In 2012 engineering students at Michigan Technological University, sponsored by Chevrolet, designed a more comfortable and durable hand cycle for handicapped athletes. On October 20 the cycle got its first real test at the Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank International Marathon.
The hand cycle, known as the Tomahawk, was operated by National Guard Staff Sgt. (retired) Travis Wood of Cedar City, Utah. Wood lost his right leg above the knee in Afghanistan in 2007 during a bomb blast. Wood was part of a 20 member team called the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans who competed in Detroit as quests of Metro Detroit Chevrolet Dealers.
Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet Marketing said, “It has been exciting to watch this cycle go from a vision to race-ready in just a year….What we really need is a manufacturer take the designs and build it so these deserving athletes have access to a reliable, comfortable ride.”
This hand cycle has three wheels, allowing the athletes to lean forward while operating by hand. This ability is considered more comfortable for amputees or other handicapped people than racing with a wheelchair.
Prototypes of the Tomahawk and another model known as the Keweenaw Cruiser were unveiled last December at the Army-Navy Game. Both were created by MTU senior engineering students who were part of a project entitled, “Huskies Helping Heroes.” They designed the cycles in advance of this year’s marathon after meeting with wounded athletes, such as Travis Wood.
One of the MTU Students who participated in the designing of the Tomahawk, James Cook, has this to say: “We’ve worked on versions of this cycle for over a year and have had feedback from dozens of athletes. We’re ready, and feel it is so much more than an engineering project: It’s our chance to give opportunity to those who have served all of us.”
