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Motorcycle Forum for Riders Who are Insulin Dependent The National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD) in the UK AMA site with resource information Tim will noodle out ideas with you for modifications Northeastern Silent Riders (deaf riders club for NJ and nearby states) Chariot Wheelchair Motortrike Company: 3 wheeled, street legal vehicle for active people who are physically challenged Martin Conquest: high performance motorcycle that can be driven from a wheelchair ChrisTrikes: a company out of Miami with two models for wheelchair users A resource article on trikes and disabled riders from Kevin in Australia for Bikernet.com |
2005 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Bess, In addition, check my Disabilities/Medical page for more sites that offer other links and even a link to Tim who runs the Adaptive Motorcycling site and is willing to help you noodle out solutions, one-on-one. There are caring, sharing people out there for you! I sincerely hope that you find a solution that meets your specific needs and look forward to hearing from you once again to let us know how it's going. Mama Wednesday, February 9 Dear
VTwin Mama, Added note after I inquired whether this letter was about reaching the whole body or the "reach" of having to stretch fingers to grasp the lever: Excellent question. using whole body or too wide of reach. While I know its the reach, I actually went out and sat on my bike. It is comfortable and seems easy to access the handle. The problem is with the reach. It isn't necessarily too much reach, it is rather that it is just at the full reach, each time I extend my fingers and pull back, I feel it right up into the chest. My main chest muscle on the left side has been extended and lifted to the surface due to implant after radical cancer mastectomy. But, I will also go down and try different bars because now I am thinking maybe if they were a little closer.. I also will pay close attention to the way I sit and reach. hmm. I will be having mastectomy again on the right side and I will need to be able to reach throttle and brake. Wow, you're good! Have me thinking in the right direction already! I will be waiting to hear from you. Thank you sooooo much sister! Gypsy Dear
Gypsy, There are more "ergonomic" clutch levers available in the marketplace . . . basically meaning that the "pull" is tons easier. Here is a site I found that looks unique to me in terms of its solution (worth checking out). You might also want to check with ASV to see if their levers (brake and clutch) with pivoting set points might work with your bike (allows you to set the lever for small hands). Part of my problem with researching your question is that I'm not as familiar with aftermarket parts houses for BMW (or what OEM parts might be available . . . something to explore with the local dealer). Readers with BMW's . . . please help Gypsy out! As to the issue of your left leg . . . I just posted a letter from Bess, who asked about conversion solutions that would alter the shifter. I noted a number of sites that address this issue in great detail and even offer one-on-one counseling to determine what could work. Have a read through that and see if you find the sources that will help make a difference to you as well. Mama Friday, March 18 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Sweet VStar Deb, Here's what I'm thinking about whether pulling that handlebar back towards you would help: sit on your bike and place your hands in front of you in the most comfortable position (without regard to where the controls actually are) . . . do you find yourself then having to reach for the controls that causes you to lean or hunch forward or raise your whole arm higher? Then pullback risers could easily alleviate that. And it's a cheap enough fix to see if it takes care of the problem. Meanwhile, search your memory for something that could be causing the condition in the first place. Do you experience it in any other situation? Perhaps exploring the symptoms with a doctor will shed light on the situation and lead to a more comfortable solution overall. Mama Friday, May 20 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Steve, Sunday, May 29 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Jacob, Friday, June 10 For Frustrated who wrote in back in April 2001 about an elbow injury and other issues: I would like to respond to this lady . . . hope she is still riding after all this time. I am 4"11, 134-146 pounds (depending on when) (hee, hee, boy do I know what you're talking about!!) and 50 years old and riding my second bike (first one was a Sportster). Bike I ride now is the Softail Deluxe. My left hand has been injured at work so many times that it was a liability for riding. I did a few simple things with my Sportster to resolve that problem. First, I loosened the amount of tension needed to pull in the clutch, and, more importantly, let the clutch back out with my short hands. Then, I put ape hangers on the bike and POSITIONED THEM DOWNWARD AND CLOSE TO ME until such time as my elbows were in a loose and neutral position. Next, I loosened the handgrip controls on both sides and "rocked them backward" until my hands were also in a neutral position, with the backward "hyperextension" of my wrists eliminated. I made sure that my hand to wrist flow was as straight as possible. Finally, I bought a left and right side "throttle rocker" and put them on both grips in such a position as to "raise" my hand up higher and closer to the clutch lever and the brake lever. Now, my hands are "resting" up there close to where they need to work! I also addressed my short stature and