#handcycle

[freedomryderblogs]

Electric Handcycle for Wheelchair Users

The Freedom Ryder electric handcycle for wheelchair users is a powerful solution that transforms your wheelchair into an efficient, motorized handcycle. Designed for ease of use, it offers quick attachment, smooth handling, and reliable performance, enabling greater freedom and mobility for users. With adjustable speed settings and a durable design, it’s ideal for both city commutes and recreational outings. This handcycle attachment empowers wheelchair users to enjoy the thrill of cycling with added convenience and control.

[paulpingminho]

[dontforgetukraine]

First Ukrainian Paralympic teams arrive in Paris: men’s swimming, sitting volleyball, badminton, table tennis and rowing. Photo: National Sports Committee for the Disabled of Ukraine, Paralympic Committee

The Ukrainian Paralympic team has secured 126 licenses for this year’s Games. The national team comprises 235 members, including 140 athletes �� 96 men, 44 women – and coaches, doctors, and masseurs. In comparison, Ukraine had 138 competitors at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. For the first time, the Ukrainian team will compete in 17 sports, including two debut events: boccia (pairs and individual events) and handcycle racing.

Source: Ukrainian Paralympians push through loss and devastation to make history in Paris

[cy-cyborg]

I went to visit my parents for Christmas and while I'd been vaguely aware that I'd missed living rurally, I didn't realise how much until I got there. I live semi-rural now, technically. The nearest city (where I lived previously) is a few hours away, but right now we live on the edge of a small-ish town. my parents though, live out in the bush. while their property is small, all the neighbours have 300/400 acre farms, and the closest thing to a town is 15 minutes away (and it's really just a petrol station and I think a school with 30 or so kids).

I miss how quiet it is there, how many animals (domesticated and wild) just casually approach the house, how loud I could be without having to worry all about disturbing others, being able to go for "walks" in the bush on my handcycle, how easy it was to see the stars - it gets dark enough to see the milky way even with a full moon that far out of town. Just so many little things.

My partner and I may end up having to move back in with my parents next year due to the rental crisis, and while I'm not thrilled about that, I can't lie: I don't think I'll miss the city or suburbs lol

[betsybugaboo]

Made some art of the Down with Cis Bus & Friends collection, descriptions and notes below the cut.

Image 1: A city bus, recolored to the light blue of the outer stripes of the trans flag. It has a cartoon of the sun, wearing sunglasses, on its side in the pink of the trans flag. Its side says ‘Down with Cis’ in all caps. The background is a collage of city buildings. Over top is green lettering with neon green sides that reads ‘Down with Cis Bus & Friends’.

Image 2: A yellow flat-fronted school bus recolored in official School Bus Yellow. The side is labeled ‘Gay School’. The background is a light blue sky with white clouds and a six-color rainbow. Over top is dark blue text: at the top in bubble letters is the word ‘gay’ in all caps and at the bottom is the text ‘school bus’ in a sans-serif font. The text has neon blue ‘reflection’ accents.

Image 3: A light rail train. It has been recolored in the colors of the 9-stripe queer flag, with the purple queer chevrons on the side. The background is a grand brick train station. Over top text in the lavender of the queer chevron reads ‘Queer Liberation Now! Train’ in all caps with a dark violet drop shadow.

The Gay School Bus and my personal fascination with OSHA standards inspired this whole thing. I wanted to do a public transit theme where I also was going to do one with a bike, a trike, and a handcycle but it was such an absolute pain in the ass trying to recolor those (they were each going to be a color of the pan flag) that I scrapped that. The trike was going to have an old-school boombox in the back basket, the bicycle was going to have a helmet with the ace colors, and the handcycle was going to have a safety flag in safety orange. Other than that, the only other form of public, non-car/plane mass transit I could think of was ferries, and frankly I don’t fuck with boats. Anyway, as a reward for reading to the end, here are bigger versions:

[thirdoasttraining]

