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Paceline hosts First Cycle Clinic

Over 100 people were in attendance for the launch of OPAF’s First Cycle Clinic on Saturday, October 4 in Greenville, South Carolina, making it the largest single event First Clinic ever. First Cycle offered adaptive cycling opportunities for children and adults facing physical and/or mobility challenges. The event was sponsored by Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics, Shriners Hospital for Children/Greenville, Roger C Peace Rehab Hospital, Endolite and Paceline in partnership with Greenville Cycle and Multi Sport and Heather’s Ride. The Newell Group provided breakfast goodies and coffee through the Chocolate Moose food truck on site. Participants came from the Carolinas, Georgia and Tennessee to give adaptive cycling a try. First Cycle was the brainchild of John Kinder and Brian Kaluf, CP of Ability Prosthetics, both avid cyclists. They wanted to offer a chance for others to be introduced to cycling as part of their recreational activities. Roger C Peace and Heather’s Ride provided a variety of bikes for participants to try including handcycles, trikes and tandems, specific to the challenge or injury. Instruction and coaching was through Roger C Peace and staff from Greenville Cycle and Multi Sport and included several Paralympic cyclists and coaches who had recently competed in the IFC Paracycling Championships in Greenville. “Looking forward to other sports. My son has never had an adapted sports opportunity”, “This is fantastic! My daughter and I had a wonderful time”,“Great Event!”“Very informative and encouraging’ were just some of the comments and feedback that we received for First Cycle. John Kinder of Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics in Greenville wrote, “When Brian and I first talked about doing something like this almost two years ago, who knew then it would have been such a wonderful success?? It totally exceeded how I had imagined it!! It has been such an honor to meet and participate with everyone and witness the collaborative efforts of so many caring and talented people. I cannot wait to see what’s next! Thank you to everyone who made this possible. The biggest reward were the smiles and joy expressed from the participants. A number of them told me how free, alive, and dignified (and obviously motivated) they felt being able to get on the bikes. That was the goal. There’s no better testimony!” “This brings