The adventure of a man and his passion
By Matthew Leclerc
We see people biking all the time. What about those who are handicap and unable to use their legs? Rory McCarthy has stopped at nothing to accomplish dreams many found impossible. After losing the ability to walk, Rory found ways to counteract these disabilities. Rory always had a love for sports, biking in particular. Once losing the ability to walk, Rory turned to Hand cycling. Outside of his love for biking, Rory loves to take part in photography and photo restoration, digital graphic design, outdoor recreation and travel, reading, and working out at the local YMCA. Rory stays extremely busy while also being a husband and a role model of a father. I got the privilege to ask Rory a series of questions mostly related to his love of hand cycling and biking. Through an online form, he was able to respond.
Do you like to bike?
I have always loved to cycle! Bicycling (pedaling with my legs), then hand cycling, has always been a part of my life. I love the freedom it offers when moving along and looking at places that are new to me. The views of new communities, nearby where I lived as a youngster. I grew up near the shore, yet loved to cycle up and down the coast near where I grew up. I was hooked on the freedom to glide along under my own power and explore the worlds around me.
Another factor in my early childhood which had an impact on my desire for the freedom to ride was the surgeries I experienced at the ages of 9-16 years old. These surgeries were to help with orthopedic issues with my legs. This affected my ability to pedal a regular bicycle. Beginning in my late teens, early twenties, I was only able to walk with the assist of crutches. This made the challenge of riding a regular bicycle difficult and balance especially became an issue.
Matthew, at this time I began my exploration of finding out about hand cycling, pedaling with my arms. I had learned of one company that made a hand cycle and not very-well designed. The great aspect of hand cycling for me was the idea, - my arms were very strong from using crutches for mobility, there were usually three wheels on hand cyles, which meant balance would not be an issue for me.