Have you ever shown up at a triathlon and found out your trusted wetsuit might not be race-legal? Don't worry - you're not alone. Many athletes face disqualification or time penalties each season because of wetsuit violations they never knew existed. Triathlon wetsuit rules are more than just regulations. They protect your race day investment and ensure your performance counts. Temperature thresholds and specific thickness requirements determine when you can wear a wetsuit. These rules might seem complex at first. Your first triathlon or your hundredth - knowing these seven significant wetsuit rules will help you avoid race-day surprises. This knowledge keeps you focused on what matters most - your performance. Let's take a closer look at the vital regulations that every triathlete needs to know before entering the water. Temperature-Based Wetsuit Rules Water temperature rules can make or break your race performance. Here's a clear breakdown of temperature-based regulations that control wetsuit use in triathlons. Mandatory Temperature Thresholds Triathlon safety stands above everything else. Wetsuits become mandatory when water temperatures fall below 60.8°F (16°C). This rule protects you from hypothermia and ensures a safe swim segment. Races with temperatures below 58°F require wetsuit wear to participate. Optional Temperature Ranges Most wetsuit-friendly temperatures fall between 60.8°F (16°C) and 76.1°F (24.5°C). You can choose to wear a wetsuit based on your comfort and race strategy during this range. The rules change a bit for temperatures between 78.1°F and 83.9°F. You can still wear a wetsuit but you'll race in a separate non-competitive division. Here's a quick breakdown of temperature rules: Temperature Range Wetsuit Status Competition Impact Below 60.8°F Mandatory Full competition eligibility 60.8°F - 76.1°F Optional Full competition eligibility 78.1°F - 83.9°F Allowed No awards or rankings eligibility Above 84°F Prohibited Not permitted Age-Specific Temperature Guidelines Athletes face different temperature rules based on their categories: - Elite and Development Athletes: Youth, Junior, and U25 categories follow stricter limits. Distances up to 1500m ban wetsuits above 68°F (20°C). - Age-Group Athletes: USA Triathlon National Championship and World Triathlon Qualifying races ban wetsuit use above 76.2°F (24.5°C). - Physically Challenged (PC) and Handcycle (HC) Athletes: Special rules apply. Ironman events allow wetsuit use at any water temperature. Race officials measure the official water temperature on race morning. You should prepare for multiple scenarios. Wearing a wetsuit in temperatures between 78.1°F and 83.9°F lets you complete the race, but makes you ineligible for age-group awards or World Championship slots. Wetsuit Thickness Regulations Your triathlon wetsuit's thickness is more than a comfort factor—it's a vital regulation that determines your race eligibility. Let's look at the specific requirements that keep competition fair for all athletes. Maximum Thickness Requirements A golden rule exists for triathlon wetsuits in all major governing bodies: the maximum thickness cannot exceed 5mm. USAT, ITU, and WTC (IRONMAN) enforce this regulation to ensure fair competition. The thickness limit creates a balance between buoyancy assistance and natural swimming ability. Multi-Panel Thickness Rules Wetsuit thickness varies strategically across different areas. Manufacturers distribute neoprene thickness in this way: Body Area Typical Thickness Purpose Torso 3-5mm Maximum buoyancy Legs 2-3mm Flexibility Arms 1.5-2mm Range of motion The variation in thickness follows a specific pattern. Thicker panels in the torso provide buoyancy while thinner sections in the extremities allow flexibility. A specification like "3/2mm" shows that the torso is 3mm thick and the legs and arms are 2mm. Measuring Wetsuit Thickness Knowing how manufacturers measure wetsuit thickness helps you choose the right gear. The measurement system uses either two or three numbers to show thickness in different areas: - Two-Number System: First number represents torso thickness, second number indicates arms and legs - Three-Number System: Represents torso/legs/arms respectively Manufacturers place thicker neoprene in your core area to maintain body heat and provide optimal buoyancy. Thicker panels offer more buoyancy but reduce flexibility—finding the right balance for your swimming style is key. The thickness of your wetsuit directly affects your performance. More material means better buoyancy but less flexibility. High-performance wetsuits use maximum thickness in the chest and leg areas while keeping thinner panels in zones where movement matters most. Note that you should check your wetsuit's specifications before race day. A wetsuit that goes over the 5mm maximum thickness anywhere could get you