Patience is a virtue
Taking a step back to August 2020...
Wanting to do things when you can't do them (for whatever reason) is frustrating! I think we've all had our fill of that over lockdown, but for me it was going to be extending beyond that. Whilst I'm keen to see things return to something more recognisable as 'normal' (all in good time of course!) I was also in the position of feeling sad about everything starting up again, and that feeling of being left behind. It's still early days for me in terms of adjusting to my progressive genetic condition. There's so much I want to do, and even with all the enthusiasm in the world, it's time to accept it's not all going to be possible. So, when there's something I can do then I'm keen to get on it straight away.
It went a little something like this:
- discovers handbike
- travel 310 miles to only seller in the UK
- place order for bike, hurrah!!!
- wait for order...
- more waiting...
- 9 months later (could have had a baby in that time!) it's ready
I'd like to say I waited patiently and enjoyed the 10+ hours of driving to collect it but I'd be lying!!!! Still, it was TOTALLY worth it!
What else could I do?
During my long lesson in patience I started thinking about what else I could do? (Not a very patient response!!!) What were others in my situation doing? In my 'I need to get out there' mindset I decided to go kayaking, turns out that's not something that requires my legs much either!
Then I looked again at ways to access the paths and trails I was deeply missing. Mobility scooter? Well... as frustrated as I was at the wait, and whilst this is a much loved bit of kit, this wasn't going to give me the adrenaline rush I was after! The tandem bike with a platform for a wheelchair wasn't really appropriate for me either.
My bike wasn't even here yet and my thoughts were already leaning towards getting a second bike! One to hire out to share with others, everyone must know the joy of handbikes!!! Thus the idea of 'tri-cycle' had begun. (Yes it's my attempt at a play on words and I like it!)
Den ideas...
If, like me, you've ever watched dragons den and convinced yourself that you'd one day come up with something good to go on the show with, then you'll know about the power of a unique idea! Bike hire is far from unique. It's a proven winner around here, there are multiple establishments gathered around trail hotspots. The specialist expensive handbikes aren't available. This is likely due to a number of reasons (it's not a big earner). I'm not deterred just yet...Did I mention the long wait for a bike?!
