RIDING REASONS

I took my handcycle to the shop for repairs last week, and I was mesmerized by all the medical equipment that they had in storage. I guess a lot of people took their wheelchairs and handcycles to the shop last year, but haven't been able to pay their repair bill. The shop owner told me that a lot of the equipment has simply been abandoned. I explained to him that I used to be a medical equipment broker before my paralyzing accident and that I could find new homes for the handcycles (and maybe the wheelchairs). He said fine. I'm going to start with a local paralysis meeting group that I used to attend after I had my accident. I think that many of the younger people would be interested in buying a handcycle. I think it will provide great inspiration and hope in their lives.

So you think to yourself, "When are you going to enter your first handcycling race, Frankie?" Well, I'll tell you. Racing hasn't been my main focus lately. I'm just thankful that I don't feel confined to static complacency, anymore. I used to hate how my paralysis made me feel that I was also making Judy static, keeping her at home beside my wheelchair, but now I've found new ways of enjoying life and being outdoors with my family. Judy now accompanies me in the mornings and jogs beside my cycle. Hope also accompanies us sometimes in her mini-bicycle. Is there a better reason to ride?

BACK ON TRACK

I’ve been back on my wheelchair racing practice routine, and it feels great. I can feel myself breathing better and stronger everyday. My times have not improved much since my last post, because I’ve been working on my endurance for long distances, but I feel that it’s going to make me a better athlete. Judy, Hope and I have been going to the beach where they have a sidewalk that goes on for miles. They sit on the beach and walk around the shops while I go off on my practice routine. Every once in awhile, I’ll pass another handcycler and smile – I can truly say that I know what there thinking when they pass by...you would also, if you were in my situation.

I’m sure you’ve noticed (if you’ve been reading my blog updates) that paralysis is not just a physical condition, it’s a complete state of mind. I always feel confused about my life and what I can give to the world as a paraplegic. We really all just have to stop being so demanding of ourselves. Do you think that people who can walk are confused about life and their own worthiness? Of course they are, but when you are paralyzed, you have a lot more time and solitude to think about it.

If it wasn’t for my family, I don’t even think I would have started this blog. It’s only because of their love and dedication that I even had the desire to share my life on the Internet and hopefully help others in my situation. I know I usually end my posts mentioning the power of love, and I will continue to do so. I can only hope that most of you know how it feels.

HOPE

Judy and I have been spending much more family time together with Hope. I've only been practicing my wheelchair racing twice a week lately - I do believe that my motivation (obsession) is subsiding. I got a play-nurse kit for Hope, and she loves it. When she's playing, she comes over to me in her nurse outfit and asks me if I need anything (in her adorable broken english). I play along and ask her for a snack. She always brings me the processed fruit snacks that she loves so much, even though I don't always eat them.

Hope is also asking me a lot of questions about my paralysis and why I am in a wheelchair. I am very honest with her these days when explaining my accident, because I want her to know how fragile the body really is. Whenever we see another person in a wheelchair at the mall or store, she always goes up to them and says hello. The person will just look at me and usually smile when he or she sees that I am also a paraplegic. I really do hope she becomes a nurse, not only because it is a great job, but because I would love to have her look over me when I am older.

Like I've said before, "The greatest thing we'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."

BREAK TIME

I've been taking it a little easier with my handcycle practice routines because I realize that I have been neglecting Judy and Hope. The other day, Hope fell down our staircase while I was out working on my racing times. She is fine, but I felt really bad, because I barely watch after her anymore. I realize that I've been trying to overcome my inability to walk through my wheelchair racing. It's as if I can see myself being accepted as normal by the people around me if I excel in some sports activity. What I overlook is that they already accept me and my paralysis - I'm the one who need to accept myself.

Hope is now getting ready for school, and I expect her to need guidance and encouragement while she prepares to go through the school system. With all the knowledge I've attained in my life, this may be the greatest race I will ever be a part of. I have already begun sitting down with Hope at night and reading to her (something I hadn't done since she was a baby). I can see that she really appreciates my time with her. She points at the pictures in the books I read to her, and I tell her the name of the object she's pointing to. She then repeats the word until she gets it right. This happens every time we open one of her children's books. I can tell that she is very excited about growing up. I don't want to miss her childhood years by obsessing over my inability to walk. Hope can walk just fine, and she will walk for me where my footsteps ended.

The greatest victory of my life may not be in finishing Sadler’s Alaska Challenge, but in seeing my baby girl achieve her life's dream. Even at her young age, she insists that she wants to be a nurse. I cannot think of a better contribution to my world than helping her win that race.

A HELLO TO ARMS!

Well, you should see my arms now! Judy has been saying that they look bigger and stronger due to my daily handcycling practice. I haven't been using my electric wheelchair, because I want to keep building strength in them. Whenever I am out in my manual wheelchair these days, I can't help but try to out run Judy and Hope. Hope loves it! She starts to yell, "Wait Daddy, wait Daddy," and runs after me. I can see Judy just nodding her head and smiling, "alright, come on you two!" We have a blast! Hope is starting to get interested in my handcycling and even tries to sit in my wheelchair to play along. "Look, Daddy!" is all I hear. I do wheelies in my manual wheelchair to amuse her, and she always laughs. She is my angel.

I recently bought a new battery powered tire pump, and it's a great convenience. I also got some carbon fiber tires, and they usually cost $1500 new, but I was lucky and found some used ones for $450. I also got some special racing gloves which really relieve the strain on my hands. I used to sell medical equipment for living, and I always know where to look for the best prices.

I've been averaging 9 mph in my 100 meter practice runs, but I have learned that it isn't the strongest person who wins a race, it is the person who last the longest. Racing wheelchairs is an long endurance contest. You may not be the strongest or fastest person on the race course, but if you can keep pushing it for long periods, you may just find yourself in first place. This is what I am going to practice next. I will be doing 1 mile courses around my neighborhood (there's a golf course walking trail that's perfect.) I can't wait to be ready to start racing.

SMILING MEDICAL EQUIPMENT?

I can see that Judy is feeling neglected by my handcycling lately, but I also notice that she refrains from any criticism. She usually just sighs and smiles...the same smile that made me fall in love with her when I first met her. She is truly a great woman.

In her teens, Judy told me that she used to do minor volunteer work at her local hospital where her mom was a nurse. She told me how all the hospital equipment intimidated her at first, and that she had nightmares of all the scooters and electric wheelchairs coming to life and following her in these dreams. With time, after seeing see how much the equipment helped the patients, she said that she started seeing these disability aids as smiling characters in some (bizarre) musical in her head. I used to lower my eyebrows and smirk when she told me this...before my accident. After my paralyzing accident, I now realize what she meant. My handcycle seems to be smiling at me lately...all the time. How can a piece of medical equipment smile at you? I guess you'd have to be in my seat to see that for yourself.

Ok, back to handcycling! There is a seven-day race in Alaska that will take place in July 19-27, 2009. You can find more information at http://www.sadlersakchallenge.org. For a few days, I played with the idea of signing up, but I still need some serious practice. It's a very long race! Let me know if any of you have signed up for this event. I'd love to hear about your practice routines. Thanks!

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!"