my desire to put my feet flat on the ground with them as far away from the side of the bike as possible. I did this by buying good "logger style" lace up high boots and then putting a "lift" inside each shoe, just under the heel. I had the cobbler put a stiff leather footbed on the wedge to facilitate easier insertion and removal from my shoes. A nice gel insole completed the shoe on the inside. That ended up making a tremendous difference. Lastly, I put a "badlander" seat on the bike so that it had me as close to the frame as possible. Now, no matter that that solved all my "problems," the Sportster is still top heavy with that higher tank and every time I went to stop it, I felt like the forward momentum of the bike kept going after I stopped. So, the bike always wanted to "go over" when I stopped it and I was forever having to "muscle it back." It simply has a higher center of gravity. So, after putting more than 10, 000 miles on it in less than one year, I decided that I needed a bigger bike that would solve those pesky problems like the high center of gravity and the small gas tank. I tried the Dyna Low Rider. Rode it half way across the parking lot and parked it. Just wasn't an improvement at all. Got onto the Softail Deluxe and rode it out of the dealership and was gone like a bat out of hell. I ride through twisties and the Coast a lot and the bike really handles well. You will scrape footboards if you take sweeping curves too fast. On this bike, I put an "easy clutch" but still kept the "Throttle Rockers" as they make all the difference in the world for my wrists, arms and elbows. This bigger bike has a lower center of gravity and is MUCH easier to deal with. I got this bike the day after Christmas and have already put about 5 thousand miles on it. In April, I rode it from Santa Rosa, CA to Yuma, Arizona without any problem. Very comfortable. I rode it all the way back home in one shot. 18 hours of riding. No problems. Hope the lady is still trying. Sometimes, it helps to have another lady to ride with in addition to a husband or boyfriend. It seems to be a bit easier to ride with an experienced lady rider when a person is trying to develop a comfortable riding style. Thanks. Susi in CA (note from Mama: it's hard to tell if Frustrated is still reading the VTwin Mama, but if she sees this message, I hope she writes in and let's us know how it's going! Meanwhile, lots of good information here for short riders who are looking for a bike!) Monday, July 18 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
N44, Dear
VTwin Mama, Had surgery to place a titanium plate and three screws along with 5 pegs (to put the pieces back together) in my wrist, they will be staying, and I am progressing well. Still off work and done riding for this year as it is winter in Ohio now, but prognosis is good with my goal of course being able to use my throttle hand next season. I was wondering if any other VT win Mama's have had this type of injury and if they were able to get total function back in their wrist? Thanks for a great site as always. Melissa in Toledo Dear
Melissa, For Melissa who shattered her right wrist on a fall and is wondering about riding again: Your injury sounds strikingly similar to mine! I, too, have a titanium implant, some screws and wiring to secure the implant to the radius. April 10, 2004, I "shattered" my wrist (a roller blading injury) and then fell full body weight on the arm, which then broke the radius, one of the arm bones linked to the wrist. Of course, it was my dominant hand! Great pain, considerably difficulty sleeping in a comfortable position, much physical therapy, lots of small and big annoyances and frustrations--like not being able to put on a bra or open a bottle of water, cut and peel an avocado, or type (I was forced to purchase voice recognition software!). Showering was scary and dangerous as I had only one hand for support and for washing! Baths were scarier because I needed to use my weight to get out of the tub. I am fiercely independent and the whole thing made me teary and frustrated that I had to depend on others a lot! Best advice: once you are able to start your occupational/physical therapy, please take it seriously. Practice, practice, practice. I practiced as much as I could, going beyond what was required. When I started, I couldn't do even the minimal without tears and brain searing pain. If I couldn't do ten minutes, I'd do two minutes, five times a day. Each week I celebrated the slow, small progress. I'm over 50 and in extremely good shape, very active, and didn't want this injury to create any lasting effects. I vowed to do everything I could to help the healing process. Since the accident, I have regained more than 85% of vertical and lateral movement, which my doctor and therapist have said is more than they expected. According to my doctor, I am "healed." He said the soreness deep inside the wrist may remain for sometime still. He told me to mark a year to the date of the injury to mark how far I've come. Although "healed," I am not satisfied. After months of physical therapy I am now on a home maintenance program. The day I was able to cut into an orange and open a can of tuna using my "healed" hand/wrist, was a major milestone. I still practice daily but the one hour plus multiple day sessions are now down to once a day, with lots of finger flexes, wrist twists and flapping in between to prevent stiffness. It was while I was home recuperating that I remembered that more than 20 years ago I had enjoyed motorcycling but had for family reasons we stopped to raise a child. I vowed that when my wrist healed enough, I would resume something I had once enjoyed. A few weeks after the official therapy