Bicycling, Travel and Fitness
Expo
by David Hadlich
It used to be that going on a bike ride was only for the non-disabled.
Fast forward to now, and there are many adaptations available for
everyone. The first annual Bicycling, Travel and Fitness Expo will
be held in the Minneapolis Convention Center on Saturday, March 4,
2006 and Sunday, March 5, 2006. There promises to be a multitude
of exhibitors and activities for all ages, including a separate test
track for individuals to try out special needs bikes.
All of this is being
produced by Minnesota Cyclist magazine, and Mike Fredericks. He
has taken an inclusive approach to not only this expo, but to his
magazine, as well. Now published two times a year, and available
free at news stands all around the Twin Cities, he plans to focus
a story in each issue on the disability community and biking. Mike
has a great attitude when it comes to his business. “Everyone
should be included. After I stumbled upon a business that sells special
needs bikes, I realized that this was something I wanted to include
in the magazine, as well as the expo,” said Fredericks.
For individuals and families with special needs, there is not only
the separate test track, but a number of vendors, local and international,
specializing in special needs bikes will be there to allow people
to try out the different types of equipment.
One of the largest fundraisers for the MS Society is the MS 150,
a 150 mile bike ride. Fredericks has noticed an increase in the number
of people riding in this event who are utilizing specialized equipment.
As technology and society move forward, more and more people with
disabilities will begin to engage in activities that were historically
unavailable to them. Biking is a growing sport, and it is promising
to see the disability community being included in its future.
For more information about the Travel and Fitness Expo, please contact
Mike Fredericks at 651-765-8838, or Sally Brown at 651-429-6323.
