Jacob Honeyman broke into a huge smile as his father, Hal Honeyman, pulled the 15-year-old's bicycle out of a trailer behind the family's St. Charles shop, The Bike Rack.
The bike boasts a polished dark green frame with the name of the model emblazoned on the side: The Adventurer 2000. It has three wheels like a tricycle, a padded seat with a back, and pedal straps that loop over Jacob's shoes.
It is perfectly modified for Jacob, who was born with cerebral palsy, which includes a number of neurological disorders that affect body movement and muscle coordination. He grabbed its adjustable handlebars and pulled the bike to him before his father could move to help him out of his wheelchair.
"The bike is a pretty simple solution to some complex problems," Honeyman said.
Honeyman has spent the past 12 years fitting children and adults with disabilities all over the country on adaptive bikes.
The Bike Rack, 2930 Campton Hills Road, has been family owned and operated for 35 years, he said, and the Honeymans are a bicycling family. That didn't change when he and his wife, Julie, had their first son, Dane, 23, and it wasn't going to change several years later when they had triplets, Emily, Clare and Jacob.
Jacob's bike just needed a few modifications.
"Before we had our triplets, I think I was fairly compassionate and understanding of people," Honeyman said. "Once you get into this world, you realize how many people this is. There is a need out there. A lot of it is an invisible community until you get involved."
Honeyman founded the nonprofit Project Mobility: Cycles for Life Inc. about 12 years ago "to put a positive spin on wheelchairs and adaptive bikes" and began operating Creative Mobility out of The Bike Rack to find bikes for other children and adults with disabilities.
He created the Versa Trike, a low-riding, three-wheeled model with an upright seat, when nothing to fit specific disabilities could be found. Honeyman has hosted, supported and attended hundreds of adaptive cycling events and activities and collaborated with hospitals, schools, park districts and other organizations.
And it's all because of Jacob.
"(A doctor once) told him, 'Jacob, do you realize you're responsible for thousands of kids riding bicycles all over the world who would never have been able to ride a bike?'" Honeyman said.
Next month, Jacob will continue raising awareness about the importance of mobility for people with disabilities. He will be the run starter at the first Run for DayOne at 8 a.m. Sunday, Sunday, at St. Charles' Pottawatomie Park.
The event will be hosted by Geneva-based DayOne Network, which provides service coordination and advocacy for more than 2,900 children and adults with developmental disabilities and delays in Kane and Kendall counties and Hanover Township. About 500 people are expected to participate in a professionally timed 5K run and a wheelchair- and stroller-accessible family walk that will be shorter than 1 mile.
Executive Director Joyce Helander said DayOne Network asked Jacob to start the event because of its theme of mobility awareness.
"That's important because a number of people that we serve also have physical disabilities," Helander said. "It's important to raise awareness. It's important they have access to the community, be able to enjoy their community and their parks."
That's what a bike can do for children and adults with disabilities in addition to its physical benefits, according to Honeyman.
"When you're in a chair, you have a tendency to feel trapped. When you get on a bike, you're free of that," he said. "You feel the wind on your face, and you're out there with everybody else, with all your peers."
Showing posts with label Cycling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cycling. Show all posts
04 September 2008
30 August 2008
My Red Desoto
Just a few weeks ago, I began cycling again, after having toe surgery. It felt so good getting decked out in my biking outfit, and riding down the tree covered streets once again, My husband, Chris, helped me attach my helmet strap, my glove strap, and my feet onto my shoe petals. And I was good to go-
Who says people with Cerebral Palsy can’t do the same kind of activities as "normal" people do!
I remember the first time I ever got onto a bike. That was back when I was only 8 years old. It was something I only did one time, yet I knew that that was something I’d like to do again if given the chance.
I knew some how, some way, in the depths of my heart, I could do it. All I needed was a little help, from a kind hearted someone. I also knew that all I needed was help with a few technicality’s (like bucking my foot to keep it in place, so it would not move, and protection on my head and hands.) Then, I could ride my bike like any one else- I would then be able to go any where I wanted and ride as fast as the wind would take me. This joyful activity would give me more freedom. It would be yet another way to worked my body out. And, it would bring me much pleasure, contentment, and loads of fun- I knew that if I could get this worked out, then I could do it. There was no question or doubt in my mind. I knew some how, some way, this opportunity would arise again if I stayed positive and focused.
