Dozens of people with disabilities tired out mountain bikes at Wheaton Regional Park last weekend as part of Montgomery Parks’ new Adaptive Mountain Biking program.
Sunday was the first event in the new program, with riders spending 90 minutes navigating trails with certified adaptive mountain bike leaders.
“We have such incredible mountain biking opportunities in this county. We are excited to provide this program and adaptive equipment so that all people can access our trails!” Montgomery Parks program access manager Jennene Blakely said. “We do everything we can to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience. After registration, we follow up with all participants to gather the information we need to get people on the right bike and safely on the trails.”
Montgomery Parks has recently invested in two new e-assist adaptive mountain bikes: a Lasher recumbent all-terrain handcycle and a TerraTrike all-terrain foot pedal bike, which will be available for future use.
Individuals aged 16 and up can borrow them free of charge with advance notice, allowing riders to try the bikes before committing to a purchase. A single bike can cost up to $15,000 or more.
Blakeley told WJLA that they aim to host the event several times annually.
“The hope is that people will contact us and use the bike in their own leisure time with all the trained volunteers we’re working with,” Blakely said.
The Adaptive Mountain Biking Program is organized with Montgomery Parks, Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (M.O.R.E.), Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park, and Lancaster Recumbent. Additional details can be found on Montgomery Parks’ website.
Montgomery Parks Photo