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Sammy Linebaugh reporting A Tooele man is trying to do what many told him, simply couldn't be done.
The husband and father of two is paralyzed, from the chest down from a farming accident, two years ago. But, now he's out to set a world's record.
Chad Hymas spends nearly 50 hours a week on the track, the highway, and in the weight room training for a journey that is extreme by any standards.
Chad Hymas: "My wrist, I can move my wrist and that's what I'll use to keep my grip with, but all I'm using is my biceps."
A farm accident two years ago left Hymas paralyzed from the chest down, with only motor use of his arms, and no feeling from the elbow down. Using only his bicep muscles, Hymas plans to pedal his bicycle from downtown Salt Lake City to Las Vegas.
Shondell Hymas/Wife: "At the very first, I thought, ‘Maybe I'll take my bike, and go along with him.’ And then as it got closer, I thought no, no way, I can never do that."
Wife Shondell says the idea took some getting used to. She worries about the physical strain and steep climbs along the road. But then, this isn't the first time, she says, her husband has set a goal and surpassed expectations.
A year ago he pedaled 16 miles through his town of Tooele. That's when Chad says, he started thinking big, sketching a route all the way to Nevada.
The course is just over 500 miles, and Chad hopes to average 60 miles a day with help from family, friends and an occasional police escort.
Chad Hymas: "People have been very supportive, and that's what makes me tick. I've got some wonderful people and some great friends and I think you're as good as the people around you."
Starting, he says, with the family who is always by his side, with him when he wants to give up, forever cheering him on to the next finish line.
In addition to training full-time, Hymas is a motivational speaker, giving talks around the country.
He plans to begin his 500- mile trek to Las Vegas July 10th.