I kept these thought in my mind, till one day, when my husband came home with a surprise gift for me. Chris told me to come out side with him for a minute. So I did. I remember looking up, and there down the driveway was sitting a blue bicycle next to our car. That was about 13 years ago. While standing there and gasping with utter amazement, my heart skipped a beat. I was truly surprised. I was elated, and ecstatically happy. My dream had come true! This gift, was a cherished hope, and a thought of a real possibility, that I too would accomplish one day. Somehow, I kept these thoughts alive in my being until that one, special day, it all come true! It was a quiet prayer and hope that was answered; as I only made mentioned of it once. My husband made this dream come true for me. How special is that! He also made me feel very loved as he made me a very happy girl! However, it is not the bike you see in the pictures here.
The first bike was blue, and sat much higher. When I would ride down hills, it made me feel very insecure, so, one Saturday afternoon, Chris, and I went looking for new ones. We looked in a few bicycle store’s, and then, at the last shop, which was near our house, I found this perfect, beautiful, red Desoto . It was all mine and I was going to take it home with me-
Now, after all these years, I am still riding it and keeping it very shiny with TLC. Chris has made some pedal modifications, too! These modifications help me to petal faster, as well as keeps my foot on. I no longer have to call my hubby every few minutes to fix my foot, and I have more power to push and pull. This helps tremendously when I am on a hill, stop light, or just want to go faster. My foot does not slip out of the strap, either any more- I can tell you honestly, that I feel very secure with my bike, and, I love and adore riding it.
Even though I need some help in order to go biking, I welcome every opportunity I get. It is not only a treat, but something I enjoyed tremendously. It keeps me fit, trim and in shape, and more than that, it free’s my spirit. It makes me feel like a a kid again! I can do what everybody else does. And, It make me feel vibrant and alive! It energizes me,
What’s more, I can visually picture me now, riding along side all the other children in my neighborhood that I would watch joyfully riding down the streets with this carefree, exuberance. Now instead of feeling left out, it has helped made me feel complete… I get lots of smiles and thumbs-up from other cyclist, too!
Now, all I have to do is ask my hubby if he wants to go for a cycle, and off we go! We take my Healer/ Terrier mix breed dog, Patches, for her run as well. It couldn’t be more fun. She runs about a mile with daddy and then rides the rest of the way with me, mommy:>) Lately, we have been doing a lot more riding since gasoline prices have risen. We cycle well over 3 miles one way to our open air market to get our fresh fruits and veggies on Saturday mornings. While other times, we have taken our bikes to the strand, in Redondo Beach, California, and rode all the way to Marina Del Ray, and back. Still other times, we’ve packed our bikes up in the truck, drove to a particular point, unload our two and three wheelers from our vehicle, and off we ride- Last time, we petaled from Venice Beach, CA. all the way to the Santa Monica pair.
During the summer months, Chris and I pack up our brown bag of goodies, and have an ocean front view of the water; while eating our lunch or dinner to the sweet crashing sounds of the waves. We have enjoyed many a meal with the gentle,sea breeze blowing its currents ever so sweetly upon our face.
You couldn’t ask for anything better than that, can you!
Who says people with Cerebral Palsy can’t do the same kind of activities as "normal" people do!
I remember the first time I ever got onto a bike. That was back when I was only 8 years old. It was something I only did one time, yet I knew that that was something I’d like to do again if given the chance.
I knew some how, some way, in the depths of my heart, I could do it. All I needed was a little help, from a kind hearted someone. I also knew that all I needed was help with a few technicality’s (like bucking my foot to keep it in place, so it would not move, and protection on my head and hands.) Then, I could ride my bike like any one else- I would then be able to go any where I wanted and ride as fast as the wind would take me. This joyful activity would give me more freedom. It would be yet another way to worked my body out. And, it would bring me much pleasure, contentment, and loads of fun- I knew that if I could get this worked out, then I could do it. There was no question or doubt in my mind. I knew some how, some way, this opportunity would arise again if I stayed positive and focused.
I kept these thought in my mind, till one day, when my husband came home with a surprise gift for me. Chris told me to come out side with him for a minute. So I did. I remember looking up, and there down the driveway was sitting a blue bicycle next to our car. That was about 13 years ago. While standing there and gasping with utter amazement, my heart skipped a beat. I was truly surprised. I was elated, and ecstatically happy. My dream had come true! This gift, was a cherished hope, and a thought of a real possibility, that I too would accomplish one day. Somehow, I kept these thoughts alive in my being until that one, special day, it all come true! It was a quiet prayer and hope that was answered; as I only made mentioned of it once. My husband made this dream come true for me. How special is that! He also made me feel very loved as he made me a very happy girl! However, it is not the bike you see in the pictures here.
