We met in the desert. I was working in “Accessibility Camp” at the Burning Man Festival in Nevada, where our goal was to help folks with mobility issues get around the dusty desert setting more easily.

One day I noticed these handcycles, which are just what they sound like—cycles you power by cranking pedals with your arms instead of your legs—made from old bikes and wood. I was told the cycles were donated to the camp by a guy from Idaho named Randy. Having mobility issues myself, I was curious about the man who created these rugged contraptions and wanted to learn more about how (and why) he made them. Continue reading →