ended, I took the MSF course in August. I did not tell my family. My wrist was still sore but flexible enough to use the throttle--I considered it good, therapeutic exercise for the aching wrist. I passed the class, passed the road exam and am now a licensed rider. My husband and graduate student daughter were shocked and amazed that I'd did this entirely on my own. Obtaining the motorcycle endorsement has done wonders for my spirit as the injury was a major setback that forced me to be relatively inactive during the summer months. Again, take your therapy seriously. For the rest of my life I will exercise that hand and wrist to keep it lubricated and strong as one can become more vulnerable to arthritis in the injured area. I'm planning to celebrate April 10th, my one year injury anniversary, by bringing home my gift to myself, a Suzuki SV650. Had it not been for the injury and the downtime it forced me to take, I don't know if I would have thought about returning to riding again. So hang in there, do lots of reading about riding while you're healing and know that "this too shall pass." Good luck! Sharon (note from Mama: Congrats on your own achievements and thanks for sharing your first-hand experience tips with Melissa.) This
wasn't motorcycle related, but may pertain anyway. A few years ago, before
I starting riding, I fell and broke my wrist. It was actually the end of
the bone in my arm that splintered. I had to have surgery to have two pins
put in, that were sticking out the whole time (yuk), in order for the bone
to heal properly. These pins were removed later. The doctor stressed that
having the surgery to heal properly would ensure getting the
"use" back, but that going for physical therapy afterwards would
speed the process. So, once the final cast was off and the pins removed, I
went for physical therapy twice a week for about four weeks, most of it
covered by insurance, and had strengthening and range of motion exercises
to do in between. I had to be diligent about that. It really did help
speed things along. Later, when I started to learn how to ride, these
strengthening exercises were among the ones I started up again, and still
do, to strengthen up for riding. Monday, December 12 To Sharon and Linda C. who responded about wrist injuries: Wow . . . No kidding Sharon . . . Our injuries are almost exactly the same! I can relate to everything that you said about the pain and difficulty in doing EVERYTHING! This is also my dominant hand. I started therapy two weeks after surgery and my therapist is amazed at my progress, but I too am determined to be ready for next season so go above and beyond the exercises that I was given to do. In two weeks I gained 27 and 24 degrees in movement which she said is phenomenal. But the pain is still unbelievable and I just keep reminding myself of the saying . . . no pain no gain! It makes me feel much better to know that you are now riding after your injuries . . . Congrats on your achievements and on getting your new bike! To Linda, here is another example that I will be able to ride after this injury . . . thank you so much for letting me know it is possible and you are so right that I will be more than ready by the time the weather breaks! I see my beautiful bike sitting out there in the garage and I would be just sick if I couldn't ride her next season. Your notes have taken a load off my mind as I feel way more comfortable knowing I will be able to do it! Thank you again Petra for this wonderful site . . . without it I am sure I would still be sitting here wondering. Melissa (note from Mama: you are welcome! I think the most important thing this site offers is a chance for riders to say what's going on and how they feel about it, while getting input that can make a difference. Together we'll tackle challenges and find our pathways. It's a big YAHOO all the way around and I'm proud of what we have collectively created!) Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Sami, Sami, you could visit the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (located in the UK). That site offers fund raising ideas, and I can see they did a ride in India to raise funds so that grants could be offered to disabled riders (but that was riders with a bike and the money was to allow them to help adapt the bike to their needs). Still, this might be a source of information and I see that they have an email to the Fundraising Officer on the Fundraising page that you could contact for additional information on assistance. Mama (Please note that I am not questioning the validity of Sami's plea as I have no way of verifying her situation, but do feel that if we can find pathways to assistance that would be in position to validate her request, we will have made a difference.) Wednesday, March 22 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Diane, Thursday, May 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Throttle Fox, According to the UK's NABD site, "If the rider's disability only involves difficulty with operating a twist grip throttle (i.e. fused or stiff wrist, tendonitis etc) the only requirement may be the use of a thumb operated throttle (as used on quads)." Even though your right thumb doesn't bend, this may be a possibility. So, you could visit a local dealer of ATV/Quads and see exactly how it would work (if at all) and how it could be adapted to your bike. Another suggestion is to look at the Throttle Rocker. This add-on simple device would allow you to operate the standard throttle by using the palm to push. In this case it's a matter of figuring out your arm movement to rotate your fused wrist to push your palm against the lever. I'm hoping one of these ideas is a solution you can use.
