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
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