Part 2
Blind cyclist & his wife have a great ride at MS150, June 2, 2018
Therapeutic Adventures (TA) / IndependencePlus Adaptive Sports (I~AS), is pleased to report that husband and wife team (Bill and Ellen Painter) recently cycled in Bill’s 25th MS150, the weekend of June 2-3, 2018. As longtime members of the Grateful Tread Cycling Team and recent members of the Therapeutic Adventures – Travel Team, the two have cycled in many events over the years. Regrettably, Bill is now blind, as a result of a progressive loss of his vision over the past several years. This has not, however, changed Bill’s passion for the sport of cycling.
The married duo have adapted to challenges and now ride a TerraTrike tandem recumbent cycle. Bill was determined to ride in his 25th MS150. With Ellen piloting the tandem TerraTrike cycle from the front, and Bill providing additional crank power from the rear, the two enjoyed a wonderful reunion ride with the Grateful Tread Cycling Team. I am pleased to report that they rode almost 50 miles on Saturday, June 2nd! This was a major accomplishment because they only had the new tandem TerraTrike cycle for two weeks prior to the event.
The Sunday ride was cancelled for safety reasons due to conditions from inclement weather. Over the years, the Grateful Tread Cycling Team has helped raise approximately 1/2 million dollars to help support Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research and programs. We are pleased that the couple displayed stickers from Therapeutic Adventures & The Challenged Athletes Foundation on the TerraTrike, promoting both organizations to all the cyclists and other event spectators. Bill and Ellen are continuing to train and look forward to their next big ride.
Congratulations! We are very proud of you both.
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