disqualified, even if other parts meet the rules. Legal Wetsuit Coverage Areas You need to know the exact parts your wetsuit can and cannot cover to stay within race-day rules. Let's look at the specific coverage requirements that keep you compliant during competition. Permitted Body Coverage A triathlon wetsuit does more than just protect you from cold water—it meets specific coverage requirements while helping you perform better. The rules let your wetsuit cover most of your body, including your torso, back, shoulders, and knees. Your wetsuit should extend over your shoulder joint and down your arm to give you optimal protection and performance. Here's what competition-legal coverage allows: - Full-body coverage from neck to ankles - Complete torso and back coverage - Shoulder and arm coverage - Knee coverage Restricted Areas The rules about restricted areas are non-negotiable. Your wetsuit must not cover: - Face - Hands - Feet On top of that, neoprene booties are prohibited unless water temperature drops to 65.0°F (18.3°C) or colder. Gloves are not allowed whatever the temperature. Competition Coverage Rules Different events and governing bodies have slightly different rules. Here's a detailed breakdown of coverage requirements: Coverage Area Requirement Special Notes Torso Mandatory 3mm minimum Must cover back completely Shoulders Required coverage Can be thinner to move better Arms Must extend from shoulders No minimum thickness specified Legs Must cover to knees Can be thinner below knee Neck Cannot extend beyond Must allow proper mobility Swimwear under your wetsuit must be 100% textile material—usually nylon or lycra without rubberized materials like polyurethane or neoprene. Your race kit underneath should not extend past your elbows or knees. "Farmer John" or sleeveless-style wetsuits don't comply with competition rules. Your wetsuit choice should provide complete coverage of vital areas while letting you move freely to perform at your best. Any modifications to your wetsuit must keep proper coverage requirements. Minor adjustments to fit are fine, but enough material must stay in place to cover significant areas like shoulders and knees. Wetsuit Material Requirements Your triathlon wetsuit's material can make the most important difference in your performance. Let's take a closer look at what makes a wetsuit race-legal and how different materials affect your swim. Approved Wetsuit Materials Yamamoto neoprene rubber stands as the gold standard in triathlon wetsuits. This material outperforms ordinary wetsuit materials because manufacturers engineered it specifically for competitive swimming. These features make it special: Neoprene Grade Characteristics Best Use Yamamoto #38 Standard flexibility Entry-level suits Yamamoto #39 Enhanced stretch Mid-range suits Yamamoto #40 Maximum flexibility Premium suits Multiple sophisticated layers form your wetsuit's construction. Jersey-type material supports blown rubber on the inner layer. Special coatings minimize water resistance on the outer layer. Prohibited Materials Rules clearly specify which swimwear materials you should avoid: - Rubberized materials like polyurethane in swimwear - Any non-textile materials in your base swimwear - Neoprene shorts or bottoms when worn separately Material Testing Standards Triathlon wetsuits must meet specific criteria that will give a balance of performance and safety: Material Composition Requirements: Non-wetsuit swimwear needs 100% textile base material. This includes materials made from natural or synthetic yarns that manufacturers have woven, knitted, or braided together. Athletes get fair competition when wetsuits aren't allowed. Wetsuit technology now includes innovative features. Air pockets boost buoyancy and metallic layers provide extra warmth. These features remain legal if they stay within overall thickness requirements. Material distribution plays a vital role in your wetsuit's performance. Different neoprene thicknesses throughout the suit optimize flexibility and buoyancy. State-of-the-art suits feature varying panel thicknesses - thinner areas allow movement while thicker sections maximize buoyancy. New materials incorporate environmentally responsible technologies. To name just one example, Terrapene represents a synthetic rubber that's 100% biodegradable while meeting performance standards. This material breaks down in compostable environments but stays durable during normal use. Note that material technology keeps advancing. All components must work together to create a suit that's both legal and effective. The right material combination helps you glide through water with less drag. This makes your swim leg quicker and more enjoyable. Race-Day Wetsuit Verification Race morning brings enough stress without the worry of wetsuit compliance. Technical officials inspect gear to verify it meets