PARSIPPANY — A special biking camp for persons ages eight and older with disabilities is going to be held for the first time ever in Morris County this summer, at the County College of Morris in Randolph during the week of August 6.
The weeklong iCanBike program teaches participants to ride independently through a week of training.
Using adapted, custom-built bike equipment, and with assistance from trained professionals and volunteers, participants in the five-day iCanBike program receive 75 minutes of daily instruction.
The riders each will have two-to-three volunteer “spotters” to offer encouragement and provide physical support, if needed. The goal is to have each rider graduate to her or his own bicycle by the end of the week.
“This is a remarkable program that can benefit an important segment of our community,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “We thank the organizers for bringing it to Morris County.’’
The iCanBike program, which is a nonprofit endeavor, will be held at CCM from August 6 to August 10, said camp organizers Diane Doherty and Judy Lauber. The cost is $200.00.
“Biking has the potential for being a family activity since everyone can ride together,’’ said Doherty.
“For the campers, biking is a monumental accomplishment. And their families can sit back and enjoy watching the participants having fun.’’
“For the campers, biking can build self-esteem, improve their confidence and improve their physical fitness,’’ said Lauber, who along with Doherty is an avid cyclist.
Each daily session will have a maximum of eight participants, with five sessions per day, so this summer’s iCanBike at CCM can accommodate a total of 40 participants.
It will be held indoors from Monday through Friday. But riders who acquire enough skill will be able to ride outdoors for part of the week in a roped off parking area, with their volunteer spotters.
“This is a great opportunity for people with disabilities to learn to independently ride,’’ said Marty Epstein, the owner of Marty’s Reliable Cycle, and the bike shop sponsor of the event.
The Morris Area Freewheelers Foundation also is a sponsor. Their mission is to promote safe cycling and advance the awareness about the role of cycling in the community.
The Hyatt House Hotel also is sponsoring the program, and is facilitating reservations
For professional staff members from iCanShine, Inc., which is the national organization.
“This is a unique and rewarding program,’’ said Doherty, who said that donations would gladly be accepted by the nonprofit group to help cover the expenses of running the camp.
To learn more about iCanBike camp or register, click here.
