“These Group Rides Saved Me”: Happy Tears, Gratitude and Community with Adaptive Mountain Biker and Advocate Amanda

by Amanda Powell, National Park Capable

I found out about adaptive mountain biking through Wasatch Adaptive Sports when I was 33. My friend and WAS instructor Courtney told me how they had group rides and lessons at WAS. I had a hard year of losing my biological dad and my medical struggles with my baby. This summer going to group rides saved me. It helped me find more independence on the bike and a community of friends. Since I had found adaptive sports a little later then from growing up, finding a community of people that just get it was something I had craved since I loved being on the mountain and biking so much. I probably have had more smiles on the mountain with WAS then any other rides I have been on since mountain biking.

Being on the mountain brings me to happy tears often as it is views and experiences I never knew I could have a disabled person and mom until a few years ago. I still have those moments where a sunset or sunrise on trail gets to me and I am so grateful. I cant actually believe sometimes that even with my disabilities I can get in the outdoors in ways I’ve always wanted to but barriers had stopped me until I found out I could adapt.

The best advice I have for people that want to get into adaptive mountain biking but aren’t sure or nervous, is to try it. I was so nervous my first few rides with WAS but everyone made me feel so welcomed and taught me so much about mountain biking that it felt like close friendships and family I was going on rides with after just a few rides. I will forever be grateful for WAS and the experiences I have had on the mountain and the new trails I probably never would have known about or experienced until I had that safe and fun community to explore it with!