Together as teams, which develop into friendships, groups of volunteers and participants are actively involved in exploring the beautiful outdoors together during adaptive hiking activities. Together we explore the many Regional Parks as well as the hidden gem of the Okanagan Valley. For some participants, we use the TrailRider to assist the adventure. The TrailRider is a revolutionary mobility device that provides unparalleled wilderness access possibilities for people with a disability (please see below for more information).

 

TheTrailRider

is a futuristic-looking, lightweight, one- wheeled, environmentally friendly access vehicle that is manoeuvered by two “sherpas” (friends/family members/CRIS volunteers: one pulls and one pushes). The TrailRider can take people with disabilities through virtually any terrain – from gentle walking paths to rugged mountain trails. Brainchild of the Disability Foundation’s Sam Sullivan, and engineer and long-time Tetra Society volunteer, Paul Cermak, the TrailRider has evolved through several design stages since the first prototype was built in 1998. For inclement weather, the vehicle comes equipped with a specially designed “Mummy Bag” that helps ward off invasive forces such as wind, rain and cold.

The TrailRider’s benefits are much greater than simply providing physical access to the wilderness: it helps increase community by joining people with disabilities with their able-bodied counterparts in mutually rewarding recreational activity. For those who have suffered a disabling injury or illness, it means being able once again to hike with friends and family.

Features:

• Single wheel centered below the seat provides mobility and support with low environmental impact and allows access to narrow mountain trails
• Slow turning pneumatic tire absorbs the shock of moving over rocky terrain
• Extendable legs for stationary support
• Lightweight aluminum
• Breaks down into lightweight components easily stored in trunk of car
• Lounge position and long handlebars in front and in back distribute weight evenly
• Brake system controlled from rear handles
• Features two versions: one for adults and one for kids
• Traverses trails, hills, rocks, and streams
• Stability and comfort
• Fully cushioned arm and headrests

Accessories: 

• “Mummy bag” with special fabrication keeps its occupier warm and safe in inclement weather

Facts:

• Concept first drawn on back of restaurant napkin
• Prototype concept based on deck lounge chair
• One unsuccessful predecessor concept: a modified golf cart
• Main vehicle comparisons: rickshaw, wheelbarrow.