Along the trails of Percival’s Island on Sunday afternoon nine families gathered to watch their children ride custom-made bicycles from Wheels on the James.
A six-month-old nonprofit, Wheels on the James is the Lynchburg Chapter of the national nonprofit AMBUCS, which helps provide the disabled with mobility and independence.
Wheels on the James has already built and distributed 14 therapeutic bikes, specifically made to match each child’s abilities.
Ten children are on a waiting list for the specially crafted bikes.
Sunday marked the organizations’ first group trail ride.
Rebecca Waggoner, a member of the Wheels on the James Board of Directors said the rides, created as a way to help the families stay connected, are expected to become a regularly occurring event. WOTJ is also planning a community-wide bike race.
This weekend’s event featured professional bike mechanics who worked on each bike to make sure they still fit their rider’s needs. For families, the two-hour gathering was a chance to network and share resources.
“It’s just really important that families know that there are other families going through the same thing,” said Waggoner.
For more information on Wheels on the James call (434) 237-0928 or visit its website.
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