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POSITIVE SPINS – The Mount Vernon Elks Lodge is making it possible for cyclists of all ages and circumstances to be on the move this summer. The Elks’ Bicycle Recycle project refurbishes and gifts donated bikes and provides adaptive bikes (like the one shown above) to those unable to ride traditional models. La Conner area resident Debbie Denton (360-770-4815) is the local contact for the program. – Photo courtesy of Debbie Denton
Recovering from serious injuries can be a rough road, full of bumps and unforeseen obstacles.
But the Mount Vernon Elks Lodge is helping make that journey smoother.
As part of its ongoing bicycle recycle project, the Elks are providing adaptive bikes for those who cannot ride traditional models, allowing them mobility and the opportunity to exercise that might otherwise not be possible.
A case in point involves a young woman who was in her teens when she received life-threatening injuries that left her without the use of her legs.
Lodge members are keeping her on the move by repairing and modifying her handcycle, which is powered by arms rather than legs.
“This bike is great,” says Elks member and bookkeeper Debbie Denton, of Pleasant Ridge, “because it attaches directly to a wheelchair so she can join her friends on a bike ride and simply detach it when she reaches her destination.”
The Elks are also working with a 35-year-old Burlington man to determine which style of adaptive bike best fits his needs, said Denton.
The Mount Vernon lodge has been raising money for the project and recently received a $5,500 grant award for its mission, which includes bike swaps, bike safety events and bingo bike rides in addition to providing adaptive bikes.
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