The first bike was blue, and sat much higher. When I would ride down hills, it made me feel very insecure, so, one Saturday afternoon, Chris, and I went looking for new ones. We looked in a few bicycle store’s, and then, at the last shop, which was near our house, I found this perfect, beautiful, red Desoto . It was all mine and I was going to take it home with me-
Now, after all these years, I am still riding it and keeping it very shiny with TLC. Chris has made some pedal modifications, too! These modifications help me to petal faster, as well as keeps my foot on. I no longer have to call my hubby every few minutes to fix my foot, and I have more power to push and pull. This helps tremendously when I am on a hill, stop light, or just want to go faster. My foot does not slip out of the strap, either any more- I can tell you honestly, that I feel very secure with my bike, and, I love and adore riding it.
Even though I need some help in order to go biking, I welcome every opportunity I get. It is not only a treat, but something I enjoyed tremendously. It keeps me fit, trim and in shape, and more than that, it free’s my spirit. It makes me feel like a a kid again! I can do what everybody else does. And, It make me feel vibrant and alive! It energizes me,
What’s more, I can visually picture me now, riding along side all the other children in my neighborhood that I would watch joyfully riding down the streets with this carefree, exuberance. Now instead of feeling left out, it has helped made me feel complete… I get lots of smiles and thumbs-up from other cyclist, too!
Now, all I have to do is ask my hubby if he wants to go for a cycle, and off we go! We take my Healer/ Terrier mix breed dog, Patches, for her run as well. It couldn’t be more fun. She runs about a mile with daddy and then rides the rest of the way with me, mommy:>) Lately, we have been doing a lot more riding since gasoline prices have risen. We cycle well over 3 miles one way to our open air market to get our fresh fruits and veggies on Saturday mornings. While other times, we have taken our bikes to the strand, in Redondo Beach, California, and rode all the way to Marina Del Ray, and back. Still other times, we’ve packed our bikes up in the truck, drove to a particular point, unload our two and three wheelers from our vehicle, and off we ride- Last time, we petaled from Venice Beach, CA. all the way to the Santa Monica pair.
During the summer months, Chris and I pack up our brown bag of goodies, and have an ocean front view of the water; while eating our lunch or dinner to the sweet crashing sounds of the waves. We have enjoyed many a meal with the gentle,sea breeze blowing its currents ever so sweetly upon our face.
You couldn’t ask for anything better than that, can you!
18 August 2008
Aaron Fortheringham
16-year-old Las Vegas native Aaron Fotheringham is not your typical teenager. Stricken with spina bifida, a birth defect that results in an underdeveloped spinal cord, Aaron began using a wheelchair in combination with crutches by the age of three. By the time Aaron was eight, he was confined to a wheelchair full-time.
Growing up, Aaron would accompany his brother to the local skate park and watch him do tricks on his BMX bike. At the encouragement of his brother, one day Aaron attempted to ride his wheelchair up and down the park’s ramps. Needless to say, he became addicted to this newfound hobby.
Realizing that his current wheelchair was too unsafe for this kind of activity, Aaron’s parents contacted Colours In Motion, a company known for making products for wheelchair-bound athletes. Aaron received a new wheelchair constructed of lightweight, durable material with a four-wheel suspension. With this sort of stability, Aaron was able to practice many of the stunts that skateboarders and BMX riders are capable of.
Aaron honed his craft until he was confident enough to begin entering competitions. Presently, he competes against BMX riders in the Vegas Am Jam series and considers himself an “extreme” wheelchair athlete.
Aaron, who has coined his sport “hardcore sitting,” made headlines all over the world when he posted a clip of himself performing a back flip on the popular video website YouTube. He claims to be the first person in a wheelchair to ever accomplish such a feat. Aaron’s other specialty is known as a 180-degree “aerial,” a trick where he spins around 180 degrees while in midair. Aaron plans to pull off a new move, where he incorporates the aerial into his back flip, that he calls the “flair.”
Aaron now collaborates with Colours In Motion to enhance the design of their manual wheelchairs, particularly for everyday circumstances. Meanwhile, the company sponsors him with a custom competition chair that is practically indestructible.
Aaron sets a good example for other extreme athletes by suggesting that anyone attempting these dangerous stunts wear protective headgear. He has been the victim of multiple injuries while performing tricks, of which the most severe was a broken elbow. To reduce the risk of injury, Aaron tests new tricks by landing on cushions first. Then, he moves on to a more rigid plastic surface atop the cushions before finally trying them out on the normal ramp.
