Assisted Cycling Tours Opens Up the World of Bicycle Touring for People...

Assisted Cycling Tours is opening the world of bicycle touring to people with developmental and or physical disabilities and their families.

Assisted Cycling Tours (ACT) has begun serving the disabled population through a variety of bicycle trips across Colorado and the United States.The organization's primary goal is to foster confidence and independence in those with disabilities while offering the family an opportunity to spend time together. ACT was started by parents of children with developmental disabilities as a way to help other families.

"As a father of a son with developmental disabilities, it was incredibly difficult for me to find something we could do together," said Bob Matter, Executive Director of ACT. "ACT was started to give families a way to be together doing something "normal". It also allows both parents and kids to get together with other families and share the experience". ACT has run several clinics and trips prior to this year. Matter's son, David, is a 17-year-old with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Mark and Barbara Krumpelman, took their 15-year-old daughter, Ashley, and their 13-year-old son Andrew, who has autism, on a 2 day trip. "We have tried so many ways to get Andrew to ride a bike. This was such a great tour. We will definitely do it again," Mark said. Ashley agreed and added, "We haven't gotten to do much together as a family, so it was really fun. I can't wait to do it again." Barbara, who doesn't ride a bike, was able to participate by driving one of the support vehicles.

For 2008, ACT will be offering trips mostly within Colorado. "We offer day trips and weekend trips that are designed for the casual rider," Matter said, "but we are also planning a week long trip in Vermont in October of 2008. Our goal will be to get riders from across the U.S. to join us in Vermont."

A typical trip consists of a 15-20 mile ride that is mostly down hill or flat. With rest stops every 6-7 miles, the ride can be easily done by most people on a tandem. "David and I have ridden every route we do just to make sure it can be done comfortably. Our goal is to enjoy the experience and time together, not train for the Tour de France," Matter said. After lunch, an optional excursion is made available to anyone who would like to participate. Dinner is together with the group and the evening is free.

ACT will be running demo clinics and workshops during the spring of 2008 followed by trips around the state of Colorado during the summer and fall. For 2009, the plans are to start opening regional chapters around the U.S. and a take a two week trip in Ireland in the summer of 2009. ACT serves children and adults with disabilities and provides riders to help should family members not be able to ride with the participant.

Trips are priced for a rider and one parent, guardian or sibling. A tandem or an adaptive bike is included in the price of a trip along with meals, snacks and lodging. Bikes for family members as well as lodging, meals and snacks are available at an additional cost depending on a variety of factors. Optional afternoon excursions are also available at an additional cost, when applicable, which varies by activity.

About Assisted Cycling Tours - Press Release Newswire (http://www.assistedcyclingtours.org) ACT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Westminster, CO. Its mission is to foster independence and confidence in individuals with developmental and physical disabilities and allow families to spend time together in an activity which everyone can participate. This is done through bicycle trips to locations that they may not otherwise be able to see.

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