Experience the thrill of mountain biking in our new Adaptive Mountain Biking program at Wheaton Regional Park on Sunday, August 4th! Designed inclusively for individuals with disabilities, this adventure promises excitement and fun for everyone.
Please Note: Meeting Location within Wheaton Regional Park: 12012 Kemp Mill Road Silver Spring
While our cycling fleet continues to grow, we’ll do our best to accommodate all participants, though we may not have the perfect bike for everyone yet.
To ensure a seamless experience, please indicate your preferred time slot during registration. Join us for a day of outdoor adventure and camaraderie on the trails!
Essential Eligibility for Adaptive Mountain Biking
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- Rider must be able to make safe cognitive decisions in a fast-paced changing environment.
- Riders can follow safety precautions.
- Riders can hold their heads 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 from the instructors independently and 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 and can make decisions quickly in variable terrain.
- Rider can 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
Available Bikes
Lasher Recumbent Handcycle
An All-Terrain Handcycle with fully adjustable depth and angle seat back settings allow for a high degree of control and adjustment for maximum comfort.
All brake, steering, and propulsion come from the hands. Pedal assist is available to help navigate difficult terrain. This bike is suitable for persons with sufficient grip strength to operate a hand brake.
Transferring into the Lasher requires lower limb flexibility. The riding position is seated, recumbent, and low.
TerraTrike All Terrain with Power Assist
A foot-powered recumbent bike takes the trail in a seated position. A wide range of gears and optional power assist handle the hills and a wide track assists with balance.
This bike is suitable for persons who can pedal but need a recumbent trike’s stability and seating position. Grip strength is required to operate the brakes.
The Bomber Offroad Handcycle
An offroad handcycle designed for a rider in the prone body position. This allows the rider to see the terrain ahead more easily and have the advantage of body weight over the crankset for added power. The primary steering is through a single, stock, mountain bike handlebar and the secondary steering is done through a chest pad. This bike is suitable for persons with good trunk control (T-5 and below), sufficient grip strength, upper arm mobility, and the ability to respond quickly to variable terrain and trail traffic. Transferring into the kneeling prone position on the bomber requires a good range of motion of the lower limbs.
Trail Information
Rides will take place on the “Wheaton Way” Trail within Wheaton Regional Park. For an overview of the trails, please download Wheaton Regional Park Trails Map (accessible pdf).
This program is in partnership with Mid Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts, Lancaster Recumbent, and Friends of Patapsco Valley State Park.
