Terratrike Arrival - Meet "Mehlerike" - My Bike

Let me introduce you to my taste of freedom.  (click on each picture to see whole picture)

After being in the hospital 4 months out of the last 18 months, numerous appointments with no end in site, my Recreational therapist Lynn introduced me to a Warehouse here in Grand Rapids, MI where they make Terratrikes http://www.terratrike.com/ .  They have custom designs available based on people's specific needs.  Whether you are a bike enthusiast or someone with special needs, chances are they can accomodate your needs......at least they were able to with me.  I was concerned about this idea at first.  I wasn't sure if I even could remember "how" to ride a bike like I used to.  So much had changed since the wreck, maybe this would be a stepping stone back to independence.  A ticket to rebuliding my endurance and strength back up.  Something that would conform to my injuries which now limited me greatly.

I will say that the first time I sat on one of these and they fixed the handles and I could actually pedal around - it hurt like hell because I wasn't too far out from the surgery I had to plate my numerous fractured ribs.  My ribs that had been plated hurt.  My still fractured scapula hurt.  My back hurt, as is my "new normal"...but surprisingly didn't hurt more due to it's position.  This was encouraging to me.  I was at the point when I sat on this bike that I was ready to give up on everything really. I was tired.  Not sleepy tired, just body and brain tired - if that makes any sense. I was tired of a seeming lack of progress in my recovery process.  I wondered is this as good as it gets?  Any hope of further recovery beyond where I was, was fading into the background as a bleak possibility.  Taking the time to ride around their shop on their track, gave me something I started to feel I was losing grasp of.  It gave me hope.  It gave me a taste of freedom.  I will never forget the gentle hearted spirit of a man who worked with us, nor Lynn for helping me achieve that opportunity.  My mom for taking me to my appointment.  Everyone involved in this really.  More people than I know names of I am sure.  

This is the Terratrike Rover.  I was able to acquire this with the assistance of MaryFreeBed Rehabilitation Hospital, and a donation by Barry and Caryn Mehler (friends of ours).  in honor of their generosity, I have named my bike "Mehlerike".  Even my kids call it "Mehlerike" now.

I have ridden this a few times since receiving it. I felt like a kid waking up on Christmas morning to gifts under the tree.  This was exciting.  I will say that riding this in life outside of a polished warehouse floor is much different than on a paved road in a residential neighborhood.

I am still quite limited on my endurance and distance levels. My goal was at least 2 miles for the first day I had it in my imagination, as I can pedal a mile on a recumbent bike in physical therapy (but then I have been on hold with PT and OT since March/April due to ongoing injuries).  My reality when I was actually riding was half a block and back home.  Sooooo we have some work to do.

However, I wanted to share my joy with all of you.  One day, my goal is 5 miles.  I know that is a long term goal.  My short term goal is to be able to make one block and back.  For now though, I will be happy with half a block and back and grateful that I am alive to make goals like this for myself and people to support my rehabilitation and rediscovery of a new adpative form of independence.

Onward we go......