Montgomery Parks is offering a new Adaptive Mountain Biking Program, designed exclusively for individuals with disabilities to experience the thrill of mountain biking. The free program takes place Sunday, August 4, 2024, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at Wheaton Regional Park.
Rides are offered in 90-minute time slots. Three certified adaptive mountain bike leaders will instruct and assist riders and experienced mountain bikers will ride alongside all participants. The program is open to people age 16+ and advanced registration is required.
“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!” said Jennene Blakely, program access manager at Montgomery Parks. “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 invested in two new adaptive mountain bikes, a “Lasher” a recumbent all-terrain handcycle with e-assist, and a “TerraTrike,” an all-terrain foot pedal bike with e-assist. Bikes will be assigned to program attendees as they register and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The adaptive bikes will be available for future use for individuals to borrow, free of charge, with advance notice. More details about how to request the adaptive bikes are available on the adaptive equipment usage webpage.
To be eligible to participate riders must be able to:
- Make safe cognitive decisions in a fast-paced changing environment.
- Follow safety precautions.
- Hold their heads upright without head and/or neck support.
- Wear a properly fitted and rated bike helmet and any other safety equipment appropriately.
- Understand and follow multiple-step instructions from the instructors independently and in a fast-paced environment.
- Transfer in and out of the bike independently or with some assistance.
- Remain alert and focused for the duration of the ride and make decisions quickly in variable terrain.
- Demonstrate they can independently peddle, steer, stop, start, and ride the bike over, around, up, and down various terrain deemed appropriate for their experience level.
WHAT: Adaptive Mountain Biking
WHEN: Sunday, August 4, 2024 | 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Wheaton Regional Park, Wheaton Way Trail, 12012 Kemp Mill Road, Silver Spring
Registration is required for this activity (Registration closes on July 31st.)
Montgomery Parks’ Adaptive Mountain Biking Program is a partnership with Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (M.O.R.E), Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park, and Lancaster Recumbent.