I've been working with Otho for the past few weeks to help him re-learn how to ride a bike in the face of MS that has been progressing over the past 5 years. Today we had our third session - in the first he learned to ride and made a few short runs. Yesterday he got on the bike himself and showed that he could start/stop by himself and turn around in the width of the trail. Today it was time to really go somewhere. He rode from the Seneca Center to Star City and back nearly unaided. I did give him a little push at the end as he got tired toward the end. However, that doesn't diminish the fact that when he rides he looks as able-bodied as anyone else. He was jubilant after the ride, talking about the feel of the wind in his face and the sounds around him - all under his own power. I can't take much credit for his success, he did all the hard work while I just gave a little guidance and encouragement. I think with more riding he'll get stronger and be able to ride further without help, although he's considering a trike for times when he doesn't have the strength or control to power a bike. Congratulations Otho!
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