Tag: bicycle

Nawlins

I spent several days early this past April in the city of New Orleans, one of my favorite places in the southern United States. I stayed at an AirBnB for the first time and this was also the first time I was able to explore more of the city outside of the French Quarter and Bourbon street. Since I was visiting with two of my male friends, I was able to get assistance to visit a lot of otherwise inaccessible places. But most of all I ate some of the best meals of my entire life. I legitimately feel like you could eat three meals a day at different restaurants and spend months in New Orleans without getting bored.

Entrance to Louie Armstrong Park at night.
Entrance to Louie Armstrong Park at night.

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Rode my handcycle through Hollywood Beach, Florida

Last weekend I visited Hollywood Beach, Florida. I rode my hand-cycle up and down the 3 mile (one direction) beach boardwalk on a gorgeous Saturday morning. I had never visited Hollywood Beach before, but it instantly reminded me of “The Strand” along the beaches of Los Angeles. There’s an endless parade of smoothie stands, beach shops, tiki bars, and smiling, happy people. Also Margarittaville!

There is lots of public parking at the parks that are on both ends of the boardwalk. Best of all, the beaches offer direct access from sidewalk to the sand, with no ramps, dunes or other obstacles to slow someone down. If you watch my video closely you’ll also notice a few blue colored wheelchair accessible mats going out into the sand. I didn’t get a chance to get on the beach as I was tired from my biking, but I will surely return soon.

My first GoPro video

Here is my very first GoPro video. I attached the camera on the front of my Dragonfly handcycle. I still have one of the original three speed Dragonfly’s and it’s still my favorite wheelchair attachment toy. It’s always fun, gets me a lot of compliments, and best of all let’s me go at a fast speed without having to even transfer out of my chair.

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I took my gear over to Lake Nona, Florida, a classic riding spot for me. It’s near my home and work, with a beautiful bike trail that goes several miles through the area sounding the Orlando Airport. The trail even features accessible water fountains (accessible for both wheelchair users and dogs!) and complimentary air pumps. Parking is easy as the trail starts at a small commercial area that has a Panera, a Union Burger (Canadian burger chain that serves poutine), a pizza joint, and a frozen yogurt shop, among other businesses.

Lake Nona itself is an upscale community and a future biotech hub. There are some beautiful houses and people are always friendly.

My first video is rather uneventful, but it gives you an eye-level view of what riding my handcycle is like.