Gary and Joe Lapham .
squirrels that ran between their tires . The scenery was also very rich and the Laphams encountered many beautiful landscapes . Laura says she enjoyed the bridges and especially the tunnels that featured exposed rock . The group also rode along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and Laura says she learned a lot about the history of the canal and its locks . However , because they tried to cover 50 or 60 miles a day , they did not have much time to stop and enjoy what they saw .
“ We didn ’ t get to ‘ stop and smell the roses ,’” Laura recalls . “ We started early and ended late every day . Next time we will try to spread things out so we can enjoy ourselves more .”
The Laphams had a few minor breakdowns but say they will definitely take another long-distance bicycle trip in the future .
They rarely encountered other cyclists or hikers along the way until they approached Washington , D . C . “ You break out of the trees and there ’ s D . C .,” Lori says . The trails quickly became crowded with other people as well as dogs . It was hard to maneuver while moving slowly — especially for Joe and Gary on the tandem bike . Aside from the trail traffic , it was hard to tell they were approaching Washington , D . C .
“ Often , children with a disability are looked upon in the community as not having goals , interests , needs or a future . We know that ’ s untrue .”
Laura was excited and relieved when they finally arrived . The Laphams spent the next day visiting museums in the nation ’ s capital . Joe and Gary went to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum while Laura and Lori went to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum .
Joe wanted to go for a ride again only a day after returning home .
The trip helped raise more than $ 1,000 for the Woodlands Foundation , which provides recreational and educational programming for adults and children with special needs or chronic illnesses . The foundation manages a 52-acre campus near Wexford . Joe has attended a summer camp at the Woodlands for several years where he enjoys playing games , hiking , and doing arts and crafts . His favorite part of the summer camp is the dance . Lori notes that while the summer camp is fun for the participants , it also gives families a chance to rest and relax . Laura is a volunteer at the Woodlands .
Joe is also excited about continuing his education after he graduates in two years . Lori says he wants to have his own apartment downtown and ride the trolley .
“ He knows what everybody else has and is striving for the same things ,” she explains . “ He just may need to take a few different avenues to get there .” n
Upper St . Clair | Fall 2016 | icmags . com 59