6 replies to this topic

[CrazyLucky]

Hello Everyone,
After my incomplete SCI I was able to use cycling as a means of rehabilitation. I have made a good recovery and cycling has become a regular means of exercise as other cardo activities are very difficult for me given some of the limitations that still remain. Over the past two years, I have done a couple of endurance rides to support SCI related charities. Going forward, I am looking to expand these efforts with a few SCI organizations. However, other than this site, I have not had very many interactions with SCI patients. I am curious if my ideas of forming a cycling team that benefits SCI research will be a worth while effort. Are there others who utilize cycling (of any kind, recumbent, upper body powered, etc) as a means of physical activity or sport? If so, would an effort to promote cycling-type sports be welcomed in this community? I am interested in any and all input that you have to offer. thanks in advance.

[mellowgator]

kevin,

w-c cycling is a big sport just go to any big running event and you'll see the w-c's. i would think you could get a group together who would love to be part of the cause. are you looking for people in south florida? there is a group of men here who winter in melbourne beach who are always out. i've seen them with a sort of a turned over bike pedal going to town.

mellowgator

[ClaraTaylor]

Good luck! I've recently moved away from my recumbent and onto a "normal" bike (being very incomplete) in an attempt to try and get fit again and it's a wonderful feeling - everyone should try and get out there and get the wind and midges in their hair.

[Tetracyclone]

ClaraTaylor, on Jun 16 2010, 03:33 AM, said:

Good luck! I've recently moved away from my recumbent and onto a "normal" bike (being very incomplete) in an attempt to try and get fit again and it's a wonderful feeling - everyone should try and get out there and get the wind and midges in their hair.

Clara, this is so inspiring. Can you post a photo? I ride 3 miles a day but it is in my living room. I'm searching for a combination hand and foot, 3-wheeled cycle. Not sure I can pus it in real terrain.

[ClaraTaylor]

Tetracyclone, on Jun 16 2010, 03:20 PM, said:

ClaraTaylor, on Jun 16 2010, 03:33 AM, said:

Good luck! I've recently moved away from my recumbent and onto a "normal" bike (being very incomplete) in an attempt to try and get fit again and it's a wonderful feeling - everyone should try and get out there and get the wind and midges in their hair.

Clara, this is so inspiring. Can you post a photo? I ride 3 miles a day but it is in my living room. I'm searching for a combination hand and foot, 3-wheeled cycle. Not sure I can pus it in real terrain.

I used to race tricycles internationally before the accident - with the Tricycle Association , I know they're UK based but if you contact them they might be able to name a few trike builders that can come up with a design for you (mine was a George Longstaff but I'm not sure if the company is still going).

I'll see if I can find a photograph! I don't think it's all that inspiring - I've always kept my balance and I'm such a low incomplete injury. If my leg forgets to move at least I don't fall over like I do when I'm walking - I normally clip my feet to the pedals so as long as one leg is working at any one time the other will follow!

[CrazyLucky]

Wow! Thanks all. This is very encouraging. I feel the same way...I can ride well now, but think that a lot of my recovery stemmed from riding an exercise bike early then advancing to an actual bike. At first, I could barely last a minute or two on the exercise bike, then I would sleep for a day! But now, it's the only time I forget about the fact that I'm hurt.

Mellow,
The way I came about choosing the Miami Project was through happenstance. I actually live in Maryland, but when I got hurt, Miami Project was all over the news because of Kevin Everett. A buddy of mine was kind enough to immediately participate in a running race to try and raise money for my family. We are lucky to have good insurance, so he and I decided that all proceeds should go to Miami Project. On my 1 year anniversary of my injury, I did a 100mi ride. At the time, I was the only one, in a Miami Project jersey I had made. Last year, I got 5 others to join me, and have garnered a lot of interest in from ABs to join the cause. While I'm a little short on effort right now (two kids under 3 years old and a crazy job), as the kids get older, I would like to expand my efforts. In my mind, I see a "Team in Training" type of national effort, only with everyone wearing jerseys that benefit various SCI causes. Because of the early connection and the wonderful encouragement I received from some of the staff, I would always like to keep Miami Project the main sponsor, but there's no reason not to spread the wealth.

I may be crazy, but I think cycling-type exercises can really benefit SCI patients, and I also understand that brain and spinal injuries are an incredible risk for AB cyclists due to falls, accidents with automobiles, etc. It just makes sense to me, and in Maryland, Florida, and other states, there are great flat rides in which "cyclists" of all levels can participate.

I hope to further engage the Miami Project all in due time. I met wonderful people at an event in Coral Gables last year, when I happened to be down there for business. There likely isn't anyone that remembers me, but I certainly remember them. They invited me to stay with them if I ever come down, etc. They were all so ingratiating at a time when I was feeling horrible about the fact that I had recovered...I didn't feel like I belonged with SCIs or ABs. It was a very hard time, and I will never forget the kindness.

Just these few posts give me hope. Who knows, maybe it will actually happen someday! Take care.

[chickadee]

I love riding my Freedom Ryder around the bikeways here in Minneapolis. After a upside down 2009, I feel like it's not only helped my burn my calories and get my weight down, but has also provided mental clarity and happiness that I've missed since getting injured. I'm up to 22 miles per ride, and couldn't be happier. There's a decent-sized handcycle community here in the Cities, partially born from the gorgeous weather in the summer, the bike community in general, and the fantastic rehab center that supports it. Give me a holler if you know of a SCI benefit ride; I'd love to find out more!