Erica

Challenge:

Erica missed riding her bike; something she did when she was younger. She had not ridden it in many years because her balance is not what it used to be, and she fell the last time she attempted to ride. Erica has been encouraged to exercise more to improve her health but was bored just walking. She is always looking for something to do and loves social situations.

Solution:

Erica was invited to ride along the canal in Fairport on a supported ride and try out a three-wheeled recumbent bike. It was a beautiful night, and “I met some nice people”. She even saw a baby deer drinking from the edge of the water. She admits she was nervous about riding again, but the volunteers reassured her and off they went.

As they pedaled their way along the scenic Erie Canal pathway, she realized she was fine.  It was fun to be able to ride a bike again! She signed up for another ride in Brockport with her aunt (through the On The Canals summer program) and enjoyed that as well. Now Erica knows she can ride whenever she and her family want to go out by accessing the cycles at Erie Canal Boat Company. The supported rides with RAA’s CanalPal volunteers gave her the confidence she needed!

“I am planning to go on more rides this summer and hope to try kayaking too! I have been working on increasing my exercise and this has helped to give me another activity besides walking. It felt so good to be out meeting new people and having fun while working towards my goals.”