All experience levels are welcome to join Montgomery Parks, Catalyst Sports and the Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts to take part in the thrill of mountain biking. A variety of adaptive mountain bikes will be available for participants with disabilities to borrow, ensuring you have the right equipment to fit your needs. Detailed information about available bikes, eligibility requirements, and trails at Wheaton Regional Park will be provided upon registration and on our event webpage.
Each 90-minute session will include:
– Transfer and bike fitting
– Instruction on the bike
– Time to ride the trails
Volunteer ride leaders and support riders will guide participants on the trails and help ensure a safe ride.
Sign up for your preferred session time, 10:30AM- 12:00PM or 1:00PM- 2:30PM, during registration. We will confirm your time slot based on bike availability. Participants must complete an adaptive sports intake form and consultation before attending. Registration is required.
You will receive a request to complete our online Adaptive Sports Pre-consultation form and be contacted by a member of the Program Access team in preparation for the program. A detailed email will be sent prior to the program providing program information and requesting confirmation of attendance.
Essential Eligibility for Adaptive Mountain Biking
- Rider must be able to make safe cognitive decisions in a fast-paced changing environment.
- Riders can follow safety precautions.
- Riders can hold their head upright without head and/or neck support.
- Rider can wear a properly fitted and rated bike helmet and any other safety equipment appropriately.
- Rider can understand and follow multiple-step instructions in a fast-paced environment.
- Rider can transfer in and out of the bike independently or with some assistance.
- Rider can remain alert and focused for the duration of the ride, making quick decisions on variable terrain.
- Rider can demonstrate the ability to pedal, steer, stop, start, and navigate different terrain appropriate for their experience level.
Available Bikes
Lasher Recumbent Handcycle
The Lasher is an all-terrain handcycle with adjustable seat settings. Handcycles require all brake, steering, and propulsion to come from the hands. Pedal assist is available on the Lasher to help navigate difficult terrain. This bike is suitable for persons with sufficient grip strength to operate a hand brake and transferring into it requires lower limb flexibility. The riding position is seated, recumbent, and low.
Hammerhead Offroad Handcycle
This handcycle is designed for a rider in the prone body position (kneeling, face down) which allows the rider to see the terrain ahead more easily and have the advantage of body weight over the crank set for added power. The primary steering is through a single, stock, mountain bike handlebar. The secondary steering is done through a chest pad. The chest pad has a flat design for decreased pressure points and improved comfort and control.
Nuke Recumbent Handcycle
A rear-wheel-drive handcycle with rear suspension. Rear wheel drive handcycles are superior and much more capable than their front wheel drive counterparts. The Nuke was developed for riders not able to or not interested in riding in the prone position.
Stinger Offroad Foot Pedal
This is a three-wheeled foot-pedaled recumbent. The Stinger has an ADI Active Contour seat back for optimum positioning and comfort and adjustable foot cranks.
Terra-trike All-terrain Foot Pedal
A foot-pedaled recumbent bike designed for trail riding in an upright seated position. It features a wide range of gears and power assist to handle the hills, with a wide track for added balance. This bike is suitable for riders who can pedal but need a recumbent trike’s stability and seating position. Grip strength is required to operate the brakes.
Rogue Handcycle
An off-road handcycle with power assist, ideal for riders new to off-roading. This bike has an upright seating position, a three-wheel delta design, lighter-weight, and full suspension.
Bomber Off Road Handcycle
This handcycle is designed for a rider in the prone body position. The prone position has the advantage of body weight over the crank set for added power. The knee rests are molded with fiberglass for greater impact resistance, added strength, and reduced weight. Knee rests are reinforced at the knee bar area for greater strength and longevity.
Jeet Trike Off Road Handcycle
This handcycle has an upright seating position, rear-wheel drive, and fully independent suspension. The Jeet trike is a smooth transfer and is especially well-suited for quadriplegics and riders with high-level mobility impairments.
More Information about our Adaptive Mountain Biking:
Visit MoCoParks.org/AdaptiveMountainBiking for more information about all our program opportunities.
