The benefits of cycling as an NDIS participant are far greater than your usual run-of-the-mill bike riding enthusiast. It’s fun, gives independent mobility and promotes serious improvements with participants' physical capabilities, biomarkers, social engagement, and mental well-being. For many people living with a disability, these benefits have a particular significance. Opportunities for exercise may be limited, and there are recognised problems of weight gain, muscle wastage and poor circulation associated with prolonged wheelchair use or a sedentary lifestyle, not to mention the myriad of mental health conditions and issues that exercise can drastically improve, if not solve.</span>[/column_text][empty_space height="25px"][single_image image="13576" img_size="large"][empty_space height="22px"][edgtf_blockquote text="Life is like a ten-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use. — Charles M. Schulz"][empty_space height="22px"]Depending on their particular disabilities or conditions, people who have a disability will often value mobility more than most. Cycling can noticeably extend the speed and distance of independent movement compared to a wheelchair. The initial and ongoing costs of cycling are also minimal compared to motorised or electric-assisted transport, and cycling has a list of benefits to participants that are longer than our 161km Brisbane Valley Rail Trail ride option.</span></p>Cycling can also be a superbly enjoyable activity to share with family, friends, carers and or your Mountain Bike Specialist Exercise Physiologist! The program does not yet have its own tandem bikes but is very flexible, so if participants are able to provide their own tandem or normal mountain bike,  their AEP can ride with them.  Many of our first-session riders describe the feeling as exhilarating, empowering, and challenging.</span>[/column_text][empty_space height="25px"][single_image image="13569" img_size="large"][empty_space height="22px"][edgtf_blockquote text="“You know, bicycling isn’t just a matter of balance,” I said. “it’s a matter of faith. You can keep upright only by moving forward. You have to have your eyes on the goal, not the ground. I’m going to call that the Bicyclist’s Philosophy of Life.” ― Susan Vreeland"][empty_space height="22px"]The OpentraX programs are regularly introducing new NDIS participants from all over South East Queensland to the joys and benefits of cycling and other outdoor activities – as well as putting many cyclists who are no longer able to ride a standard bike back on the trails. However, most people are unaware of the wide range of solutions available. That's why we have all the options available HERE on the OpentraX Website.</span>[/column_text][empty_space height="25px"][single_image image="13564" img_size="large"][empty_space height="22px"]Independent mobility and load-carrying capacity, a quickly increasing level of fitness and capacity for movement and exercise, mental stimulation, the proud sense of belonging and social membership in South East Queensland's own, OpentraX cycling community are just a few of the incredible number of benefits participants enjoy with the new cycling program specifically for NDIS participants. These are precious things for people and families living with disabilities and through our increasingly popular program, are always measurably improved. Riders of all abilities can benefit hugely from cycling.</span>[/column_text][empty_space height="25px"][single_image image="13530" img_size="large"][empty_space height="22px"][edgtf_blockquote text="“Life may not be about your bike, but it sure can help you get through it.” — Hallma"][empty_space height="22px"]The sense of satisfaction and achievement that comes with travelling independently and getting from A to B under your own steam is very profound and meaningful...especially if you haven't been able to do it before! However, for many people with disabilities, this sense of independence and empowerment is often curtailed as a result of the well-meaning support the person may require. OpentraX’ AEPs are experts at coaching participants on particular skills where they need it most in a way that they still feel empowered.</span>[/column_text][empty_space height="25px"][single_image image="13577" img_size="large"][empty_space height="22px"]Achieving inclusion through active transport is one aspect that participants have been loving as a part of their OpentraX programs. Cycling is one mode of transport in which people with disabilities are significantly underrepresented in Australia. Given the astounding number of benefits cycling offers, this is a significant opportunity that participants have been missing out on until now!</span>[/column_text][/column][/row][empty_space height="25px"][edgtf_blockquote text="“Life may not be about your bike, but it sure can help you get through it.” — Hallma"][empty_space height="22px"][single_image image="13561" img_size="large"][empty_space height="22px"]The program aims to see more people with disabilities experiencing the positive benefits that cycling brings, like better physical, mental health, social inclusion, and making riding a bike more accessible to people of all ages and all abilities.</span></p>Biking truly is more than just another hobby that you can pick up to kill time. By giving cycling a larger role in your daily routine, you are improving your life in numerous ways.</span>[/column_text][empty_space height="22px"]It’s time for you to fully embrace the many health benefits of riding a bike and use them to lead a healthier and happier life.</span>[/column_text][edgtf_call_to_action full_width="no" grid_size="75" button_position="center" button_icon_pack="" text="Places strictly limited to maintain a very high standard for each participant." button_text="Apply Now" link="https://opentrax.com.au//pages/opentrax-rides-application-page/"][/column][/row]</p>