If not, then it's on to exploring moving the throttle control to the left
side of the handlebar, which can be done, but I don't know exactly how.
There is a link to Tim (on my Disabilities page linked earlier in this
letter) who helps disabled riders figure out specifics.
Mama Thursday, June 1 Hey Petra, I went on my first ride since the accident three weeks ago, it was awesome, a little painful when pressing right but nothing I couldn't live with, was a short ride. Next time out I had considerable pain when pulling on my front brake and was noticing that I was having to bend my wrist to pull and realized that my handlebars needed to be adjusted. I talked to a friend who agreed with me and together we adjusted my handlebars and the hand controls, what a huge difference! No more pain. In the process of adjusting I found out that when my bike was wrecked the first time the whole front end was toast, the previous owner put it all back together and didn't do it quite right. All the wiring was wrapped around the forks instead of behind the headlight (I never noticed!), plus the handlebars and controls were just put on with out being tightened completely or in the correct location and the windshield was crooked and difficult to remove. After rerouting the wiring, turning was so much easier. I am feeling much more comfortable with my bike. I am also wondering if the problem I had with turning might have had something to do with wrecking my bike, I was trying to maneuver my bike around a car when we went down, I was having a very difficult time getting it to turn. I had also noticed the difficulty when taking corners but attributed it to being a bigger bike than I was used to. Now everything has been adjusted, wires routed correctly, windshield on level and correct, I feel so much better about riding because it is so much easier to control and I literally have no pain which is amazing to me. Still loving your great site and sure wish I could join you at the conference. Melissa Dear Melissa, Sunday, June 11 Dear VTwin Mama, I had a total abdominal hysterectomy on May 9. My recovery has gone better than textbook, which makes me very happy. I came home from the hospital without the need for pain medication stronger than Tylenol. I started working from home via email five days post-op. At the four-week mark my stamina increased enough to go back to the office every day, almost all day. I'm a very lucky (or a very tough) cookie! Enough back story. My beloved V-Star 1100 Classic is unhappy about being left unridden for a month. My doctor says motorcycling comes under the category of "heavy lifting," which is a definite no-no for some time after surgery. With all the goodies that have been added, "Blue" probably weighs in at just under 700 pounds. I figured that two months after surgery would be plenty of time to start back on short, easy rides. Since making that decision, I've heard one horror story of a woman who started riding two months after the same surgery, and ended up having to have another operation to repair the internal damage it did! I'm hoping other lady riders have stories, good or bad, to share. My doctor evidently doesn't have any experience with lady riders, and she doesn't approve of the fact that I ride at all. I don't want to end up back at the hospital - once was enough - but I don't want to wait any longer than I must. Advice, anyone? What's a reasonable expectation of when I can get back in the saddle? Pierette Dear Pierette, It's not that you couldn't get on the bike and ride, it's that if you needed to handle any situation above and beyond an easy ride, you could put yourself in real danger. What if you had to do some kind of maneuver to avoid a problem . . . and your mind raced in that split second between doing the right "motorcycle handling" thing and the right "keep the tummy/body ok" thing? And you know that's part of riding . . . having to handle the unexpected. It's possible that even if you could guarantee a no problem ride, that the way we sit on a bike, and the muscles we use to hold our body in position, wouldn't put your surgery recovery at risk. And I think of the woman you mention who had to go back for repair surgery two months into recovery . . . not only was it a second surgery, but then the recovery "clock" starting ticking again from zero. As a great believer in "bikes have feelings" and that bikes want very much for you to be one with it, I think the VStar will be happy to wait for the next road ride as long as you start it up once in awhile and give it a pat now and again for being patient. As most riders have a PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome) timeframe during part of the year, either from the frozen winter northern tundra or sun-baked summer southern states, what is it you do during PMS normally? Catch up on motorcycle-related reading? Plan out that next trip? Learn about your bike maintenance and take care of that thing you've always been meaning to do? Delve into other things you like doing? Do these instead. So, I'm hoping a reader who has had the same or similar
operation as yours will chime in with first-hand knowledge. The only
injury I sustained that was a long-haul recovery happened at the end of
the riding season (I was in Chicago, I'm a weenie rider who doesn't like anything
below 40F any more, so I was spared having to choose!)
Mama Dear VTwin Mama, I had a total abdominal hysterectomy on May 9. My recovery has gone better than textbook, which makes me very happy. I came home from the hospital without the need for pain medication stronger than Tylenol. I started working from home via email five days post-op. At the four-week mark my stamina increased enough to go back to the office every day, almost all day. I'm a very lucky (or a very tough) cookie! Enough back story. My beloved V-Star 1100 Classic is unhappy about being left unridden for a month. My doctor says motorcycling comes under the category of "heavy lifting," which is a definite no-no for some time after surgery. With all the goodies that have been added, "Blue" probably weighs in at just under 700 pounds. I figured that two months after surgery would be plenty of time to start back on short, easy rides. Since making that decision, I've heard one horror story of a woman who started riding two months after the same surgery, and ended up having to have another operation to repair the internal damage it did! I'm hoping other lady riders have stories, good or bad, to share. My doctor evidently doesn't have any experience with lady riders, and she doesn't approve of the fact that I ride at all. I don't want to end up back at the hospital - once was enough - but I don't want to wait any longer than I must. Advice, anyone? What's a reasonable expectation of when I can get back in the saddle? Pierette Dear Pierette, It's not that you couldn't get on the bike and ride, it's that if you needed to handle any situation above and beyond an easy ride, you could put yourself in real danger. What if you had to do some kind of maneuver to avoid a problem . . . and your mind raced in that split second between doing the right "motorcycle handling" thing and the right "keep the tummy/body ok" thing? And you know that's part of riding . . . having to handle the unexpected. It's possible that even if you could guarantee a no problem ride, that the way we sit on a bike, and the muscles we use to hold our body in position, wouldn't put your surgery recovery at risk. And I think of the woman you mention who had to go back for repair surgery two months into recovery . . . not only was it a second surgery, but then the recovery "clock" starting ticking again from zero. As a great believer in "bikes have feelings" and that bikes want very much for you to be one with it, I think the VStar will be happy to wait for the next road ride as long as you start it up once in awhile and give it a pat now and again for being patient. As most riders have a PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome) timeframe during part of the year, either from the frozen winter northern tundra or sun-baked summer southern states, what is it you do during PMS normally? Catch up on motorcycle-related reading? Plan out that next trip? Learn about your bike maintenance and take care of that thing you've always been meaning to do? Delve into other things you like doing? Do these instead. So, I'm hoping a reader who has had the same or similar
operation as yours will chime in with first-hand knowledge to help guide
you. I can appreciate that you're chomping at the bit!