competition standards. Let me walk you through the verification process. Pre-Race Inspection Process Technical officials start their inspections about an hour before the race begins. This is a vital period where they check if your wetsuit meets material and thickness requirements. The inspection targets three key areas: Inspection Area What Officials Check Why It Matters Material Compliance Neoprene quality and thickness Will give a fair competition Coverage Rules Proper fit and body coverage Prevents disqualification Temperature Verification Official water reading Determines wetsuit eligibility You should arrive at transition with enough time for inspection. The core team suggests being ready at least 45 minutes before your wave start to avoid any rush. Wetsuit Marking Requirements Your race numbers must stay visible even with your wetsuit on. Here's what you should know about body marking: - Full-sleeve suits typically cover all body markings except those on your calves - Race officials might need extra marking on visible areas - Temperatures between 78.1°F and 83.9°F require special marking to show your non-competitive status Pro Tip: Keep anti-chafing products away from body marking areas. Water-based lubricants like KY Jelly work better than petroleum-based products that can damage your wetsuit. Verification Documentation You'll need several verification elements in place before entering the water: - Temperature Documentation The head referee announces the official water temperature and wetsuit ruling one hour before race start. This announcement tells you: - If wetsuits are mandatory - Your award eligibility while wearing a wetsuit - Special marking needs for non-competitive wetsuit users - Pre-Race Checklist Technical officials verify that: - Your uniform meets national standards - Wetsuit thickness follows regulations - All markings stay visible and correct Water temperatures between 78.1°F and 83.9°F require you to acknowledge participating in the non-competitive wetsuit division. This means no awards or ranking points, but you'll get credit for race completion. Your wetsuit should be completely dry and unmodified before inspection. Officials look closely at seams, thickness consistency, and proper fit especially when you have a new or altered wetsuit. Proper wetsuit storage after the swim segment shows respect for race regulations and preserves your gear's quality. Wetsuit Modification Rules You need to think about safety and competition rules before modifying your triathlon wetsuit. A good understanding of permitted changes will help you avoid problems on race day, whether you're fixing a tear or adjusting the fit. Allowed Alterations You have several approved options to keep your gear in top shape. Small tears up to a few centimeters can be fixed at home with the right approach. Here's what works: - Clean and prepare the damaged area well - Apply neoprene-specific adhesive in thin layers - Let it dry properly (minimum 6 hours, ideally overnight) Check your wetsuit after each use because small tears are easier to fix early. Use only triathlon and wetsuit-friendly products. Stay away from petroleum-based substances - they can damage the neoprene. Prohibited Modifications The race-legal status of your wetsuit depends on following specific rules. These are the main restrictions: Modification Type Status Reason Thickness alterations Prohibited Must not exceed 5mm Coverage modifications Prohibited Must follow standard coverage rules Material additions Prohibited Must maintain original composition Structural changes Prohibited Must preserve original design Using wetsuit shorts with a full wetsuit is not allowed. This is a big deal as it means that the total thickness would go beyond the 5mm limit. Changes that affect how the suit covers restricted areas (face, hands, or feet) will get you disqualified. Custom Fitting Guidelines The right fit gives you comfort and better performance. Your wetsuit should feel snug without restricting movement in your shoulders and chest. These fitting principles will help: - Base Positioning: Place the suit at least three inches above your ankle bones - Torso Adjustment: The crotch should sit tight against your body - Sleeve Placement: Pull sleeves up your forearm to show some wrist A well-fitted wetsuit takes less than 10 minutes to put on. You probably have the wrong size if you struggle longer than that, and it might limit your movement in the water. Spread the wetsuit material evenly across your shoulders and upper back to perform better. The neoprene should feel relaxed when you're not moving, especially around your chest and shoulders. This helps you breathe properly and avoid getting tired during your swim. Custom fit adjustments are fine, but they can't compromise your suit's structure or exceed thickness limits. The wetsuit manufacturer can help if