Darl58
Active member
On Sunday I was privileged to be a part of an event taking 4 handicapped athlete’s up to the summit of Mt Washington organized by “Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country (ASPNC)”.Each team would include an adaptive athlete and 14 "mules" who, using a TrailriderTM, will help push and pull the athlete up the 8 miles to the summit. 
The Team that I had signed on with was “Team Chester”; this is a young man that I knew when he was born with CP. His Mother used to babysit for my children, so it was especially emotional for me to be a part of this event. The Mt Washington auto road had given us permission to climb up starting at 5:00 AM, the road opened at 7:30 at which time we had to spread out and wear reflective vests.
We met in the Great Glen parking area at 4:15AM to get organized and to assist getting the athletics ready and strapped into the trailriders. Training of use of the trailriders and rules were gone over. Team Haley, Team Bella, Team Martin and Team Chester were ready and anxious to start our ascent at 5:00AM sharp; off we went with almost a full moon leading our way up the auto road. The start was fairly gentle and we stopped a few times for adjustments of the riders and straps for us “mules”. Each Team carried a flag of their color choice and individual design. “Team Chester runs on mules”, was our design. We had one support vehicle behind us at all times for carrying extra supplies and to assist anyone who was struggling.
It was exciting to pass each mile marker and elevation sign as we climbed. The trailriders are set up for a front “mule” to pull with a shoulder harness, another front person lifting and pulling, 4 side “mules” to pull and stabilize, and a final “mule” in the rear holding up and pushing. We switched off as the need arose and when stops were made. Lots of stories and laughter was heard all the way to the summit. At about the 5 mile mark we had a break for coffee, juice and donuts which were devoured by the athlete’s and Mules alike. (A few regrets on the donut choices later)..ughh
Chester enjoyed his ride and as any normal 25 year old guy loved it when we ran and pushed over some bumps..His adventurous side showed with a huge smile! The weather was perfect and we only got into the clouds as we neared the summit.
At the 6000 ft marker the groups were given the rights to go whatever speed we could muster to the summit…of course with caution for cars. By then my group had dwindled down to 8 of us and I realized it was me and 7 very young “mules”. Team Chester decided to run the last bit to the summit…of course as it steepened our run slowed to a jog but Team Chester summited with style just as a Cog Train arrived at the summit. It was a joyous finish to a remarkable day. Group photos were taken and we lifted Chester in his trailrider up the rock pile for an official summit photo!
Then we all went down to parking lot where a brunch was ready for us and certificates and T-shirts were handed out and Thanks were given to all that helped make this event possible!
I have to say it was an emotional day, sharing one of my passions with someone that has been in a wheelchair his whole life. To witness those smiles on the faces as we arrived at the summit was something that I will remember forever! I will never take a summit or hike for granted again…I will reflect on this day as I climb Mountains and know the joy that this day brought to these four athletics and to us “mules”………………..
Rest of photo's:
https://picasaweb.google.com/hikerd...authkey=Gv1sRgCIX0mPGL8PXD0wE&feat=directlink
