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Tara Llanes and her new wheels. Photo from CBC.

It is not often that I get to write about something that actually brings a smile to my face on this blog so I relish those opportunities when they arise.  Yesterday morning, while watching the news I saw a segment about a custom mountain bike that is making it's Vancouver debut at the Bike Show this weekend, and this is no ordinary bike.

Tara Llanes has guts, and heart.  She's won many championships while racing BMX and mountain bikes.  During a 2007 race in Colorado, she crashed and broke her back and neck, which put her in a wheelchair.  Now, thanks to a little help from her friends, she's got a new three-wheeled bike and she'll soon be ready to hit the trails again with the people she loves.  

North Vancouver bike shop, Obsession Bikes, has helped customized the bike to Llane's body and needs.  It features a chest pad that helps steer the bike when she is leaning on it.  There is also a motor that allows her to choose how much help she wants while riding.  While watching the interview it was evident how much biking is a part of Llanes' soul (she raced competitively for 15 years).  After an accident like Llanes' many would get a little gun-shy and stay away from bikes, but she said that she would find a way to ride again one way or another.

At the same time (here some the sociology), as cool and inspiring as this bike is, it is also a statement of class.  It is EXPENSIVE to get a custom bike made so unfortunately for those in the lower classes who suffer the same accident as Llanes will probably not be as fortunate.  For those who think that injuries aren't political, I'll say it, you're dead wrong.  Llanes is privileged enough to enjoy doing what she loves most - riding her bike in the mountain with her friends and her dog.  It's in a different fashion than before, but riding is better than not riding in her eyes.  How one is treated for an injury and rehabilitated from an injury is determined by the politics of class, race, age and geography (at a minimum).  Some people might not receive any treatment whereas others will receive the finest care.  Some will receive one version of rehab over another because of conflicting medical viewpoints.  As inspiring as Llanes' story is, it should also make us wonder how many others are not as privileged to get a second chance.  Technology can be great, but who of us gets to benefit from it?

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