you're unsure about a change. This keeps you race-compliant while helping you perform your best in the water. Wetsuit Violation Penalties Breaking wetsuit rules and dealing with the consequences can be tricky. You need to know the penalties to make smart decisions on race day. Here's what happens if you break wetsuit regulations. Disqualification Criteria You'll face immediate disqualification if you break these wetsuit rules: - A wetsuit when water temperature exceeds 84°F - Wetsuits with thickness greater than 5mm in any section - Not following race official instructions about wetsuit use - Using prohibited materials or modifications Time Penalties Temperature violations don't always get you disqualified. The rules change when water temperatures are between 78.1°F and 83.9°F: Temperature Range Penalty Type Impact on Results 78.1°F - 83.9°F Award Ineligibility No prizes or awards 78.1°F - 83.9°F Series Points 0 points awarded Below 78°F No Penalty Full eligibility Your wetsuit choice at these temperatures affects more than just awards. You'll get zero points in series competitions if you wear a wetsuit between 78.1°F and 83.9°F. The race still counts toward your minimum required events for series eligibility. Appeal Procedures Race officials might have made a mistake. You have the right to appeal. Here's how the protest process works: - Initial Documentation - Write down the specific rule in question - Collect evidence that supports your case - Record water temperature readings if relevant - Filing Timeline Submit your protest according to race guidelines. Most races want protests: - Before the awards ceremony - Within specific time windows after you finish - With proper documentation - Review Process Officials will assess: - Official temperature readings - Your wetsuit's compliance - Any evidence you provide Wearing a wetsuit between 78.1°F and 83.9°F lets you finish the race in a separate non-competitive category. You can complete the event but won't qualify for age-group awards or rankings. Series competitions have a key difference. Everyone gets series scoring points at 78°F or lower water temperatures. Your points drop to zero if temperatures rise above this threshold and you choose to wear a wetsuit. You'll still get credit for participating. These rules protect athletes and ensure fair competition. Safety comes first. Wetsuits become mandatory below 58°F water temperature. Officials will stop you from competing if you don't comply. This knowledge helps you make better decisions about wetsuit use, especially in borderline temperatures. You might want the comfort of a wetsuit in warmer water, but now you can weigh that against your competitive goals. Comparison Table Rule Category Key Requirements Compliance Criteria Penalties/Effect Special Considerations Temperature-Based Rules Water temperature sets wetsuit rules Below 60.8°F: You must wear one 60.8°F-76.1°F: Your choice 78.1°F-83.9°F: You can wear it Above 84°F: Not allowed You can't compete for awards between 78.1°F-83.9°F Elite/Youth athletes have different limits (68°F) compared to Age-Group athletes (76.2°F) Thickness Rules Wetsuits can't be thicker than 5mm Body: 3-5mm Legs: 2-3mm Arms: 1.5-2mm Breaking this rule means disqualification Each body area needs specific thickness for best performance Coverage Areas The suit must protect your torso, back, shoulders, and knees Full coverage from neck to ankles is a must Wrong coverage leads to disqualification Your face, hands, and feet need to stay uncovered Material Rules Only Yamamoto neoprene rubber works Acceptable grades: #38, #39, #40 neoprene Wrong materials mean disqualification Your base swimwear needs to be 100% textile Race-Day Checks Officials need to inspect before race They check materials, coverage, and temperature rules Breaking rules means no race or non-competitive status Show up 45 minutes before race start for checking Fixing Rules Small fixes work fine You can patch tears up to a few centimeters Changes to structure mean disqualification No changes to thickness or coverage allowed Breaking Rules You must follow all rules above Rules change with temperature Penalties range from no racing to no awards File appeals before the awards start Conclusion Your race-day success and competitive standing depend on understanding triathlon wetsuit rules. Water temperature is the main factor that determines wetsuit eligibility. The guidelines are strict - wetsuits are mandatory below 60.8°F and not allowed above 84°F. Your suit's thickness can't exceed 5mm, and it needs proper body coverage without any changes. Race officials check everything before the event starts. They look at material quality, how well the suit fits, and whether it's allowed at current temperatures. Breaking these rules has serious impact - you could lose awards or face disqualification. Read the full article

