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20 | InTouch January – February | I Touch AUTUMN 2024 ROEDEEN ATKINSON HAS FOUND HER LOVE FOR CYCLING AGAIN Roedeen gets active again thanks to a grant from the Bradley Jenkin Memorial fund. FEATURE Roedeen trialling the e-trike at NZ Trikes. The last time I rode a bike was 29 years ago, when I was still at University. With my legs getting weaker over time due to CMT, I could eventually only cycle on the stationary bike in the gym. I remember when e-bikes came out and a friend said surely I’d be able to ride an e-bike. But I knew I wouldn’t be able to. I’d need a bike that would not only assist in the cycling, but also one that would allow me to be seated and remain seated before starting and after stopping, plus something to hold my feet in place. Then last year, my husband decided to investigate options for me. He loves cycling but not leaving me at home every time he went to cycle. So we travelled up to Levin, where he found a company that makes Adaptive bikes. At first, I was too scared to even get on the bike, but once on and cycling, you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Brian Gilbert, Managing Director at NZ Trikes, agreed to hold a bike for me for a deposit, and I could then seek funding and he’d finish the build once I was able to make final payment. My wonderful parents gave me a generous contribution and I applied to the Bradley Jenkins fund which I thankfully got - thank you MDA. My e-trike arrived late October 2023 and we had a wonderful December holiday, going for a number of cycles around our neighbourhood. No more sitting at home when the weather is nice. Now I can also be out and about, having more active fun. Now that I’m becoming more confident on my trike, our plan is to start going away on cycle weekends and My smile hasn’t been this big in a very long time! exploring nature more, and getting some well needed exercise, with the required assistance. It’s so good to be able to be active again, get out with my husband and enjoy life more - especially when I can cycle faster than him! Roedeen Atkinson