Discovering freedom through an adapted cycle

My name is Pau, I'm 38 years old, and with disabilities like hemiparesis, epilepsy, and cognitive disorders, I never thought cycling would become a means of escape, a path to freedom, and even an inspiration for a new career. Yet, my journeys on an adapted bike have transformed my life, offering moments of discovery, self-surpassing, and countless encounters. Today, I share my journey to encourage others, with or without disabilities, to fully embrace the adventure of bike touring.

Unique Routes: Exploring Europe Differently

My cycling journey has taken me on varied and fascinating paths, from tours of the Netherlands and the Eifel Park to Denmark, along EuroVelo 17 - Rhone Cycle Route from Lyon to Montpellier, and the Véloscénie from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel. Each trip has offered unique landscapes and atmospheres: the tranquility of Dutch canals, the wooded hills of Eifel, the vast Danish coastlines, and historic French villages. Choosing each route was motivated by curiosity and the desire to push my limits. These experiences are ones I recommend for the beauty of the landscapes, as well as the diversity of cultures and human interactions.

Faithful Companion: Nataa, My Explorer Dog

On these adventures, my dog Nataa often joins me, experiencing far more landscapes than most other dogs! She loves following me and even has her own special command for safely getting on and off the bike: a simple "Hop," and she climbs or descends on her own, ready for the next trail. This companionship makes our travels richer and more fun, and she’s become a true canine explorer, comfortable in forests as well as on cycling paths. I rarely travel alone, preferring shared moments that add an extra dimension to every experience.

Perfectly Adapted Equipment: My Tricycle, Symbol of Freedom and Autonomy

My adapted tricycle is essential to my regained freedom. It was designed to meet my specific needs, allowing me to maintain my balance, manage fine motor skills, and conserve my energy. With its backpedal brake, rechargeable battery, and well-designed accessories like a large basket for luggage, my tricycle is much more than a vehicle. It’s a symbol of freedom, independence, and autonomy that has given new life to me.

I find it unfortunate that adapted bikes are still largely unknown to the public, especially to those who miss out on cycling because they can no longer use standard two-wheelers. Issues with balance, fine motor skills, and strength... all are barriers that adapted bikes can help overcome. With more awareness, I’m convinced that many could rediscover the joy of riding.

Overcoming the Challenges of Traveling with an Adapted Bike

Each step presents its challenges, and traveling on an adapted bike has confronted me with specific issues. Fine motor skills, balance, and battery management are crucial aspects of bike touring. Before each trip, I carefully plan my route based on the distances I can cover in a day. I avoid overloading my days to conserve battery power and manage fatigue. Lunch breaks are well-deserved moments of relaxation, often in small restaurants where I recharge both my energy and my equipment. And sometimes, repairs are necessary, as some bike shops find the trike too specialized to handle.

Encounters and Precious Moments Along the Way

Along the miles, it’s the encounters that have driven me to continue. These shared moments with other travelers, cyclists, or locals create unforgettable memories. Each trip is an opportunity to exchange, share experiences, and motivate each other. These encounters have made me realize the importance of making bike touring accessible to all and led me to join the “Bike for All” commission, part of the association La Ville à Vélo. I wish to help make biking an inclusive activity accessible to people from all backgrounds, with or without disabilities.

Toward New Professional Perspectives

These biking adventures have shaped my outlook on life and opened up unforeseen perspectives. Today, I’m fortunate to work as an adapted bike consultant, a role in which I help people interested in acquiring and using adapted bikes. At AddBike, near Lyon, I help each person find the bike that meets their needs so that everyone can discover the freedom I’ve found in daily biking and bike touring.

Feel free to contact me through various networks, including LinkedIn and Instagram, to connect or simply out of curiosity!

Written by Pauline Magniere