We had a busy year setting up the groundwork for growth in future years. If we had to summarize 2025 I in one word it would be foundational. We were able to build all this with a budget that is less than the cost of one off-road handcycle (under $15K). The top highlights include
1. Expanded Headquarters: Expanded our headquarters in San Jose so we can fit more handcycles (previously a small shed with two handcycles). Now we have an official looking entrance, three sheds, and a lot more space to have our handcycling lessons (and soon group rides).
2. Handcycle for quadriplegics: Bought a new Stricker Tetra Lipo Smart handcycle for quadriplegics. We can finally serve quadriplegics or users with limited hand function. This is critical as ~60% of SCI injuries are at the cervical level and quadriplegics are not able to squeeze a brake lever or shift using a regular shifter due to very limited hand function. The Stricker handcycle has a smart reverse pedal brake that still allows you to release the crank and adjust the position of the pedals if need be. Shifting as well as adjusting the level of e-assist is done with the chin.
3. Launched wiki.ablebodied.org: An open source platform that will be the cornerstone of our mission to help people with disabilities around the world connect and experience #AbleBodiedAdventures. As a starting point we will use it to build the worlds first global map and guide of where people can go to try out a handcycle. The next step will be to launch our map of #AbleBodiedAmbassadors as well Get1Help2 participants who are actively fundraising to purchase their handcycle. Finally we will add other non-profits and locations that allow disabled users to experience nature, such as accessible beaches. wiki.ablebodied.org has been built using flexible open source software, OpenMapEmbed (built by one of our Get1Help2 participants) and Bookstack. It is designed for non-tech savvy users to be able to update information and keep our database fresh and accurate.
4. Official Able Bodied Swag/Booth: We designed bright yellow Able Bodied T-Shirts and created posters and banners for events. Our first “official” booth was at the fourth annual Kelly Brush Fundraiser in Mill Valley. Able Bodied was the top fundraising team at the event.
5. New Able Bodied Ambassador in Poland: We delivered a Top End Force 3 a new Able Bodied Ambassador in Poland, Adrian. Adrian was injured 10 years ago when he was only 22 and had a 1 year old son. We built his handcycle for a record low cost of only $1,200. Now Adrian is zipping around Poland and goes on 50km rides on a regular basis. He also wants to be an active #AbleBodiedAmbassador and show others his handcycle. He joined a radio program for Radio Lodz with Wojtek to discuss Able Bodied and is excited about building a community in Poland.
