TrailRider can
take you places
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
Dennis "D.B." Bruce (left) and Melissa Bruneau-Aldridge begin assembling a Trail Rider Black Diamond, a device that enables people with limited mobility (including quadrapalegics) the ability to enjoy the outdoors.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
"It's definitely different," said M.P. Patrick, a volunteer at the Bartow Church Service Center. Having limited mobility, Patrick was looking at a device called a Trail Rider, a device that enables people such as Patrick the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
Melissa Breneau-Aldridge (left) explains to (from left) Dennis Bruce, M.P. Patrick and Tammy Patrick how to operate the Trail Rider.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
Serving as "sherpas," Tammy Patrick (left) and Dennis Bruce (right) get ready to transport M.P. Patrick (seated) as Melissa Bruneau-Aldridge gives a last-second instruction.
PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER
It may look complicated, but for Tammy Patrick (left) and Dennis Bruce (right), maneuvering M.P. Patrick on a vehicle called a trail rider is not difficult. The three experimented with the device in anticipation of using it Saturday at a preserve in Babson Park.
Anyone who has limited physical mobility knows the frustrations that accompany the inability to partake in many outdoor activities. This is especially true for those who have aged and may no longer have the ability or desire to participate in more strenuous endeavors, such as Para-Olympic style competitions. Simple ventures, such as visiting parks, hiking, even descending into natural attractions such as caves can often be out-of-reach or off-limits.
Several years ago, Melissa Bruneau-Aldridge began to suffer from a degenerative spinal condition. For one who absolutely adored outdoor adventures, as her condition worsened, her ability to participate grew less, and narrower. But not one to let her condition reduce, let alone, eliminate her passion, she began what eventually became a two-year journey to find a way to circumvent her limitations.
