This year the Tour Divide produced a new record, but one that wasn’t set to be beaten. Quinn Brett just became the first person to complete the Tour Divide on an adaptive handcycle, with a time of 25 days. For her, this was more about showing the world what is possible for disabled people and that adventures like this are not only for the abled bodied. Thanks to advancements in bike technology, there are now some very capable options available, and Quinn’s accomplishment are proof of what these machines are capable of.
Quinn’s bike was made by Reactive Adaptations, based out of Crested Butte, CO. They makes custom offroad handcycles and adaptive bikes for riders of all abilities. I spent a fair amount of time on their website checking out all their badass builds. It’s pretty amazing what can be manufactured these days and when paired with an athlete like Quinn Brett almost nothing is off limits it seams. Check out some of these sweet bikes!
You may have noticed that all that technology comes with a hefty price tag, but don’t let that deter you. There are non-profits available to help with funding, which is something we also discuss on this episode.
Quinn’s path to the Tour Divide is much different than yours. In 2017 she was a professional big wall climber with a long list of accomplishments to her name. On Oct. 11th of that year her and her climbing partner were practicing for their run at the Yosemite Triple Crown (El Capitan, Half Dome, and Mt. Watkins, the Valley’s three biggest walls) when she fell 120′ and landed on a 2.5′ outcropping that broke her back which left her paralyzed, and without her sense of smell, she also points out. Things got pretty dark for her after that as she came to terms with her new life, but thankfully she was reintroduced to cycling and adaptive cycling through Justin DuBois, who also planted the seed in her of doing the Tour Divide one day.
That day has come, and it taught me a lot about the options and opportunities available to people with disabilities. The outdoors is for everyBODY and I’m grateful for Quinn’s recilance, toughness, and example of what is possible. Hopefully, it will encourage other people with disabilities to harness their inner adventurer and get outside in a way that is meaningful to them.
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Quad Lock: Professional downhill mountain biker Ben Moore has been riding with QL for 4 years and he came on to share some of his experiences!
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