Adaptive Cycling Event Brings Veterans Together in Salt Lake City

Thirty-five veterans attended an adaptive cycling event from May 4-6 at three locations in and around Salt Lake City. The event was hosted by Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Mountain States Chapter and the Recreation Therapy Clinic at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. 

“Events like these help me a lot,” said Bill Clements, a Mountain States Chapter member and Navy veteran. He started participating in the VA’s recreation therapy activities two years ago and has since made several new friends. “It’s easy to connect with vets,” said Clements, who served three tours in Vietnam. “I don’t think anyone else really understands.” For Clements, the support of the group also pushed him to ride farther than he expected.

“If I’d been on my own, I would have turned around at 5 miles.”

On the clinic’s second day, he rode 16. That encouragement is what Renae Byrd McMinn, vice president of the Mountain States Chapter board, values most about group rides. McMinn, who rides a recumbent bike because of a spinal cord injury, drove from Grand Junction, Colorado, to attend the event. “Being out and active with other veterans really helps our mental, spiritual and physical health,” she said.

While many veterans brought their own bikes, local nonprofits Ogden Valley Adaptive and Wasatch Adaptive Sports had bikes available to borrow, including handcycles and recumbent bikes. Their staff led rides for different skill levels and offered biking tips.

The clinic also included a review of basic bike mechanics and a presentation on sports nutrition by Caitlin Goodman, a registered dietitian and food service manager at the Salt Lake City VA. McMinn said the instruction was valuable for riders of all experience levels. “You always hear something new,” she said.

Feature photo: Veterans participate in an adaptive cycling clinic in Salt Lake City in May. The Mountain States Chapter co-sponsored the clinic with the Recreation Therapy Clinic at the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center.