Some people let life’s challenges slow them down. Randall Pope? He hits the gas.
On May 28th, Randall—an Army veteran, wheelchair bowler, and all-around force of nature—will set off on a 250-mile journey from Christopher Newport University, through Virginia to the Pentagon. But unlike most endurance riders, he won’t be on a bike—he’ll be rolling the entire way in his power wheelchair, accompanied by longtime friend and Bike the US for MS alumni, Bruce White.
This ride, planned to coincide with Memorial Day, isn’t just about personal achievement. It’s about raising awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS), the disease Randall has been battling for 30 years. It’s about proving that physical limitations don’t define a person. And it’s about giving back—Randall is partnering with the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, of which he is a dedicated member, to support his fellow veterans living with spinal cord injuries, MS and ALS.
“Bruce, You In?” – The Birth of an Idea
The seed for this journey was planted on a quiet Sunday last September. Randall was at his desk when it hit him—this marked his 30th year living with MS. He’d never seen someone in a power chair take on a ride like this, but if anyone could do it, it was him.
So, he called Bruce.
The two met through bowling and bonded over their shared connection to MS—Bruce’s brother also has the disease. Years ago, Bruce cycled from Seattle to San Diego in honor of Randall. Now, Randall was asking him for a different kind of ride.
The request was simple: “Would you like to ride across Virginia with me while I go in my wheelchair?”
Bruce didn’t even hesitate. “I’m in.”
Life Before MS: Military, Discipline, and an Unexpected Diagnosis
Randall’s life before MS was fast-paced, disciplined, and structured—qualities shaped by his time in the U.S. Army.
But that changed on June 27, 1994.
That morning, he had gone for a three-mile run on a golf course in Texas after his usual calisthenics. By the time he returned to formation, his vision in one eye was gone—a cloudy blur where clarity used to be.
Doctors initially shrugged it off—blaming the Texas heat. But when his symptoms persisted, the truth became clear: it was optic neuritis, a condition often linked to multiple sclerosis.
It took nine long months before he received an official MS diagnosis. In the meantime, he was removed from active duty, unable to work on aircrafts—a career he had dedicated himself to. He was working on Apache helicopters—intricate machines that required precision, patience, and skill. But MS stripped him of that career. His discharge came on April 8, 1995, and with it, his entire life changed.
But Randall wasn’t done fighting.
In 2016, another blow came—throat cancer. He drove to the University of Virginia every day for 40 days straight to get radiation treatment, enduring the brutal regimen with the same resilience that got him through the Army. He beat cancer, just like he refuses to let MS define him.
Living with MS: The Hardest Part Isn’t the Disease
MS has taken its toll—since 2016, Randall has used a wheelchair full-time. But when asked what the hardest part of the disease is, he doesn’t hesitate.
“It’s not dealing with MS myself—it’s watching my wife, my kids, Bruce, and my friends have to deal with it.”
Randall met his wife, Joann, after leaving the Army—she was his landlord at the time. She jokes that he only started dating her to get out of rent payments, but the truth is, she’s been his rock ever since.
They built a life together, raising kids and running a farm with cattle and goats. Randall stays as active as possible—moving hay with his tractor, rearranging furniture while Joann’s at work (even if it takes him ten times longer than it would someone else).
Randall is both stubbornly strong and realistic: “I’m going to do what I can do until I can’t do it anymore.”
The Ride Setup: Testing the Limits
A challenge like this isn’t just about distance—it’s about endurance, preparation, and overcoming the unknown. Randall and Bruce have been doing test rides to work out the kinks, pushing the limits of Randall’s wheelchair, his body, and the team’s strategy.
With hazard lights flashing behind them, a support van trailing, and another car snapping photos ahead, the duo rolled through town, getting a taste of what May 28th will bring. They covered 7-8 miles, and even at that distance, Randall could feel every crack in the road. The vibrations wore on his body, the chair shifted in ways they hadn’t anticipated, and he realized just how punishing the ride might be over 250 miles. They’ll need more test rides, more fine-tuning, and plenty of grit to pull this off. But one thing is certain—Randall isn’t backing down.
There are still tweaks to be made to ensure his comfort, but the core of the plan is solid.
Mapping the Miles
At first, the plan was to go straight across Virginia, but after looking at the roads, they decided on a safer route that would take them through some of Virginia’s scenic college campuses. Their final path includes stops at:
- Christopher Newport University
- The College of William & Mary
- Virginia Commonwealth University (via the Virginia State Capitol)
- University of Richmond
- Randolph-Macon College
- Mary Washington University
- George Mason University
- The Pentagon
It’s a route designed for safety, visibility, and impact—passing through communities where their message will resonate the most.
The Cadillac of Wheelchairs
Randall won’t be rolling in just any wheelchair. His Permobil F5 Corpus Power Wheelchair is top-of-the-line—think of it as the Cadillac of mobility. With three gears, cruise control, and the ability to maintain speed even on hills, it’s built for endurance.
At first, Randall worried that Bruce would have to hold back while riding next to him. But after some test runs, it looks like they’ll be a good match.
“I’ll be rolling at 7 mph. Bruce can keep up,” Randall jokes.
Building the Dream Team
Randall compares this team to his Army days—a tight-knit unit where trust and teamwork matter more than anything. Randall and Bruce have assembled a team of support crew, including:
- Kevin Goldrick
- Jerry “JT” Thompson
- Emily Michaels
- Isabelle Pryor and Victoria White
- Randall’s wife Joann Pope and daughter Amy Ridge
Keeping the team tight makes logistics easier. But more than that, it strengthens the bond.
Randall looks forward to ending each day looking his team in the eyes, sharing a meal (maybe a beer), and reflecting on what they’ve accomplished.
“That’s what it’s about,” he says.
What’s Next? Rolling with Randall Part II
Even before this journey begins, Randall and Bruce are already dreaming bigger.
The next goal? A multi-week ride with other wheelchair users living with MS—to show the world what’s possible when people refuse to let their diagnosis define them.
But first, there’s the May 28th ride.
Before they even hit the road, they’ll be in the spotlight—Randall is throwing the first pitch at the Fredericksburg Nationals Game on May 20th—a moment that will shine a national spotlight on his mission.
Randall and his team are working on one more goal: To have Washington Nationals legend Ryan Zimmerman and his mother join him on the mound as he throws out the ceremonial first pitch. Mrs Cheryl Zimmerman was also diagnosed with MS 30 years ago, and is a member of the Board of Directors of Ryan’s project, The ziMS Foundation.
Join the Journey
Randall’s story is one of resilience, grit, and heart. He’s proving that MS doesn’t get to write his story—he does.
Want to support Randall and the team? Share this story. Donate to the cause. Follow their journey. Let’s make sure the world knows what’s possible when you refuse to back down.
Donate directly to Randall’s Page: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=LUFLEYQ6VGN4A
Check out Rolling with Randall’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rolling-With-Randall/61571752194366/
See the PVA page for Rolling with Randall to watch a video featuring Randall and Bruce: https://www.pvamidatlantic.org/rollingwithrandall/
Show your support with Rolling with Randall merchandise: https://wheelersdepot.com/rolling-with-randall/
