Handcycles
A handcycle race was held when the pro bike riders started on the first of the long laps over Paris Mountain. Handcycles are special tricycles designed primarily for paraplegics. The pedals and handlebars are integrated together with the rider pedaling with their hands. The "pedals" also have the brake controls. I have to admit that I had not seen a handcycle race before. However, I was quite impressed with the riders. I don't think I could have made it through one lap, not to mention the ten or so laps that they raced. There are two kinds of handcycles which you can see in this photograph. Most of the riders use recumbent types where they were laying down. Some used a kneeling style bike where which allowed them to see over the pedals better. Still, some amazing athletes. My hat is off to them.
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Thursday, September 3, 2009
Handcycles
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4 comments:
Those look like fun.
That is too cool about the handcycles - I had never heard of them! At first glance, I thought they were recumbant bikes, but then quickly realized they look different.
Nice pictures! My son was in that race, but I didn't see him in any of your pictures.
However, his picture is on the front cover of the Metromix magazine for Greenville (the one for the week of August 25).
They do kind of look like fun. I'm not sure how the steer them though. Leaning maybe?
Some of these handcycle racers are Para-Olympic contenders for the next Para-Olympics in Madrid I think it was mentioned.
Pixel, I seem to recall that you said your son had been in another race I photographed around here. Is he a pro rider with one of the teams?
Craig, my son rides with DLP. He lives right outside Greenville.
I always look at your pictures of bicycle races, because there's always the chance that he might be in one. The world is small like that, you know...
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