25K handcycle
in Grand Rapids

PART 1

My husband's first handcycle race was in May 2023 @Flying Pig 10K. Then he did his first full marathon in Sep 2023 @Air Force Marathon in Dayton. At that time he kept searching about handcycle races near and far to try finding out which races are manageable for himself. At the same time, he kept searching for used handcycles at internet markets. 

During these searches, he saw some race results, stats and rankings. Several names were on the multiple lists. He learned and remembered several top handcyclists' names. At that point, we didn't even think that we would meet those top-top handcyclists in person for real, not at all. 

At the AFM 2023, Mr. Steve Chapman was there. He is one of them (!). We couldn't greet him until after the race just because he was like a movie star (to me). When we greeted him, it was such an honor to talk to him. I believe that he told us about the race in Grand Rapids. That moment struck me. The 25K handcycle race (setting as an official handcycle race separately) sounded so attractive and I was deeply fascinated by the info. That was 2023. 

Here we are in May 2025. My husband registered for Amway River Bank Run; Handcycle 25K in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Finally! It was like a dream race to us. You might wonder "Why? It's not a full marathon, it's 25K only." That is true. 

It was so special to us because

1. It is his first race ever out of Ohio (an out-of-state race).

2. The event features the largest 25K road race in the country and offers the only 25K Wheelchair racing division in the world along with a 25K Handcycle division.

3. The organization has Mary Free Bed rehabilitation hospital as a part of organizers. This group is extraordinary to the disability community. (They know about adaptive athletes very well.) 

4. Handcycle race participants number was huge before covid. There were over 40 (!!) handcyclists. 

5. There might be several top athletes (including paralympian level). 

6. We know that Mr. Steve Chapman and Mr. Casey Falkner will compete. We have known about them since Sep 2023 (from AFM race). 

See? That is why it was special to us. 

PART 2

Usually I don't use a person's personal name in my blog. This time, I prefer to write their names here to honor their accomplishments. Hope they don't mind. 

At the hotel we stayed in, there were most of the adaptive athletes who also stayed in. I saw wheelchair users everywhere. I believe it was my first time ever seeing that many wheelchair users at one hotel at the same time. My excitement was high already.  
In the morning of the race day, all handcyclists and push-rim athletes gathered at the hotel lobby. Again, it was an extraordinary view to me. They started to get into their handcycles/ racing wheelchairs in front of the hotel. Then they went pedaling for warm-up around the hotel. Everything happened smoothly and without any problems.   
The start line was set in the middle of downtown. All athletes were called "Time to go. Time to move."  They started to move from the hotel up to the start line on the roads. Each small section had a volunteer person standing to navigate them telling them which way to go. I was impressed seeing how they organize everything.   
When they reached the start line, they still had a chunk of time to do warm-up around the start line area. It was fun to watch their warm-up. This whole process right before the start was NEW to us (my husband and me), We loved it very much. 

Note: All setting was new to us. At the Flying Pig and Air Force Marathon, we drive to the parking lot, get on handcycle and move to the start line. It sounds almost the same to you, maybe. But this event = the hotel place is the center of everything. Everyone's wheelchairs stay at the hotel and no problem at all. That was a huge difference.  Probably able-bodied persons don't see this part.  I was way too grateful.

Heading to the start line. It was like a parade. 

Note: 5K and 10K race were happening at this moment. One road was full of runners swarming. They had to cross the road. Thanks to volunteers' assist, they all managed to do that. 

The countdown at the start line was so much fun. 22 handcyclists all together. It was a great view. I was not sure if my husband was nervous or not. I was sure that he was happy and excited to be at the start line with others. I was happy, too. The race itself went fast. The top athlete broke the course record (which he had before).  
My husband finished 6th place. He and the 7th place athlete (Mr. Jared Fenstermacher) were together most of the course, shoulder to shoulder. He said "It was fun." I can imagine that.  
After all, my husband’s race was just like the pace he was imagining. So he sounded happy and satisfied. I am so proud of him. Seems he set his next goal for this course, this race next year (!). The 25K race with 22 handcyclists was absolutely amazing and phenomenal to myself. I was grateful for being there to witness whole things.

PART 3

It was the first race to attend and I didn’t have enough time to figure out which positions/places I should be to watch my husband. Bad me. I picked the nice place to watch him right before he crossed the finish line. Then I wanted to rush to get him after. I ran and ran. Funny. It took a bit longer to go all the way around to the other side. I should have known better. (I will do better next time for sure.) Anyway I was happy about his race in Grand Rapids even though I missed watching “his right after the race moment”.  
Then once again, volunteer lady escorted and walked along with my husband (6th) and Mr. Jared Fenstermacher (7th) to go back to the hotel. She made the way to clear for handcycles. It was very helpful indeed. 

I was surprised and impressed that Mary Free Bed Rehab hospital Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports department (wow, this hospital has this kind of department!) set up the post-race reception and the awards presentation ceremony at the hotel to have all adaptive athletes together!  This awards ceremony was held for specifically adaptive athletes only. How nice! How wonderful! I’ve never seen like this before.  
I learned a lot this time. 

Now what are you thinking?  Yes! I am pretty positive that we are going back to this place next year!! Because I loved all the experiences in this new town, Grand Rapids, Michigan. I loved all the people I met and saw.  
There are great people both disabled and able-bodied more and more in the world. They give me more energy and make me smile more and more. 

This is the only one photo at the recovery area after he finished. I wanted to take a photo of two together (he and Mr. Jared Fenstermacher) because they crossed the finish line very closely. I missed it. My big regret this time. 

In case you wonder. Here is the result.

I want to add several topics related to this event. I will add them on May page later on. Including our amazing sponsor The Bridge Adaptive sports and rec!

Blue Bridge!

Go home.