Mama Tuesday, June 13 For Pierette who is jazzing to get back on her bike after an abdominal hysterectomy: I read your letter about post-hysterectomy riding. Like Petra says, allow yourself healing time. I got antsy after my surgery. I had a lighter bike then, so I really felt the road. Very smooth road was good, but any bumps, cracks in the road are REALLY noticed. And not just at the time of the ride. I felt that first long ride for quite awhile (days!) after the ride. No horror story here. Just take it very easy. If you go, short rides. Even straddling the bike uses muscles that will catch you off-guard with a pull in your abdomen. Take care everyone. Bev from IL (note from Mama: thank you for sharing your first -hand experience.) I had a complete hysterectomy on the day after Mother's
Day in 1998, but I wasn't riding back then. There are a few more things to
consider here. My doctor told me I'd be doing everything at three months,
but wouldn't feel like myself for six. For that type of surgery, you have
MORE than an abdominal incision, you have internal reconstruction. When
they remove items, they have to close off the area, which means a lot of
inside sewing. That's why it hurts more than a c-section, but, you don't
have a baby to take of when you get home. Starting in the hospital, he had
me walking as much as I could tolerate without wearing myself out. It
helps, but consider these: Tuesday, July 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Frank, Dear VTwin Mama, Anyway . . . I have a problem with my hands. My left hand is pretty sore, but my right hand had some paresthesia!! I have very little strength in my index, middle, and ring finger. It's slowly improving, but I'm worried that it will come back every time I ride (we're getting motorcycles next week - something small and used for me). Has anyone else had this problem? Thanks, Cheryl Dear Cheryl, Nope, you're not alone on issues with hand strength, mobility, and chronic problems. For your right hand, you can consider adding a Throttle Rocker which will fit any bike you choose. This takes the tension off of your fingers because you've got assistance using your stronger lower thumb/palm area. Make sure you go to a big empty parking lot for practice to acclimate yourself to the added device (a good suggestion any way for a new rider . . . treat that "new" bike with respect by putting yourself through all your course work, but on your bike!). Your left hand is a little trickier, because it depends on the bike you choose. While you're shopping, you'll want to activate the clutch lever to see what pull strength you'll need and explore if there are adjustments/modifications that can be made. Some levers offer different settings, some can be adjusted for a engage/disengage point closer to the beginning of the clutch lever travel, and for other bikes, a different clutch lever or action ease can be added (like EZ Clutch, EZ Pull or Power Clutch, etc.). When you find a bike you would consider buying, a quick call to the local dealer should help you discover the exact modification options. Happy shopping!
Mama Hi Mama, I am having a great time, but recently my left elbow has been hurting me. It hurts inside my elbow and I can hardly pick up anything with that arm -- and it is not just me, I talked to a fellow newbie and he is experiencing the same problem. Do you know what could be causing this? Beginner Biker Babe Dear Beginner Biker Babe, I admit that I'm scratching my head on the inside left elbow issue. If it was the handlebar positioning, one would expect that both arms would be feeling it. That then leaves the fact that it's our clutch arm. Because you are a relative new rider, one who has been practicing lots of techniques that are probably clutch "heavy," it wouldn't surprise me that the constant clutch action isn't setting up some sort of chain reaction in your arm. Remedies are to either use a squeeze ball to strengthen that hand, or, if that clutch lever feels like it's a lot of work to pull in or the lever requires a real stretch of fingers because of smaller hands, then it's time to modify the system. These clutch systems are often referred to as an ergonomic clutch like the ones offered by Avalon CycleWorks for HDs. The modification are often done at the clutch lever itself, but sometimes in the clutch basket itself. Previous letters on the subject can be found on my Working on the Bike: Clutch Lever pages. Readers, any other thoughts on what might be causing left elbow ache? Mama Friday, October 20 For Beginner Biker Babe, whose left inside elbow is aching: Consider these two possibilities also: 1. Now that you are riding more and are aware of how useful your clutch is in all situations, are you keeping your fingers at the ready instead of relaxing your left hand? (This is analogous to a manual cager 'riding the clutch'.) This position will keep the tendons and muscles tensed in the left arm. Trivia: the only difference between tennis elbow & golfers elbow is pain on the outside vs inside of the elbow, both are tendonitis. Inside elbow pain is the most common complaint from new golfers. 