To think I can walk, but don't get up to change the channel

March 2, 2006 4:35 PM

Wheelchair mountaineering: stunning ascents by the seemingly disabled.
posted by mek (13 comments total)

As someone who is locomotively disabled, I nevertheless must confess that "wheelchair mountaineering" sounds like a Monty Python sketch.
posted by Ethereal Bligh at 4:42 PM on March 2, 2006

My brother's girfriend is an instructor for Challenge Aspen -- rock climbing and downhill skiing.

My brother-in-law who is disabled and permanently wheelchair bound has found new joy in both sports.

It's amazing to see his and others' achievement on rock faces and ski slopes.
posted by ericb at 4:43 PM on March 2, 2006

Well, personally I think it's wonderful that they've put access ramps and wide doorways on Kilimanjaro at last.
posted by Decani at 4:43 PM on March 2, 2006

BTW - much props to Amy Grant for her support of Challenge Aspen.
posted by ericb at 4:46 PM on March 2, 2006

Decani, don't forget ADA compatible bathrooms.
posted by Suparnova at 4:47 PM on March 2, 2006

Broke-back mountaineers?
posted by Guy Smiley at 5:27 PM on March 2, 2006

Guy Smiley wins.
posted by Astro Zombie at 5:34 PM on March 2, 2006

It speaks mountains of the ease of Kilimanjaro. And once the snows are gone in a few years it should be even easier.
posted by stbalbach at 5:49 PM on March 2, 2006

And probably safer to be on a mountain with than your average snowboarder.
posted by HTuttle at 6:35 PM on March 2, 2006

Inspiring. Awesome. Thanks mek. As an interesting aside, on the RainbowExpedition site a Tanzanian hospital price list is posted.
posted by nickyskye at 6:42 PM on March 2, 2006

The really remarkable effort is that of the support crews who have to struggle to drag these cripples up mountains.
posted by thirteenkiller at 7:20 PM on March 2, 2006

ttk:
posted by longsleeves at 7:35 PM on March 2, 2006

you know, seriously, if I were disabled I think I'd rather do something that felt more autonomous. if you've got nine people pulling you up a mountain... that really doesn't seem like it'd help your sense of independence.

whatever happened to normal wheelchair sports like basketball?
posted by blacklite at 7:43 PM on March 2, 2006