[animerunner]

Friend: -jokingly- Hubbys coming to the dark side! 😊

Me: -tired and having just driven 6 hours and thus not having the most coherent thought process, thinking- Wait he’s joining wheels?!

Friend: -this morning posts a vid of said husband indeed in handcycle-

Me: Well dang. Good for him.

[freedomryderblogs]

Handcycle for Sale

The Freedom Ryder handcycle offers a perfect blend of performance and comfort for adaptive cyclists. Designed for novice and experienced riders, this handcycle provides excellent stability and maneuverability, ideal for both recreational rides and competitive events. Built with a durable, lightweight frame and customizable features, the Freedom Ryder ensures a smooth, responsive ride. It's the ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy cycling with independence and confidence.

[paulpingminho]

[bxbakery]

A Long-Distance Handcycling Trek in Santa Fe

[hotnew-pt]

A jornada de recuperação do nativo de Mechanicsburg leva à primeira aparição nas Paraolimpíadas #ÚltimasNotícias

Hot News Brandon Lyons ficou paralisado do peito para baixo em 2014. Durante sua jornada de recuperação, ele descobriu o handcycling e agora está indo para as Paralimpíadas de Paris em 2024. MECHANICSBURG, Pensilvânia — Um trágico acidente ocorrido há 10 anos não impediu Brandon Lyons, natural de Mechanicsburg, de viver a vida ao máximo e atingir seus objetivos atléticos. O que Lyons não sabia…

[biotech-news-feed]

Every spring, hundreds of bikers gather in Santa Fe, N.M., to ride through a high-desert landscape rich in art, history and Indigenous culture. This year, the author, who lost the use of his legs 12 years ago, joined them. #BioTech #science

[newsnoshonline]

Un trekking di lunga distanza in handcycling a Santa Fe Il Variegato Scenario del Santa Fe Railyard L’atmosfera carica di energia coinvolgeva centinaia di ciclisti, pronti a partire per la gara di 50 miglia dal Santa Fe Railyard. Il colore dei loro costumi in Lycra conferiva un tocco vivace al via. Attraversando i Luoghi Iconici di Santa Fe Superando la Roundhouse e Museum Hill, i partecipanti si sono immersi nella storia e nella cultura di Santa Fe. Man mano che la città si allontanava, si è pedalato attraverso i terreni ondulati dei ranch circostanti. La Sfida di un Evento Ciclistico Biennale Il secondo giorno dell’evento ciclistico biennale a Santa Fe

[streetglider]

(Electric-assisted handcycle prototype proposed as low-cost wheelchair in Bangladesh | Design Indabaから)

Researchers at BRAC University in Bangladesh have developed a three-wheeled, solar-powered vehicle driven by hand-turned handles instead of foot pedals. Research team professor, Doctor AKM Abdul Malek Azad, who belongs to a humanitarian technology organisation, delivered the vehicle prototype to the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed so that it can be adapted as an electric-assisted wheelchair.

The driver rotates the handles, which are connected to a chain ring on the front wheel, to set the vehicle in motion. The handcycle includes a compact electric motor beneath the seat so that little force is required from the driver to propel the bike. A portable solar charger kit, featuring solar panels, batteries and a charge controller, charges the motor’s battery.

The fact that the tricycle can operate off-the-grid with solar energy means that it does not have to depend on the country’s mostly unreliable electricity networks.

Now it is up to the centre to test the vehicle as a wheelchair for the next six months. Feedback from users combined with the findings of the centre’s medical officers and engineers will create a solid foundation on which to design and develop a low-cost electric wheelchair for people living with disabilities in Bangladesh’s underserved or low-income communities.

Doctor AKM Abdul Malek Azad emphasises disabled individuals’ need for an easy-to-operate electric-assisted vehicle in his country:

“Considering the difficulty which the disabled people experience every day to manoeuvre existing manual wheelchairs, it is a dire need to build up electric wheelchairs for the disabled people.”