Handbike

The first handisport event took place during the 3rd Somme Poppy Marathon in 2007.

Only the half marathon was open to handbikes for practical reasons. We took part in this event to show people our sport which is open to able as well as disabled people.

Two years ago during the 3rd Somme Poppy Marathon the novelty for the public was the participation of two disabled people who completed the half marathon on their handbikes.

This event was a part of my training project in " Les Trois Vallées de Corbie" rehabilitation center. My targets were to develop some disabled sports and more specially ‘the handbike'. The first two participants were two patients from the functional rehabilitation center. I followed them personally with two professionals from the health center.

We took part in the half marathon the 10th June 2007 at 8h45. We finished the race in less than two hours with an average speed of 12 km/h.
We were very surprised by the warmhearted welcome and encouragements from both the spectators and the participants (cheers, clapping, encouragement, pictures,..). This encouragement lasted from the beginning to the end with numerous congratulations after the race.

But from the beginning of my story, I have been talking to you about Handbike. So, what is it exactly ?
If we translate word for word, we find the term "hand bicycle". Dubious are you? I think I must give you some more information.

Opposite to the standard bicycles which progress with the movements of the legs and feet on the pedals situated at the bottom of the bicycle, on a handbike the pedals are in front of the racer who uses simultaneous and symmetrical movements of his arms and hands to provoke the progression of the hand bike. It is the front wheel that is the driving wheel on the hand bikes.

The majority of hand bikes could be considered like a tricycle with a manual propulsion.
As with traditional two wheel bicycles, we can find in certain cases the similar system of traction (wheels, derailleur, pedal and gear mechanism) but with the pedals and gear mechanism located at the height of the arms and the substitution of pedals by handles.

There are different types of Handbikes : with a fifth wheel and a rigid frame.

Fifth wheel

This hand bike type "fifth wheel" is mainly used for leisure activities. It is a monocycle with manual pedal and gear mechanism that is fixed to the chassis of personal and traditional wheelchair (the propulsion remains by hand).

Rigid frame

As it sounds, the handbikes type "rigid frame" are tricycles mounted on three wheels.
It is possible to fit a frame to the rear wheels in order to ameliorate the stability round bends. We find again at the front one driving wheel which is also a guide wheel. The braking system is also assumed by the front wheel.

Handbike, For whom?

The hand bike is designed for medullar patients (paraplegic, tetraplegia), for amputees of the lower limbs, for hemiplegics, for poliomyelitis, for disabled people with cerebral problems ...and also for able persons.

Handbike, Why?

The handbike is both a good way to exercise, socialise, travel fast and a very exiting sport!

This activity should be known by the maximum of people.

To conciliate handicap and sport - It is possible !!!

Our goal is :

• To promote the sport for everybody, for leisure as well as competition.
• To have fun getting together.

On this site you can see some photos of our participation. Our organisation and participation were rewarded with prizes (tee shirts, medals and a cup) like other any participants in other categories.

Last September 12 of us took part in the half marathon; I hope in September 2009 we will have an even bigger group of Handibikers.

Your support and encouragement will be very welcome!

SENECHAL Gauthier