Fulton’s iCan Bike camp to teach disabled people how to ride rescheduled

This weekend’s iCan bike-a-thon has been postponed until summer, according to organizer Nancy Hanson.

This first-time event needed a little more time to get off the ground, she said.

“We put it off until August, the first Saturday in August,” she said.

Organizers also are planning the iCan Bike summer day camp in June for people with disabilities to learn how to ride a bicycle, Hanson added.

“It’s the only camp like that in Fulton,” she said. “It’s the happiest, most magical camp.”

Hanson said people with the iCan organization will bring their special balanced bicycles and conduct the camp, from June 27-July 1 at the YMCA of Callaway County. The cost is $150, and there are slots open for 30 riders.

“It’s for any individual over the age of 8 who needs to be able to ride a bike,” Hanson said. “The (teaching) equipment is furnished by iCan, and their technicians will also be able to fit people to their own bikes.”

The iCan website also has a video walking people through the process of choosing an appropriate bike and helmet.

iCan Shine is an international charitable, nonprofit organization with programs in 32 states. Although focused on teaching people to ride bicycles without training wheels, the organization is piloting two new programs, iCan Swim and iCan Dance. About 80 percent of the people who participate in the iCanBike program learn to ride a two-wheeled bike independently, according to the organization’s website at icanshine.org.

Information about the August bike-a-thon fundraiser will be forthcoming. Riders will pedal along the Stinson Creek Trail from Memorial Park in Fulton, either traveling toward the dog park or the state hospital, Hanson said. “I think it will be really fun,” she said. “We’re really excited to get it going.”

For more information, contact Hanson at 573-826-0223.