What makes a spring or summer vacation great? Most of us would say it's the opportunity to explore the great outdoors, but many people with disabilities can't because most of the "outdoors" is not wheelchair accessible. Thankfully, there is an alternative to wheelchairs, the ATV.
Though several manufacturers sold a few small, off-road vehicles in the 1960s, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) really burst onto the scene in the late '70s, after being made popular in the James Bond movie, Diamonds Are Forever.
As the name implies, with their massive engines (ranging from 49 to 1,000 cc) and their low-pressure, heavy-duty tires, these four-wheeled powerhouses were created to take riders into territories that might be challenging to get to on foot. But, they can also be a boon to adventurers with disabilities as well.
Last year a friend and I went to a local wildlife preserve. Most of the trails were on a flat grade and paved in some fashion. But some - in fact the most interesting - trails, were not. Being the adventurous spirit that I am, I was undaunted by the challenge these rugged trails presented. My friend and I tallied forth, eager to explore every nook and cranny of wilderness. Two hours into our adventure, however, my hands were raw and my arms were sore. And, I couldn't even get to many of the most breath-taking spots.
My brother sometimes tells stories of places he has visited while on some of his Appalachian Trail hikes. Hearing those stories, I find myself wishing there was a way to tag along.
I'm sure many a wheelchair-user can tell similar stories.
While early ATV models (almost all of which only had three wheels) might have been a challenge for people with limited movement and poor balance to drive, today's ATV is a safer and easier-to-handle vehicle. And while, early riders literally rode by the seat of their pants, because there was no suspension mechanism, today's off-roaders can enjoy a comfortable ride on even the roughest of terrains. If you sit in a wheelchair all day, as I do, and are constantly jolted by the slightest of uneven surfaces, the thought of exploring the "inaccessible" world and having a comfortable ride is close to heavenly.
Over the years, the technology of the ATV has changed drastically. Engines have become more powerful. Suspension systems have become more comfortable. Body materials are lighter and more durable. All of these changes have made ATVs better, safer, and more fun to ride.
If you are interested in learning how to ride one of these machines, and exploring places you thought were not wheelchair accessible, you should contact the All-terrain Vehicle Safety Institute. This agency provides training for ATV riders of all ages and ability levels.
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