Genuine question about disability
barrybridges
Posts: 420
I just got back from the Marmotte where I had a thoroughly enjoyable week in the Alps.
Now, as others who have ridden it will probably attest, there is a guy who does it every year who is nothing less than an absolute machine. He has only one leg and both of his arms have been amputated or loss just above the wrist joint.
I rode alongside him briefly on the Glandon and observed his set-up; essentially his saddle is replaced with a 'cradle' into which his pelvis fits - and he pedals with his right leg leaning the bike slightly to the left to counterbalance his weight.
The ends of his arms are 'locked' into the handlebars by means of two mounts - the only way I can describe it - quite crudely - is if you can imagine someone having a hook instead of their hand, that's the sort of mount used.
What I'm really interested to know, however, is how on earth does he change gear and how does he brake?
Does anyone know? Genuinely really fascinated. It was such an impressive, awe-inspiring thing to see.
Now, as others who have ridden it will probably attest, there is a guy who does it every year who is nothing less than an absolute machine. He has only one leg and both of his arms have been amputated or loss just above the wrist joint.
I rode alongside him briefly on the Glandon and observed his set-up; essentially his saddle is replaced with a 'cradle' into which his pelvis fits - and he pedals with his right leg leaning the bike slightly to the left to counterbalance his weight.
The ends of his arms are 'locked' into the handlebars by means of two mounts - the only way I can describe it - quite crudely - is if you can imagine someone having a hook instead of their hand, that's the sort of mount used.
What I'm really interested to know, however, is how on earth does he change gear and how does he brake?
Does anyone know? Genuinely really fascinated. It was such an impressive, awe-inspiring thing to see.
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Comments
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Only a guess, but could be a fixie. Sounds like an inspiring bloke though!http://app.strava.com/athletes/686217
Come on! You call this a storm? Blow, you son of a bitch! Blow! It's time for a showdown! You and me! I'm right here! Come and get me!0 -
Are his arms strapped in or can he take one out maybe? If the latter probably downtube shifters of the black and white days.
Otherwise he's a real machine and does ride fixed!0 -
More importantly how does he descend (don't say quickly) ? What about brakes?0
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Lycra-Byka wrote:More importantly how does he descend (don't say quickly) ? What about brakes?
Thats why I think Fixie, He can control it all with the machine of a leg he must havehttp://app.strava.com/athletes/686217
Come on! You call this a storm? Blow, you son of a bitch! Blow! It's time for a showdown! You and me! I'm right here! Come and get me!0 -
I think fixie is unlikely, as surely when it comes to descents his remaining leg would be snapped off by virtue of the high cadence he's require (on the basis that his gearing for the ascents would mean he'd need a low gear to get round)?
He does it every year apparently - I've seen him in previous editions. He's not particularly quick but to be fair that's not the point - but I'd really like to understand how he does it.0 -
I assume that gear changing could be via some sort of electronic shifting modified mouth use (could be wireless I guess?). It's the braking I can't figure out.... :?0
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There was a TV documentary about the ride last year - and this guy was part of it then - just one leg and one arm ... can't find any more info on him or his bike though ...0
