would be able to cope with all of the stresses in my life without Zwift. It’s been a lifesaver!”
Kevin rides his Giant TCR Advanced SL on a Gen 1 Wahoo KickR with Axis feet. An industrial fan cools him well, but the noise forces him to blast tunes through a soundbar and subwoofer to drown the drone.
“That annoys my wife, but she is glad I am not on the road getting hit by cars,” he quips in compromise.
Adversity and Calamity Can Serve Two Purposes
Kevin’s wife is also happy that he found perspective and the belief that, according to Kevin, “adversity and calamity can serve one of two purposes. It can be an excuse to give up, or it can be an instrument to overcome one’s weaknesses.
After my first injury in 1991, I chose the former and the amputation 15 years later, and the accident in 2012 motivated me to choose the latter.” Kevin is back on the road following significant improvement in his strength and confidence, stating, “I have Zwift to thank for the fitness that made it possible.”
Kevin would be delighted if his avatar had a prosthetic leg, but he would settle for a few new worlds. Why settle now, Kevin? It seems like you haven’t been doing that for some time now!
Benefits of Cycling for Amputees
While many new amputees are under the mistaken impression that losing their limbs means losing mobility and a sedentary lifestyle, being active is good for the body and mind.
- Non-weight bearing and non-impact decreasing irritation to the residual limb and joints.
- Develops and maintains the muscles of the residual limb, allowing the socket to fit more securely.
- Efficient aerobic exercise improves cardiovascular fitness.
- Develops balance and coordination required by amputees for all functional activities.
- Increases muscle strength and range of motion.
Have you ever found purpose in pain?
Are you a virtual cyclist who has overcome physical challenges? If yes, what changes or improvements do you feel should be made to the virtual cycling platform to enhance the experience?
Semi-retired as owner and director of his private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice after over 20 years, Chris is blessed with the freedom to pursue his passion for virtual cycling and writing. On a continual quest to give back to his bike for all the rewarding experiences and relationships it has provided him, he created a non-profit. Chris is committed to helping others with his bike through its work and the pages of his site.
In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to New York to support the charity he founded, TheDIRTDadFund. His “Gain Cave” resides on the North Fork of Long Island, where he lives with his beautiful wife and is proud of his two independent children.
You will read him promoting his passion on the pages of Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. Chris is co-host of The Virtual Velo Podcast, too!
Chris , this article is amazing and wow what an incredible story Kevin you really are an inspiration and thanks to Chris for telling your story so eloquently . Kevin congrats on doing the MDC. I’ve done it myself snd it’s an intense ride for an able bodied athlete . The Challenged Athletes foundation is an incredible organization. I look forward to seeing you on Zwift and I too believe avatars that are representative would be an awesome addition to Zwift as representation matters no matter the game.
Thank you for your kind words and support. It is this kind of thing that has kept me persevering!
Welcome to The Zommunique! I look forward to your comments. I hope you enjoy all that we have to offer. Thank you!
Thank you for writing this, Christopher! Regards, Kevin Korenthal
I appreciate your kind words Kevin! You are an inspiration. My best to you in all that you do. I know it will be great!
What a great article! Kevin really does have an amazing story!
Great Article, stepping into manhood (after the lost 20’s) with an attitude adjustment, and over coming massive life throwing curveballs. Well done Kevin, very inspirational. Thanks Chris, it was a pleasure to read.