4 Wheel Drive on the Rubicon Trail

Muscular Dystrophy. I've got it, always have, always will. That's why I'm lucky - I get to participate in a program called Disabled Sports USA - Far West. I'll open up the skiing files soon and talk about that in another spot on this blog. For now, it's summer, and next weekend (7/12) I'm going with my boyfriend (spousal equivalent !), and one of my best girls, Kris, on a 4 WD trip on the Rubicon Trail. It's a day trip, and I'm excited and scared.

When I say scared, I mean stomach all knotted up type stuff. The jeep will be crawling all over granite boulders for the better part of the day. Now when I ski, I try to avoid bumpy impacts that cause severe pain. So, this plan does seem one of my nuttier ones. However, I was emboldened by the encouragement of Haakon, the program director (title ?) of DSUSA-FW at the end of last ski season. "It's not that bumpy at all, Lisa. They go really slow, and you're in 5-point restraints, and there's a roll bar, too." Roll bar? Well, now that's comforting.

I'm scared I'll get really uncomfortable all pinned down for safety. Sometimes I get panicky when I can't move, or make some adjustment to my position. And if I get hypoxic - then I might have a full blown hissy fit. Geez, that would be awfully distressing and embarassing at the same time. I really just want to avoid having a failure of that variety. It'll be ok even if it turns out not to be my cup of tea, I just hope I can complete the adventure. I want to put this new notch in my belt of adventures.


What really turned me on was when Haakon spoke of how much these 4WD folks love sharing their sport with newbies. And honestly, that anyone would go to such lengths to accommodate me and my disability, well I just have to take the offer so generously outstretched to me. We really are all in this together. Sweet!

I'm excited cuz I'm trying something new, and rugged and something not many people can say they've done. Now that I'm becoming more nature-girl instead of city chick, I might even think that motorized vehicles are sort of anathema to the outdoor experience. Since these jeeps are providing me access to the wilderness, I'm going to remain open and boldly go.