DC Cycling Clinic – April 11, 2021- Rock Creek Park, Silver City, MD

 “Every accomplishment begins with the word TRY”.  Author unknown

The rain tried to dampen our spirits Sunday at Rock Creek, but as I got out of the car, I watched the clouds start to part. Then the sun came out and truly shined on all that was there. Rock Creek Park is located in the beautiful area of Silver Spring, just outside DC. After a very successful first event last year, Katie Savage got to work and planned for this year’s outing. Katie is an above the knee amputee and cyclist. Both Rebecca Frost, CPO and I jumped in again this year to help Katie organize and set up. So many volunteers converged on this beautiful park to join with the 30 participants. Registration for the free event filled so quickly that a call for additional volunteers went out early!

Participants with all levels of limb difference made a self-commitment to “TRY” something new by coming to this event. Due to continuing COVID-19 restrictions, all were masked. The opening ceremony started with each participant sharing their limb loss story and what motivated each of them to become greater. These stories moved all to tears in the crowd. It certainly makes me take inventory of what and who is in my life, and how truly lucky we all are. Everett Lott, Interim Director of Transportation for DC, made the declaration that, “April is officially Limb Loss Recognition Month.” Mr. Lott speak to each participant after listening to all the introductions. Annually, the Amputee Coalition promotes April as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, with activities focused on advocacy in DC, education events, Show Your Mettle Day (prosthesis wearers post pictures of themselves in their prostheses) and participation events held all over the country for those with limb loss and limb difference.

Next came the pairing of the participants with Physical Therapy volunteers, PT interns and cycling specialists who were there to provide one on one support. They went over the type of bike each attendee had requested on their registration form. During the event, participants had the opportunity to ride several types of bikes; there were stationary bikes, recumbent bikes, and the traditional mountain bike. Trek of Rockville provided the bikes, helmets and beautiful swag bags to each participant. The other vendors that came participated in the event by sharing their company information, as well as great gifts and snacks for all. I had prepared some goody snack bags from Dankmeyer!

The sunshine and warmth filled our afternoon. You were able to see everyone trying their bikes, and hear all the sounds of laughter and cheering for each other as they rode.  In those moments, each one knew they had conquered their fears and doubts. Each participate accomplished their goals by trying! For myself, I tried a mountain bike and was able to ride on some of the trails in the park.

Events like these are very hard to put together and plan. The weather tried to cancel our day but the sun won out on that! We had a breeze and the balloons looked like they could carry us away. There were a few little glitzes, but we are learning and evolving as we grow. Katie’s bravery and committment to organize and execute these two events has produced amazing results. Last year there were 13 riders. This year we had to cut off the number at 30. The participants all had an amazing time. We are already planning for next year’s event and hopefully the weather will be kind to us again, and maybe we won’t have to be masked!

• Dawn Miranda, Dankmeyer, Inc. (devoted to patient advocacy and proud supporter of this event!)