At Rancho, bicycles offer new beginnings

Tina Biu and Robert Cauley, participants in Rancho’s Adaptive Outdoor Adventure program, cycle along the beach. (Photo courtesy Rancho Los Amigos)

DOWNEY – “I had always been an avid cyclist, but after my debilitating stroke, I didn’t think I would be able to ride a bike again and that made me feel isolated and sad,” shared Tina Bui, a member of Rancho’s Adaptive Outdoor Adventure (AOA) program. 

“But the recreational therapist who runs the AOA program showed me that I could still enjoy the things I used to do, including biking. I now have a cycle of my own that I ride all the time. I even use it to meetup with the AOA group whenever they go on their adventures.”

For most people, starting or returning to a physical hobby isn’t a question of accessibility, but rather one of motivation or time. For those who have suffered a life-altering injury or illness, however, the challenge becomes more than just accessibility, but also a question of, “is this even possible?”

The Adaptive Outdoor Adventure Program at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center aims to answer that question with a resounding yes. 

Through funding provided by the Rancho Los Amigos Foundation, outpatients are encouraged to participate with their peers in adaptive activities such as rock climbing, sailing, kayaking, water and snow skiing, cycling, ropes courses, golfing, and trail exploration. These are done under the guidance of Rancho’s recreational therapists who help patients adapt the activity in a safe and controlled environment.

This special program allows patients to not only experience the joy of physical activities, but also gives them the opportunity to form new friendships with others living with disability. Without a hobby, it can be difficult for anyone to find a group in which they feel a sense of belonging or community. Research has supported the idea that these Foundation funded outdoor adventures are just as important for our patients’ mental and emotional health, as they are for their bodies.

“It’s always been the goal of the Adaptive Outdoor Adventure program to help Rancho’s patients find a physical outlet that they can continue doing long after they have been discharged from the hospital,” shared Deborah Arroyo, Foundation Executive Director. “We strive to improve their quality of life through reintroducing them to the enjoyment of leisure activities.” 

Tina emphasized, “the people I’ve met during my time with the Adaptive Outdoor Adventure program have become great friends. We’ve been able to stay connected throughout the pandemic and we meet for rides all over Los Angeles whenever possible.”

February is National Recreational Therapy month and Rancho is pleased and honored to have some of the best recreational therapists in the country working with our patients on an everyday basis.

For more information on the programs and services funded by the Rancho Los Amigos Foundation or to make a donation, please visit us at www.RanchoFoundation.org.

Zachary Deere is manager of development operations for the Rancho Los Amigos Foundation.