Quadriplegic man hand-cycling across Canada receives heroes welcome in Nanaimo

He’s operating a hand-cycle device attached to his wheelchair, relying on the strength of his shoulders to guide his numb hands forward, while receiving a powered boost on inclines.

“Getting outside, getting active, moving your body, it just helps you in so many ways,” Mills told NanaimoNewsNOW. “The other part is creating a discussion about accessibility and how we can improve and make our society even more inclusive.”

Departure Bay students have been following Mills’ journey online through the Pedaling Possibilities website, a non-profit movement.

One student asked Mills what his favourite part of the trip has been.

“Coming through the Rockies was just beautiful, I always loved B.C. Even though there were big hills, I found it was easier to bike because there was always something to look at.”

Mills answerring one of numerous questions from Departure Bay school students. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Embracing activity-based therapy has been crucial for Mills, who said his body is adapting to the demands he places on it, despite his limitations.

Mills, who’s from Newmarket, Ont., said this trip has improved his physical and mental health: “My body feels amazing,” he said.

Inspiring others to improve their quality of life by being active to the best of their ability is something Mills hopes will be the positive impact of his lengthy ride.

He’s also aiming to narrow the inclusive gap those with physical ability issues face.

Challenges like bike lanes too narrow for wheelchairs or a lack of accessible showers underscored where the former paramedic believes improvements can and should be made.

One of the causes Mills is advocating for is a continuous, accessible cross-Canada bike route.

“I think if that happens you’re going to get people from all over the world coming to do it and more people out biking, even doing sections of it,” Mills said.

He said Pedaling Possibilities is raising money for people with physical ability challenges, including acquiring funds for active therapy and adaptive equipment for items like bikes and kayaks.

While he’s not sure what’s next following this grueling trip, which just a few years ago he wouldn’t have thought was possible, Mills vowed to continue promoting the Pedaling Possibilities movement.

“I’ll probably start thinking of a new challenge, a new ride. I won’t be able to sit still for too long,” he chuckled.

Mills is joined by a personal support worker, a touring recreational vehicle and his bike-riding friend Nikki Davenport, who’s riding her bike alongside Mills and originally pitched the Canada-wide trip to him.

Davenport, a kinesiologist passionate about activity-based therapy, expanded on the many benefits an active lifestyle has, particularly for those with physical barriers.

“How can other people seek that activity, that thing that will help click for their soul and quality of life? Everyone should try to find that thing that could make them want to get up in the morning,” Davenport said.

The Mills cycling crew heads to Chemainus on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 28, before stops in Mill Bay on Friday and the finish line at Victoria’s Ogden Point on Saturday.

Mills and Davenport have a large collection of family and friends welcoming them to the provincial capital.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes

by Ian Holmes

Quadriplegic man hand-cycling across Canada receives heroes welcome in Nanaimo

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