NEGATIVE TO POSITIVE ...

 

Like many mums with school-age children, I tend to greet the holidays with a mixture of relief (at not having to bellow at and chivvy them along all the time) and a healthy dose of apprehension. Unlike many mums however, I have a pre-teen son with a learning disability - which means that this apprehension can and often does, turn swiftly to dread - the moment one or other of his bored siblings asks the age-old unanswerable question: “what are we going to do today?” What indeed? Given said son’s track record in the field of “interesting behaviour” (his personal best being a family outing to Scone Palace in the summer, the memory of which still sends shudders down my spine - add that to the ever growing list of places we won’t be visiting again), it was with no small amount of trepidation that I decided to bite the bullet and attempt a trip over to the recently opened Highland Cycle Ability Centre at Cantray Mill, near Cawdor. Truth be told, I didn’t quite know what to expect - though past experiences have prepared me for most eventualities.  For instance, parking the car as close as possible to make beating a hasty retreat easier, in the event of it all going pear-shaped is always a very good idea.  As much as I hate to admit it, there’s always the distinct possibility that whatever the chosen activity, it will turn out to be yet another thing that “James can’t do” or “we can’t do with James”.... Happily, for once my fears were entirely unfounded.  The moment we arrived there was a distinct and very encouraging atmosphere of calm about the place.  Instructor and co-ordinator Giles Makins was helpful and attentive, without being overbearing - and didn’t seem in the least bit concerned that actually, I had never seen James ride a bike.  I’d seen a photo of him sitting ON a bike at school, but as far as actually riding one goes, this was entirely new territory for us all. So you can imagine my amazement (we are talking ‘jaw-droppingly shocked surprise’) when James nonchalantly clambered aboard an adult-sized trike as if it was something he’d been doing all his life and took off like a shot with me and sister Anna (8) in hot pursuit.  

The 1 kilometre circular tarmac track at Cantray Mill is a beautifully simple idea, with a field of cows in the middle.  It gently undulates and at one point has a twisty dog leg turn with a sharp drop and twist at the bottom - challenging for any cyclist - regardless of their ability - but my concerns about James losing control of the bike and taking an impromptu flying lesson were completely unfounded, as he negotiated this with un-nerving skill and dexterity, not to mention a lot of excited shouting as well!.  In all, he did around 6 or 7 laps in quick succession - and I didn’t even know he could cycle.  The track at Cantray Mill has freedom, space and safety – a very rare quality into today’s risk assessment obsessed world...
HCAC is the brainchild of Alastair and Joanna Macgregor of the Watermill Foundation charity.  No strangers to brilliant ideas - Alastair and Joanna have worked tirelessly to create stimulating, inclusive, healthy and fun opportunities for children and adults with disabilities for many years, among others Riding for the Disabled and the Nairn Hydro Pool.  As Joanna explained, the emphasis of what they do has always been about inclusivity for all, “I always think it has to be something for siblings as well, something to do as a family and not simply an activity for the person with the disability. This is something so hard to find usually and I speak from experience.” The all abilities track at Cantray Mill is the first of its kind in Scotland, providing a safe - yet refreshingly relaxed environment where amazing things can happen.  Our visit to the track and its indoor facilities prompted a real “a-ha!” moment for James and for us too, turning what we feared would be yet another negative experience into a resoundingly positive one. The importance of and need for a facility like this is beyond doubt.  The benefits to all - disabled and able-bodies alike - are numerous - health, wellbeing, confidence-building and individualised empowerment and just as importantly – a lot of fun!  The Watermill Foundation plans to create a RDA for Cycling at Cantray Mill and the wheels are currently in motion to make it a reality.  “The main focus of our 2014 Spring Fundraiser is going to be a taster session open to all”, said Alastair, “with a range of specially adapted bikes being provided for the event by leading UK manufacturer Quest 88, who will also have representatives on hand to assist participants”. Having passionately supported their own disabled son (also James) into adulthood, with a myriad of innovative and creative ideas and activities, Alastair and Joanna are determined to make cycling for the disabled a regular activity for as many people as possible.  As a parent experiencing the huge benefits just from one session at the track, there’s no doubt at all in my mind that this idea will (just like my James), take off at high speed!

For more information on the Highland Cycle Ability Centre, visit their website at: http://highlandcycleability.co.uk/

JH