Inaugural Handcycling Clinic
held in Marquette
by Lynn Vanwelsenaers

Wright & Filippis and Marquette General Health Systems sponsored the first handcycling clinic at the Superior Dome on August 15, 2003. The goal of the clinic was to offer individuals who are physically or mentally challenged the opportunity to learn how to use a handcycle in a controlled environment. The clinic was held indoors on a 1/3-mile walking course.

Twelve people participated in the handcycling clinic. Their disabilities included bilateral amputation, stroke, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease and paraplegia. Each of the participants first watched a presentation about the safety and use of the cycles. The Wright & Filippis Marquette staff, Joe Baczkowski, Stephanie Jones, Daryl Rogers, Terry Szczepanski, and myself then worked with each person individually to fit them to the appropriate cycle and made necessary adjustments. They were each given a hands-on safety lesson before they set off around the dome.
Ann...one of the participants.
The participants all had a great time and proclaimed the day a success. Ann, an above-knee amputee with Parkinson's disease, has not been able to be very independent since her diagnosis several years ago; however, she found new independence and fun on the handcycle. She was able to pedal around the dome several times by herself. Her ear-to-ear smile was evidence of the joy she found and that little piece of control of her life that had been lost since her disease has progressed. The excitement and joy Ann experienced was duplicated in each person.

Another positive experience was that of a stroke patient who found new speed and excitement from the handcycle. He was able to achieve a "normal" pace and felt comfortable in the process. He said, "This is one of the few things I have tried that I feel 'normal' again."

In the future, we hope to continue to offer the handcycling clinics and to sponsor a handcycling race in the area. There are great biking paths that would promote the sport and increase awareness in the community. We are very excited about the future of handcycling in the U.P.

We would like to thank Sherri Szep for her help and encouragement. Sherri, the U.P. is an awesome place, don't you think?! We also would like to thank Sunrise Medical for the minor miracle they accomplished to build several bikes and ship them to us in time for our clinic. Any input from others is appreciated and welcomed. I can be contacted at (906) 228-6930 or marfacility@wright-filippis.com.