2. Are you riding a wee off-balance? Take turns w/your friend and focus on how centered you are. Be certain you are not using either hand grip to support your position, a potential problem w/sport bikes & bicycles. While you are ferreting out the cause, ice your elbow when you get home and warm it up before you leave. A steaming hot washcloth followed by a few gentle stretches can help; once you have tendonitis, you need to treat & heal as well as prevent. Jem (note from Mama: very illuminating!) Dear VTwin Mama, One of the things I know for sure . . . since I began my efforts to build a suitable and technically marvelous vehicle for the disabled (primarily in a wheelchair) [Chariot Wheelchair Motortrike Company] is that so many people have need for this. The people's appeals fuels and energizes my dream. Despite my failures and setbacks I feel like the man that went down every "dead end" road before finding the highway. In order to achieve my goal, I decided to go the non-profit route. I have spent the last year negotiating with Shanghai contacts to have the Chariots built in China, on the very high end of the "elastic quality spectrum." The high cost of labor in the U.S. makes it near impossible to build it as well locally (I'm an American Patriot who loves his country by the way). Although I was given extremely high marks for a well written, well researched prospectus, with proof of concept and a very viable overall business plan backed by all the NHTSA, DOT, EPA certifications, a feasibility study and manufacturing assessment, my wheelchair motorbike project lacks the governmental tax break benefits given to other hi-tech and bio-tech investments. They have no idea of the impact it will have on so many people's lives! At a minimum, I plan to give 25 Chariots away annually to aid wheelchair bound individuals to raise their quality of life and or get back on the work force. It is like the movie line in Field Of Dreams: "If you build it they will come." I remember hearing CNN's founder Ted Turner reply to a question regarding the plausibility of 24 hour news. He said in his southern twang, "I didn't see how it could fail." I guess the reason that it is so clear to me is that I have been a quadriplegic for 24 years and my view is very different than all the able bodied people making the decisions. The foundation that will be making the decision on my application for a grant to build Chariots exists to aid the poor, aged and the handicapped, so therefore my chance of succeeding in obtaining the funds to fulfill my dream is better than ever. Your prayers and the prayers of your readers will be very effective and appreciated. God Bless you and all your loved ones. Aloha, Dan Ward Dear Dan, I think everyone reading your letter will agree that if you truly believe in a goal, it can be achieved, but it requires a lot of hard work. This is a message we have been sharing at the VTwin Mama site for quite some time. When challenges are faced they can be overcome . . . but it's not just all about the goal . . . it also shows us a window into the very core of our being . . . who we are and what we're really made of. We all wish you the very best in your continuing journey and our prayers are with you as you motor down your mission's pathway. Mama Tuesday, November 14 For Dan who updated us on his vision for offering motorcycles for wheelchair users: I echo Mamas sentiments. I
am in awe just reading about your vision, passion and determination. The
vision itself is inspiring, but the encouragement I receive from reading about
this journey of yours comes from contemplating how determined you have been
and remain. I will definitely keep you in prayer. Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Susan, At this point, I am unable to find the exact product in Venhill's online Catalouge Downloads, but have sent an email in hopes of having the exact page pointed out to me, or have another link source! Mama Friday, December 1 A follow-up on Susan's posting about a dual control for disabled riders: I received an email from Max Adams, the Managing Director at Venhill in the UK about the twin hydraulic control system that allows the clutch and either front or rear brake to be operated by one hand (either one). Here is the press release from May 18, 2006: Handy device keeps disabled bikers in
control:
A British inventor has developed a highly versatile lever system that will enable motorcyclists suffering from a disabled right or left arm, or right leg, to stay on two wheels. Philip Tucker of Neptune Custom Engineering is a motorcyclist who has only one leg. The purpose of this product is to allow the use of two hydraulic controls with one hand. Its special design features allow a much greater adjustability and versatility than previously offered with the thumb-operated rear brake systems currently available. This unit is designed to fit either side of the handlebar, allowing for left arm disabilities, as well as right arm, or right leg disabilities. So the Twin Hydraulic Control System can be adapted to control clutch and rear brake (for riders with a right leg disability) or front brake and clutch, mounted on either right or left side of the handlebars, for those unable to use left or right arms. Hydraulic controls require less effort to operate than cable items, making them highly suited to the task. These controls have also been designed to leave the thumb free to operate the indicators and other handlebar mounted buttons. The demonstrator unit is made in the UK, using high quality German seals and pistons by Magura, for one size, and Lockheed seals with specially made pistons for the other. It is polished and bright nickel plated, but a black anodised version will be available. The retail price as pictured is £750 inc. VAT and the Twin Hydraulic Control System is being marketed by Venhill: www.venhill.co.uk Monday, March 5 Dear