Growing up, Aaron would accompany his brother to the local skate park and watch him do tricks on his BMX bike. At the encouragement of his brother, one day Aaron attempted to ride his wheelchair up and down the park’s ramps. Needless to say, he became addicted to this newfound hobby.
Realizing that his current wheelchair was too unsafe for this kind of activity, Aaron’s parents contacted Colours In Motion, a company known for making products for wheelchair-bound athletes. Aaron received a new wheelchair constructed of lightweight, durable material with a four-wheel suspension. With this sort of stability, Aaron was able to practice many of the stunts that skateboarders and BMX riders are capable of.
Aaron honed his craft until he was confident enough to begin entering competitions. Presently, he competes against BMX riders in the Vegas Am Jam series and considers himself an “extreme” wheelchair athlete.
Aaron, who has coined his sport “hardcore sitting,” made headlines all over the world when he posted a clip of himself performing a back flip on the popular video website YouTube. He claims to be the first person in a wheelchair to ever accomplish such a feat. Aaron’s other specialty is known as a 180-degree “aerial,” a trick where he spins around 180 degrees while in midair. Aaron plans to pull off a new move, where he incorporates the aerial into his back flip, that he calls the “flair.”
Aaron now collaborates with Colours In Motion to enhance the design of their manual wheelchairs, particularly for everyday circumstances. Meanwhile, the company sponsors him with a custom competition chair that is practically indestructible.
Aaron sets a good example for other extreme athletes by suggesting that anyone attempting these dangerous stunts wear protective headgear. He has been the victim of multiple injuries while performing tricks, of which the most severe was a broken elbow. To reduce the risk of injury, Aaron tests new tricks by landing on cushions first. Then, he moves on to a more rigid plastic surface atop the cushions before finally trying them out on the normal ramp.
18 February 2002
So my story starts - my first bike
Getting your first bike is an exciting thing for all children, and it was nothing different for me. I can't remember exactly how old I was but I remember it as a three wheel trike red and blue. We went to Middlesbrough General to get my assessment to see whether or not I would be able to ride it. I had to have special rollers take base put on the pedals so that my feet could be fastened to the pedals, because I couldn't keep my feet on the pedals. I can't remember much about the assessment but I do remember that my bike was ready for Christmas and on Christmas Day there it was with a label saying from Santa and I couldn't wait to get on it and try it out so the first weekend in the new year Mum helped me onto it strapped me on and I was off free as a bird, I was in charge and I could go my own as long as I didn't go near any kerbs at first because I needed help with that. I had this bike for a few years and then as I grew I went back for another assessment and this time I got a red and white one with a bigger seat.
This one was even better than my first one and I went all over on it and also with friends and family. The only problem I had was that I couldn't do a full revolution with my legs because of the problems I had with my knees at the time before I had had the operation on them. I remember one particular day Mum and I walked round to my granddad’s which was a long ride for me so I was quite tired when we got there. Anyway Granddad came out to inspect my new bike and thought it was great. He was always coming up with ideas to try and help me get around and I wanted to show off to him how good I was on this new bike.
He stood and watched me and when I came back to him, he said hang on I have had a idea to help you try and get your leg all the way round, he went off to the garage and came back with some string/rope and he fastened it through the rollers take pedal and around my foot. Then as I pedalled to where I could he then pulled the rope the rest of the way and my leg went all the way round. Ok it wasn't the solution but it worked at the time. After I had had my knee operations I was able to pedal fully and it was great because I was able to go a little faster and it really helped to build my muscles.
This one was even better than my first one and I went all over on it and also with friends and family. The only problem I had was that I couldn't do a full revolution with my legs because of the problems I had with my knees at the time before I had had the operation on them. I remember one particular day Mum and I walked round to my granddad’s which was a long ride for me so I was quite tired when we got there. Anyway Granddad came out to inspect my new bike and thought it was great. He was always coming up with ideas to try and help me get around and I wanted to show off to him how good I was on this new bike.
He stood and watched me and when I came back to him, he said hang on I have had a idea to help you try and get your leg all the way round, he went off to the garage and came back with some string/rope and he fastened it through the rollers take pedal and around my foot. Then as I pedalled to where I could he then pulled the rope the rest of the way and my leg went all the way round. Ok it wasn't the solution but it worked at the time. After I had had my knee operations I was able to pedal fully and it was great because I was able to go a little faster and it really helped to build my muscles.
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