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This is Pete’s story, so we’ll let him tell it in his own words: “My name is Pete Quinn from Massachusetts, and we’re here in Vermont at the Rikert Center on the Breadloaf Campus of Middlebury College, just in the foothills of Middlebury Gap. Today we’re going to try some recumbent trikes and have some fun on the trails here. It’s gonna be good, believe me. “About five years ago I started to notice symptoms and problems with my movement. Since that time, my ability to remain active, which I’ve been my whole life, has really been tested, shall we say. I used to ski race in these mountains, I used to bike race in these mountains, and since I got my disease, it always kind of hurt me to ride in a car on these beautiful roads that I used to ride and race on. About a year ago, I don’t know what it was, but I started looking into these types of bikes. I have trouble walking, so I didn’t even know, when we came to Vermont in December to RAD-Innovations, I didn’t know if I’d get on the bike like this and I wouldn’t even be able to pedal one revolution. But we came up in the dead of winter, there was snow all around, it was cold, but fortunately, I learned I could pedal. We tried all these different trikes. And I ended up with the Hase Kettwiesel Cross STEPS, which is a recumbent trike with disc brakes, full suspension, and battery assist. That’s key: battery assist does not mean I sit back and I go for a ride. The battery will not kick in unless I’m working. I love that about the assist. I ended up coming home that weekend with the Kettwiesel. Since that time I’ve put 1450 miles on the Kettwiesel. “I’ve been amazed by what it’s allowed me to do. It literally changed my life. From where I was six months ago, this is nothing short of a miracle. I mean, anything is possible. I’ve struggled to walk, even, but this gives me freedom, this gives me independence… two things that are critical for any person dealing with a disability or illness or anything else. I’m very, very lucky. This is a miracle. I laugh like a kid every time I sit down on the Kettwiesel. I’m riding around with a smile and people say, 'that looks like a lot of fun!' Yeah, damn straight it is! “RAD-Innovations changed my life.” Read about Pete's journey on his blog: https://www.elcapquest.com
Learn more about the Hase Bikes Kettwiesel and ICE Full Fat recumbent trikes Special thanks to: Larry and Jane Buck Rikert Outdoor Center Clover Ridge Media
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Recumbent trikes are a lot of fun to ride. They’re comfortable, accessible, stable, and guaranteed to turn heads on the bike trails. Who can ride a recumbent trike? Just about anyone! Why ride a recumbent trike? There are a lot of great reasons that anyone would choose a recumbent trike over a traditional two wheeled upright bike, beyond the obvious cool factor (which is significant). Recumbent trikes are comfortable, stable, speedy, sporty, and practical. Let’s take a look at a few of the top factors that make recumbent trike riding a superior cycling experience. Comfort  Which looks more comfortable to you?  Here’s a handy guide to the ICE tadpole trikes lineup available now at RAD-Innovations! (What’s a tadpole trike? Learn more about tadpole and delta trike configurations here.)
ICE has been producing refined and comfortable recumbent trikes in Falmouth, England since 1999. These trikes offer a wide range of options to suit a variety of riders and terrain conditions. Whether you’re a casual rider out for a spin on the bike path, or an off-road adventure enthusiast, there’s an ICE recumbent trike made just for you.  It’s important to stay active but distant during this time of an extremely contagious epidemic. Fortunately, cycling is a safe way to get exercise, fresh air, and some distance from the constant flood of negative news that surrounds us right now. As one bicycle dealer noted, bikes are “the original social distancing vehicle.” If you can, we strongly encourage you to go for a bike ride – you’ll definitely feel better as a result!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Vermont’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order, RAD-Innovations and HASE Bikes USA are currently unable to conduct in-person business at our Cornwall, VT location, but we’re committed to providing support in ways that ensure everyone stays safe. What is Adaptive cycling? Adaptive and inclusive cycling is a great way for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the freedom of movement and mobility. Bikes and trikes can be modified in a multitude of ways to suit the needs of any rider. No two disabilities are identical, so each adaptive bike is unique. Disability affects each and every one of us. Chances are good that you already know - or will soon meet - someone with a disability who could benefit from adaptive cycling equipment.
Adaptive bike and trike modifications make cycling a truly inclusive sport, allowing people of all ages and abilities to reap the many benefits of physical activity including fresh air, exercise, and social interaction. Using an adapted cycle is a fantastic way for everyone to have fun, gain more independence and enjoy a sense of freedom. Whatever type of cycle, adaptation, or support you need, there is likely to be a solution, whether you have a disability, lack balance, or want to improve your confidence. A "delta" trike is a recumbent tricycle with one wheel in the front and two wheels in the back. (A trike with two wheels in the front and one in the back is called a "tadpole" trike.) While tadpole trikes might be more popular at the moment, delta trikes have a lot of great advantages that deserve a closer look! 1. Small Turning Radius The front wheel on most delta trikes can turn almost 90 degrees, giving the trike a very tight turning circle; the radius is nearly its own length. Generally delta trikes have a smaller turning radius than tadpole trikes, making them more maneuverable in tight spaces. The video below gives you a good look at how little space you need to turn a delta trike:  Recumbent? What does that mean?
When you ride a recumbent bike, you’re not sitting on a small saddle seat, hunched over your handlebars. You ride in a semi-reclined position, with your legs in front of you. As a result, your body’s weight is distributed over a wider area. It’s really comfortable and reduces bodily wear-and-tear and fatigue compared to a conventional bicycle. Trike? Like Tricycle? Yes! Three wheels on a recumbent cycle means lots of stability and less worry about balance! There’s no need to dismount or place a foot down on the ground when you slow down or stop on a recumbent trike. One of the pleasures of riding a recumbent trike is that you have a comfortable seat to rest, no matter where you go! The BerkelBike Pro is a unique combination hand and recumbent cycle that offers a variety of benefits to individuals with limited mobility due to spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, paralysis, amputations, MS, and neuromuscular diseases. It was developed in cooperation with physicians, therapists and researchers from rehabilitation centers in the Netherlands, and is used in physiotherapy programs that work to help patients regain strength and motion in impaired legs.  “You can just tell it was designed by people who love bikes.” - Maria Jeanne Dompierre, EVOlution rider & recumbent bike blogger The ultimate in recumbent design from Hase Bikes Hase takes their Kettwiesel recumbent trike to the next level with the EVOlution, providing superior comfort and performance with the ultimate combination of design and componentry.   Image via screenshot from Kelly Brush Foundation YouTube video We are delighted to announce that RAD-Innovations will be supporting handcyclists and other adaptive bike riders at the 12th Annual Kelly Brush Ride in Middlebury, Vermont on September 9, 2017. The event is attended by hundreds of cyclists and dozens of handcyclists every year and promises to be a great day!
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RAD-Innovations, RAD RaceRunner and RADRacer are trademarks of RAD-Innovations LLC
Website by Clover Ridge Media
RAD-Innovations, RAD RaceRunner and RADRacer are trademarks of RAD-Innovations LLC
Website by Clover Ridge Media