VTwin Mama, I like your site and have learned much from the letters posted there. Keep up the good work! Shawn Annis Dear
Shawn, Wednesday, March 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, We have several events coming up. We will be heading to North Carolina from July 5 - 9 to 'tame' the Tail of the Dragon! If you, your friends or your motorcycle organization would like to join us to tame it, please feel free to do that but you, your friends or your club would have to arrange for your own traveling & lodgings. To make plans to meet before or after the rides, contact NESilentRiders@aim.com There's another event in May 2007. Please check out website and click on Northeastern Silent Riders on the left column. Hope to see you there! Patty Trowbridge, aka PLT Dear
Patty, Monday, June 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Anon, Tuesday, July 17 For Kawa-Suzie who is experiencing sore elbows: I'd like to add one tiny thing. Fitting the bike to your body is
certainly a must; I wish I had done it sooner. There is no substitute for
having a comfortable riding position. Thing is, there will still be times
when body parts will ache. Repetition of movement and holding the same
relative position causes problems too. For two whole seasons, I had to ice
my right wrist upon returning home so that I would have less pain riding
the next day. Right now, my left thumb has been bothering me; it hurts to
cancel my turn signal! To help this, and eventually get rid of it, I use Joint
Flex religiously. Monday, August 13 Hello VTwin Mama, Dear
Tarek, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Yeasty, Monday, August 20 For Yeasty who is trying to solve external yeast problems caused by longer rides: I have found the underwear/jean fit is really important. Seams are not your friend. I like comfort fit microfiber boy shorts with no seams in inconvient places. NO PADS, tried that, adds bulk in bad places. I don't think it's yeast, I think it's friction/ heat/ moisture = itch. Denise (note from Mama: thanks for your take on things and some solutions you found!) Interesting that this came up now. I never knew that external yeast infections existed, and although my situation may be a little different, perhaps the solution will work if she hasn't tried this already. (I never would have made the connection.) I've been getting what I thought was a heat rash under my breasts. On long day trips, out in the summer heat, it's impossible to keep cool, not to mention impossible to prevent skin from touching skin at times. I tried to control it with baby powder but it kept coming back. On a routine visit to my OB-GYN, he told me that I have a yeast infection under my breasts. I didn't know that was possible! He told me to get some Monistat-3 cream and apply it twice a day for about a week. So far so good. I know, it'll probably come back, but at least now I know what to do. Linda C. (note from Mama: truly interesting thing to learn and can see Monistat application is worth a try!) Taking Acidophilus tablets when I feel the need (or taking antibiotics) usually does it for me. Maybe try one each day that you are riding!? Anonymous. (note from Mama: lactobacillus acidophilus is found in yogurt and some other milk products and is a natural balancing agent to the yeast naturally present in our systems.) Monday, September 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
Jerry, Monday, September 17 Dear VTwin Mama, I have investigated and found a supplier to install a Klicktronic gear change over here which is great. However, I can't seem to find any information on mechanically operated jiffy stands or dolly wheels to suit a Road King or any other Harley. Keep in mind my wife enjoys riding pillion with me and coupled with my 6'4" 110kg and her 5'3" 70kg and 320kg of bike, it would need to be able hold up a considerable amount of weight. So if you or any of your readers have any information they could forward on to me it would be greatly appreciated. Greg Spears, New South Wales, Central Coast Dear
Greg, I think if you look at the Ghost Wheels system (from Safety Features) for big Harleys, you'll maybe have a more cost effective solution. You'll see the install manual online, so that will help you decide if it's something you can install or if you'll need a shop to do it. And of course you can email them for more information, see a demo online, pricing, etc. Mama Monday, September 17 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear
David, |
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