Hello, everyone.
This is my first post to this forum. I was pointed to this forum by members of the FJRForum group of which I am a member, under the same name of KaitsDad.
I don't have a sidecar - but I'm looking for someone in the north Orange County, California area that would be willing to take two young disabled men for a sidecar ride.
About myself - I'm a "waiter" for an 06 Yamaha FJR1300 A. Due to deliver in May. I am a retired Scoutmaster, but still active with my troop in Orange, Ca. Troop 170. Woodbadge trained, class WEM-39-00.
There are two young men in my troop - they are both 17, but live in wheelchairs. One due to Cerebal Palsy, the other due to some kind of metaboloic disorder, the effect of which is protein buildup in his brain.
Here are some shots of a recent junior leadership training session that they took part in. http://kaitsdad.smugmug.com/gallery/1078881
This link is to a specific gallery, but if you move up the file structure, you will see other galleries from our troop.
The two young men decided to join our troop even though they qualified for a "special needs" troop. They are both Life rank, and are dilligently working on their Eagle ranks. They are very interesting individuals, and our troop is special because of them. I know that my life is better for knowing them.
They will be finishing highschool this coming June, and will be heading off to college.
I have discused this with their parents who are excited about the possiblity of giving them a hack ride. They are always looking for new experiences for the boys. However, it has not been discussed with the boys yet, and won't be until someone commits.
The ride doesn't have to be very long. 15 mintues or so - helmets would be required, and because neither of them can really hold on to anything, the cars would need to have belts in them. Communications would also be nice, but not necessary. Kevin (the CP victim) holds a ham operator's license.
Now - no one on this forum knows me. I want you to understand that this is not bogus - I am willing to cover expenses of fuel, food, etc. (up to a point - but we can certainly discuss it)
I am hoping that there is someone local to Orange that can show up on a Saturday afternoon (pre-arranged) and suprise the heck out of these young men. I can tell you they would have ear to ear grins when it was over.
I can be contacted via the email function of this forum - or harisser AT pacbell DOT net.
Thank You and God Bless
I hope you'll get lots of responses! Consider calling Doug Bingham at Sidestrider in Van Nuys. (818) 780-1587. He may know of someone in your area. Good luck.
Hal,
Your Ca. USCA State Rep informed me of what you posted and I copied your post to the SCT site......see link in my signature below.
And ..yes, Doug B. would be an excellent source to contact as was mentione by Steve.
Steve, Claude,
Thank You !!
I have made contact with Mr. Bingham - and things are afoot !!!
We don't expect the ride to happen until May - and I'll post pictures for all to see.
Hal Risser
'KaitsDad'
Did you get something put together yet?
I am a ex scout leader of a special troup. Realy wish I could help you, my rig is setup to cary a wheelchair and passanger, but I am located in Colorado. call me if I can be of help 970 241 1325
Ron in Co
So glad things seem to be working out for you -- and more importantly -- for the guys! I'm foster pop/legal guardian for a young man (28) who has severe autism and for him, riding in his sidecar is always gives him pleasure!
Best wishes,
Sidecar Ron
Hey, there's a CAN (Cure Autism Now) ride in LA on Sept. 17. There may be some sidecar rigs in that -- maybe another chance for them to ride. The web site is www.canridenow.org
