I have been a biker for getting on for 15 years and have had various different types of bikes and loved the freedom of getting out for a blast as well as the daily commute. Unfortunately in October 2010, I was diagnosed as having Multiple Sclerosis. I tried to stay on 2 wheels for as long as possible but as my MS mainly affected my balance and leg strength, it was only a matter of time before the deterioration started to affect my ability to ride. After dropping my bike a couple of times when coming to a stop due to weak legs, I decided that it was time to accept that 2 wheels had no future for me. After a while, I decided that I would look at trikes as an alternative and bought a Phoenix style VW trike which initially felt great to get the crash helmet back on. However the joy was short lived because
as my MS progressed, it became more and more difficult to operate the foot clutch due to weakened legs. So I decided to change to a bike based trike which again worked well for a while but as time went on gear changing was becoming harder and harder. As I had now been retired on ill health, financing a new more suitable trike was very unlikely and I was seriously considering hanging up the helmet for good. I started putting the word out among friends that I was considering selling the trike until one of my friends suggested applying for a grant from the NABD to get the trike adapted as my MS only affects my legs. After doing some research, I applied for the grant to have the Kliktronic system fitted to cover the gear changes as well as dual levers to cover the rear brake. I am
also fitting foot boards to give me more support for my legs. My grant application was approved and the work was carried out by Skinners Motorcycles in Dundee. So now, thanks to the NABD, all controls are on the handlebars, I can now continue to enjoy the trike which would otherwise have been sold. Jimmy Strathearn Arbroath For further information on the Kliktronic gearchanger and Twin Lever visit: www.kliktronic.co.uk or telephone 01359 242 100. This NABD grant of ÂŁ1090.00 was sponsored by donations from the Girder Fork & Classic Bike Club, Ilkley, West Yorkshire. 9
NABD OPEN HOUSE
ISSUE 95
