The best bike ride of his life

Yesterday, Max had the best bike ride of his life. He rode his adaptive trike (a Triaid TMX) down the driveway. Then he cruised up and down our street, steering like a pro, doing turns and K-turns and masterfully navigating bumps on the sidewalk.  

Last weekend, Max had the best bike ride of his life. He rode his adaptive trike down the driveway. Then he cruised up and down our street, steering like a pro, doing turns and K-turns and masterfully navigating bumps on the sidewalk. 

Whenever Max rides his bike, I think it is the best bike ride of his life. Because every single time, I am awed by his riding. Every single time I think, Whoa, that is amazing.

It's not that I don't believe he is capable. My heart and mind are scarred from the NICU doctor who warned us about all the stuff for which Max was at risk. He might not walk or talk. He could have cognitive impairment. He could have vision and hearing problems. Not once did that man say anything positive, until I complained to the NICU social worker. And it was only then that he acknowledged that infant's brains are malleable ("plastic," they call it). 

Doctors are supposed to uphold the "First do no harm" tenet (actually not part of their oath, but still a guiding principle). They should also be careful not to do emotional harm of the kind I and other parents of kids with special needs have suffered. Some of these MDs are the grim reapers of modern-day medicine. If there's one thing parents of kids with medical conditions and disabilities need, it's hope. Not false promises, but some positives to cling to. 

For years after Max was born, I fantasized about bringing him back to that doctor and triumphantly saying: SEE? YOU WERE WRONG. Max has his challenges, sure, but he sure isn't the tragedy that doctor envisioned. A couple of months ago, I found out that the doctor had passed away. Mostly, I was disappointed that he'd never eat his words. 

Yet for all the despair that doctor instilled in me, there's this: I never take for granted what Max has accomplished. I will probably always marvel at Max's movements, the ones he wasn't supposed to do.

The next bike ride will be the best bike ride of his life, too. 

Win an adaptive bike for your child with special needs

This is the the third year The Friendship Circle is doing The Great Bike Giveway, a national contest that gets bikes into the hands (and legs) of kids with special needs. Major adaptive bike companies have contributed bikes: Buddy Bike, Rifton, Ambucs, Striker Bikes, Freedom Concepts, Flaghouse, Triaid, Strider and Mobo Cruiser. Last year, the group had 400 entries and gave away 29 bikes—odds that are soooo much better than Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. Besides, our kids can't ride  discounted magazines, can they?

How it goes: First, you check out the different bikes, decide which one will best fit your child's needs, and enter that contest. To do so, you submit a photo of your kid, along with a short explanation of why he or she needs an adaptive bike. Users can only enter to win one bike. You should definitely get guidance from your child's physical and occupational therapists, as I did before Max got the adaptive Triaid bike that he adores (also through this wonderful group). In purple, no less.

You have two ways of winning: 1) Through votes on your "nomination" page (ask friends, family, the mailman, whoever to vote); 2) a raffle (see this page for more information).

Spread the word: Each bike contest starts with two bikes, but visitors can make donations that will go toward adding more bikes in the giveway.

The deadline for entering is March 25th, 2014, 11:59 a.m., EDT.

The drawing is on March 26th. For more information on entering, click here.

Free bikes and bike lessons for kids with special needs

AN AMAZING BIKE GIVEAWAY FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

For the second year in a row, the Friendship Circle is hosting a Great Bike Giveaway for kids with special needs, and they've partnered with major adaptive bike companies. You choose which of the five bikes you'd like to enter to win for your child, from now through May 12, then get 50 friends and family members to nominate you. Five runner-ups will each receive a $500 Gift Registry from Tadpole Adaptive towards an adaptive bike. Awesome-ness!

BIKE LESSONS FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

iCan Bike programs (formerly known as Lose The Training Wheels) are geared toward helping people with disabilities ages 8 and up learn to ride a two-wheeler. Kids can do bike camps, after-school programs and in-school programs around the U.S.

And in case you don't win a bike...
PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE ADAPTIVE BIKES TO KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

National

Variety Kids on the Go! funds durable medical equipment for kids with physical challenges and financial need, including bikes along with wheelchairs, walkers, van lifts, house ramps, adaptive car seats and strollers. You apply through your local chapter of Variety The Children's Charity.

Athletes Helping Athletes has provided handcycles to more than 625 children with special needs since 2000; you can apply here.

By state

Connecticut 

The Freedom Program provides bikes to kids with special needs—145 to date!

Florida

Project Ride, through the Jewish Community Center in Boca Raton, Florida, gives new, modified adaptive bikes to kids ages 6 to 17.

Idaho

Bike For Kids is an Idaho fundraiser whose proceeds go toward providing adaptive bikes to kids with special needs; contact info for applying for a bike is here. 

Michigan

On Bike Day at Beaumont Children's Hospital in Michigan, 50 kids with special needs get custom-adapted bikes. 

Pennsylvania

The My Bike program by Variety the Children's Charity provides adaptive bikes to children with disabilities who live in the Southwest, Pennsylvania region.

GOOD ADAPTIVE BIKES FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

For an outstanding list, see 20 Bikes, Trikes and Tandems For Children With Special Needs.