Looking for input

[TheAxeman]

I'm just in the beginning stages of a new project and am looking for some input from you guys to give me some fresh ideas. Through the foundation that Michelle and I established to honor the sacrifice of my son Jordan in Iraq, Jordan's Initiative, we are looking to somehow get some of our physically challenged troops back onto motorcycles or back into motorcycling in general but we aren't quite sure how to go about it. Obviously riding a bike takes dexterity so the extent of a person's injuries and their resulting abilities will dictate their participation. Interestingly enough, in doing some research I ran across a former "On Any Sunday" rider Mert Lawwill who has developed a prosthetic device for riders who may be missing a hand. We were considering funding the outfitting of some smaller displacement bikes with these types of devices and then having some sort of rider training. Or how about scholarships to a school like MMI for guys that are either wheelchair bound or physically challenged in general?

Next week I am going to be meeting with a national foundation that we work with that provides support to wounded vets from the Gulf War, OIF, and OEF and will be running some of the ideas by them so any input is appreciated.

 

[jwhite518]

I met a man in a wheelchair who rode a Spyder. He fit his chair in the back while he rode.

 

[Auburn]

Go for it!

It will bring much needed mobility and relief to troops that want to be active, but don't know how they can be again. Who knows it just might trigger ideas in troops minds to design and do even more.

 

[wfooshee]

There are a number of "landing wheel" options available for lower-limb disabilities. Some examples I found:

 

[Deacon51]

Axeman,

I am contractor with the DoD. I was in Iraq in April of '08 when you son engaged that truck. It was a very bad month, and it's hard to believe that it was two years ago. I wanted to post up something to convey my respect for your son and my gratitude, but I can't think of any words with the power to express my feelings.

Unfortunately, I don't have any idea's to help you on your quest. But if you need anything from another motorcycle nut with a strong desire to honor our Armed Forces, let me know.

 

[TheAxeman]

There are a number of "landing wheel" options available for lower-limb disabilities. Some examples I found:

Awesome! Never saw that before, what an excellent idea. Seems like it might be something that is relatively easily retrofitted to bikes.

 

[GypsyCaravan]

Just tonight, during a Welcome Home escort for an Army Captain, I heard folks mention that a local dealer in the area is hosting their very 1st MC class for wounded veterans. They were speaking of a program exactly like what you'd mentioned.

You may want to call Woodstock Harley, in Woodstock, IL. That's where the class is being held, and the local initiative is starting.

I'll ask around, try and remember who was talking about it, and PM you some info.

-Jonathan

www.warriorswatch.org

 

[TheAxeman]

Just tonight, during a Welcome Home escort for an Army Captain, I heard folks mention that a local dealer in the area is hosting their very 1st MC class for wounded veterans. They were speaking of a program exactly like what you'd mentioned.
You may want to call Woodstock Harley, in Woodstock, IL. That's where the class is being held, and the local initiative is starting.

I'll ask around, try and remember who was talking about it, and PM you some info.

-Jonathan

www.warriorswatch.org

Thanks for the info Jonathan, I'm interested to see how they went about it and what type of interest it generated.

 

[Wee Willy]

To be a MC'er, the recipient doesn't need to live on just 2 wheels either. Consider the more stable option of a 3-wheeler in some cases.

Just thinking out loud.

W2

 

[Topspeed]

There are a number of "landing wheel" options available for lower-limb disabilities. Some examples I found:

We had a parapalegic MSF instructor who used a device like the ones shown above. Taught the class using his modded CBR.

 

[timk]

Don't know if this will pertain, but back in the 70's I rode with a guy that had his left hand and about half his arm amputated after a severe electrical burn. His solution was to mount the clutch lever directly to the throttle sleeve. I think he used steel for the sleeve in his setup. Just a bracket on the left bar for his hook, and he was riding.

 

[Patriot]

A friend of mine lost his left leg (diabetes) just below the knee (left leg)

Within a year he was back riding with a prosthesis which received a regular riding boot

He was riding a Suzuki cruiser with no mods to the bike.

He shifted withh the heel of his boot on the left legless side both up and down...put a little rubberized lip thing coming out a bit from the heel of the boot

Could hook the heel on the shifter and pull the shifter up and of course just step on the shifter like we do to push it down

I thought it was really cool

 

[TheAxeman]

I found these quads made specifially for the handicapped....pretty cool! Translation by Google.

Woodstar