By Kerry Laird

The handcycle, like the bicycle, offers the rare opportunity for a person to commune with nature, commute for health, and command a greater quality of life.

I am by no means an athlete. Perhaps there was a time in my twenties when I fancied myself a Paralympic hopeful. But the speed never came, even though the 5 years of daily training never waned.

After a while, I realized I would have to settle for being a weekend warrior. I had to get my doors blown off a few times before I acquiesced to the more dominant racers of the field, particularly the high schoolers who were 10 years my junior.

For the full column, go to http://www.ncpad.org/623/2588/Handcycling~-~Crossing~the~Finish~Line.