Bruce Barth Success Story

Bruce Barth’s first adaptive bike ride ever (August 8, 2017) with the help of Spar and Sail staff Mo ( Maureen Sullivan) who drives from Marquette to participants in Baraga, Houghton and Keweenaw, Ontonagon, and Gogebic counties in Michigan.

Bruce and I (his Mother- Cindy Barth) met Mo at the Ray Kestner Waterfront Park where a whole new world of independence opened to Bruce. Bruce has pedaled exercise bikes before but never an adaptive bike that moves. Bruce was amazed that he could transport himself around the Park. He gained confidence in his abilities to turn right or left or brake and to be safe by watching for people or traffic. Bruce was SO happy to realize that he could actually ride a bike that moved!!!

Mo (Maureen Sullivan) was very dignifying when she taught Bruce how to turn right and left and how to brake and push a button to hold the bike so the bike didn’t move. She also taught good safety rules like looking out for people and traffic.

And she asked Bruce very dignifying questions — like why would you ride a bike? Bruce gained confidence in his abilities to ride a bike for exercise and fun and transportation. I don’t think Bruce ever thought about using a bike for transport before because his exercise bikes never moved. Even at dinner tonight (8/8/2017) Bruce was saying— I did it! I rode around the park on a Bike. Mo was there. I pedaled a bike around the park! What a confidence builder—adapted biking could be a new —life exercise skill.

What a Superior Alliance (coming alongside) to help with Independent Living!

Thanks SPAR and SAIL staff!
Cindy Barth