David Wooten Photo
Michele takes Kim on her first motorcycle ride during the Deputy Roger Rice Memorial fundraiser honoring law enforcement men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty.
David Wooten Photo
Michele negotiates a turn as Kim learns to use her body for balance and stability.
David Wooten Photo
On the home page: Michele and Kim enjoy the freedom riding a motorcycle gives to enjoy the outdoors and nature at its best.
People with disabilities are routinely told what they cannot do, or how hard and what a burden it would be to allow us to try new things.
Early on, my parents and teachers learned that “can’t” was a powerful word for me. When someone tells me that I cannot do something it becomes a challenge and I find a way to prove that I can. That attitude has enabled me to achieve many things, let alone the people in my life who have facilitated and allowed me to do the things I want.
I wanted to learn to ride a motorcycle so I could participate in the memorial ride honoring Deputy Roger Rice and all the men and women in blue that was held last Sunday. I asked my best friend, Michele Fowler, what she thought about me trying to ride with her. She was all for it.
We had to think of a way to give me a little more balance and stability for going over bumps and for stopping. Michele put a belt around my waist and the back of the seat and it worked perfectly.
At first I was nervous and held on to Michele’s waist. After a few minutes of riding, I started to relax and felt comfortable enough to let go of Michele and just hold on to the strap on my seat. I learned quickly how to lean when turning or around curves, how to squeeze Michele with my legs for balance as we turned, and how to push back as she breaks.
We rode for 20 minutes the first time. Afterwards my quads and core muscles were sore because they’re not used to working in that way.
Riding is a therapeutic activity, in many ways. It works and strengthens my muscles like in physical therapy.
The freedom I feel as I ride in the wind is remarkable. I am not stuck in my wheelchair — I am free. Free to see God’s beauty in a different perceptive, free to feel like I’m flying in the wind. When I am on the back of the bike I forget that I have a disability.
I believe, with a little creativity and a lot of willingness of others, a person with disabilities can do whatever they put their minds to.
• About the author: Kim Wooten, 25, was born with cerebral palsy, which is a condition that affects her muscles and muscle control. She graduated cum laude in 2010 from North Greenville University with a B.A. in Business Administration. Wooten is married and has a 2-year old daughter.