Tigat,
I missed this thread as I wasn't posting much when you first entered it here. This is a wonderful post, the Trek special build bikes always look so nice and the fact you choose everything makes it a personal statement. Your courage in riding and your work with the disabled inspires me greatly, I have a disability from a spinal injury and continued complications from abdominal cavity scar tissue, that is nothing compared to yours and the others I have met and in our Adaptive Cycling Forum, too. The bike is magnificent and the call sign makes if just over the top, I can imagine your wingman calling "Bandit 01, you are cleared in for your run, make the shots count." As Marines love to say Semper Fi, words I try to live by.

I am looking to hook up with Wounded Warriors as a volunteer, this is my go to organization when I recommend one for anyone that wants to donate. Your lines about the prosthesis under the sign are great, I have seen that one and used it when I am getting around the jobsites and a tradesman asks if I need help. Breaks the ice, instantly.

"From that, I get two takeaways, neither of them the least bit profound. 1. Never take yourself or your current condition too seriously; 2. You never know what you are able to accomplish until you are tested." This should be made into a bumper sticker and a poster, good job and very well said.


Have a great Thanksgiving and I wish you many happy miles and years with the N+1, enjoy them all. Hopefully someday we can do some miles together.

V/R,
Bill Barnard