NEED TO GO FASTER!

My racing times are definitely improving! Josh George won the gold medal in the men’s 100-meter T53 final in the Beijing Paralympics last month, and I've been following his training methods closely. I've learned that you can’t determine who the fastest wheelchair racer is in 100 meters, as Josh has stated. Most wheelchair racers reach max speed by the end of the race. If a race extends an additional 10 meters, Josh has mentioned that he usually accelerate 1 mile an hour faster during those last moments. These are things to keep in mind. Yes, I know, my goals are high, and I don't plan on being in the Paralympics, but I am modeling myself after the best so I can win locally.

And now a bit of handcycling history...

Handcycling was developed in the 1980s by people attempting to create alternate types of human-powered vehicles. It was almost by accident that a new world of cycling was opened to people with disabilities. In the 25 years since its development, handcycling has continued to grow in popularity. It’s been part of the IPC cycling program since 1998, and the 2004 Paralympics included handcycling racing for the first time. Today, thousands of people with disabilities have turned to handcycling as a means to improve their cardiovascular health, increase upper-body strength and compete.

Types of handcycles...

An upright handcycle is an entry-level bike for those who are new to the sport, who just want exercise or recreation, or who don’t want to ride very long distances or go very fast. Because of their higher center of gravity, upright handcycles aren’t suitable for speeds higher than 15 mph.

A recumbent handcycle, borrowed from the cycling industry, usually come in a choice of three or seven speeds, which naturally limits the speed to less than 15 mph. They are easy to transfer in and out of from a wheelchair, and have a natural, fork-type steering system. Recumbent handcycles come in different variations. There are two steering options: fork-steer and lean-to-steer, and two seating options: one where the rider reclines and the other, a “trunk-power” version, where the rider leans forward. They usually come with 27-gear drivetrains, although they can be purchased with three- or seven-gear drivetrains.

The trunk-power handcycle doesn’t have much of a seatback. The cranks are low to the ground and far away from the rider. With these arrangements, riders are able to put the weight of their trunks behind each stroke, allowing them to go faster for longer. The limitation to this type of handcycle is that the athlete must have control of most or all of his abdominal muscles, so it may not be suitable for all potential athletes.

A lean-to-steer handcycle has a two-piece frame where the top frame swivels over the bottom frame. The front wheel turns along with the seat. The rider makes the turn by leaning his whole body. There's a bit of a learning curve with these type of handcycles, but many riders prefer them because they have a feel similar to monoskiing. They’re used primarily by people with lower-level disabilities.

There are also handcycles for the young and those with shorter legs. Invacare manufactures one with a lower center of gravity. It has adjustable footrests to accommodate a growing child. New handcycles can range in price from $1,500 to $4,000, although you may be able to find deals on a used models. Some of the major manufacturers include Invacare, Lightning, Sunrise Medical, Schmicking and Freedom Ryder .

Yes, I know I'm getting a little obsessed with my potential abilities in handcycling, but I will quote Disabled Sports USA by saying, "If I can do this, I can do anything!"