Irritations & Biking

Tue Nov 25 20:45:17 PST 2003

TC,

It was on a motorcycle that I lost my leg and haven't been back on one yet, but I'm guessing I will someday.  I'm sure you do get some pretty interesting looks.   Most people would think (and they'd be mostly right) that it takes some physical strength to ride a hog and someone who could ride could walk well.  But, it's a different skill set; so to speak.  

I AM going to get back into bicycling though and have begun looking for bikes and ways to the the AK prosthetic to fit right for biking.  

Anyone out there biking with a prosthetic?  Experiences??

Kevin

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: T. C. Harp 
  To: Amputee Information Network 
  Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2003 8:07 PM
  Subject: RE: Irritations! 

  I'm with Ryan on this one.  I see this most often at college.  Some little girl driving grandma's car because she was late for school.  The abuse of this privilage amoung young folks at Texas Tech has gotten so bad that the parking enforcement people are taking some pretty extraordinary steps to prevent it, but still it goes on.

  One the other hand, I get some very interesting looks when I park my Harley in these spots.  I was asked just the other day about the handicapped plates on my bike.  Seems it just doesn't fit in some peoples minds that I could ride but have trouble walking long distances.

  TC in TX, rbk

  -----Original Message-----
  From: AMP-L-owner at u.washington.edu [mailto:AMP-L-owner at u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of R. Goldstein
  Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2003 9:20 PM
  To: Amputee Information Network
  Subject: Re: Irritations! 

  Yeah i hate people that park in Handicapped that arent, and do not have a placard.  I do not park in handicapped now since i feel i do not need to be closer to a place anymore, but i did back when i was on crutches and new on my leg when i was not comfortable walking far.  It does anger me though how its so easy to get a placard.  But some people do have medical reasons for the placards that are not obvious when you see them, such as heart conditions, lung problems, etc...  so its hard to not judge someone who may LOOK normal but really has a medical need for a placard.  But a fat person who is just fat because they eat too damn much does NOT deserve a placard, hell walk the extra 100 yards and burn that ass off.

  Ryan Goldstein
  http://www.m3racer.com
  Be Strong, and Persevere

    ----- Original Message ----- 

    From: Kevin & Rhonda Wixom 

    To: Amputee Information Network 

    Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2003 8:37 PM

    Subject: Re: Irritations! 

    Group,

    As a recent amputee I'm always finding new situations that I hadn't thought of before - in-accessible areas, things I can't do without some extra effort, etc.  Carrying a cup of coffee becomes an adventure if I'm using my crutches!    It is a different world that most people don't "see".  

    My biggest (currently anyway) irritation is "handicapped parking spaces" and the dopes who use them who aren't handicapped.  There needs to be a god who looks over and protects these areas and zaps non-handicapped people with lightning bolts.  Hey, maybe the price of using the space is to become handicapped?   Hmmmm, I wonder how many candles I'd have to light to get that to happen?   

    And while I'm on the topic, how about "just fat" people who use these spaces?  How did fat become a handicap?  These people should be required to park far away from all stores just so they get a little exercise!   (ok, just thought I'd mix the conversation up a bit and throw a little humor into it...)  :) 

    Kevin

      ----- Original Message ----- 

      From: Ranitak at aol.com 

      To: Amputee Information Network 

      Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2003 3:07 AM

      Subject: Re: Over achieving Amuputee

      i often tell people "my reality is different from yours".
      they <tabs and some amps>  just don't get it..  and i'm fortunate in that i can walk.  but there are days when i live inthe wheelchair.
      i went somewhere, and applaud them as the had a w/c accessible bathroom.  but when i got in there, they had a galss table blocking the entrance to the w/c stall.  how stupid is that?
      anyway, you get the idea.

      :)
      anita

      In a message dated 11/25/2003 12:54:47 AM Eastern Standard Time, chamness at daktel.com writes:

      I don't worry about proving to people how agile I can be, I just worry about simple, basic needs. Those few members of this list who use wheelchairs regularly know what is needed to use a public restroom. No matter if its clean or not. Just getting in is most of the battle. Getting around in stores with high shelves close together is lots of fun, especially if there are other people trying to walk down the same aisle. And then check out? I'm on an eye level with five year olds, and cashiers sometimes treat me as if that is what I am, like I should go about with a keeper.  Well, here's a lot of material for Dan to ponder over, psychoanalyze and deliver a profound pronouncement on my mental state or whatever. I'll go back to lurking and reading...

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