A nationwide non-profit group called Spokes Fighting Strokes will be hosting a recumbent trike group ride on the Leelanau Trail Aug. 15 to help people overcome disabilities and get outside.
There will also be a Norte Youth Cycling Bikes for all event on Aug. 13 that will allow people to try a recumbent trike and meet Dan Zimmerman, founder of Spokes Fighting Strokes.
Northport resident John Zavalkink didn’t know where his life would turn after having a stroke.
After getting out of the hospital he started to search for a way to get outside and found a recumbent trike a mile from his house.
While living in Spring Lake, near Grand Haven, it was time for Zavalkink to figure out how to ride it since the stroke affected the mobility of one of his hands and feet.
“I would go as far as I could until my hand fell off. Then I finally figured out how to velcro, I got a long velcro strap and just velcro the crap out of my hand,” Zavalkink said. “I’d see if I go a little further the next time and I got to the point where I could ride all the way around (Spring Lake), which is about 13 miles.”
Zevalkink is a Grand Haven native and has a home in Northport and Tucson, Arizona.
While trying to find therapy he came across Spokes Fighting Strokes.
Zimmerman taught Zavalkink how to configure his bike to help aid him by rewiring the braking so all controls worked on one side and he can do it with his right hand. Once getting his new setup, Zavalkink started riding all over Tucson, which is known as the bike path capital of the world. With hard work and perseverance, Zavalkink started riding 30 to 40 miles every day. He applauded Zimmerman and played apart in getting him to come to northern Michigan to help stroke survivors through recumbent trikes. One of Zavalkink’s goal is to foster a trike community in the area.
“I’ve seen him get a guy out of a wheelchair … you can’t even imagine what a big smile that can put on somebody’s face,” Zavalkink said about Spoke Fighting Strokes.
Zimmerman works with survivors of strokes, brain injuries, parkinsons, MS and more to help them get back outside.
“It’s freedom. Plain and simple.”
Zimmerman had a stroke 18.5 years ago and doctors sentenced him to a wheelchair for life and no talking. He listened to those doctors for four long years and gained 65-pounds while watching TV for most of that time.
“One night in the fourth year, I went to sleep and in the middle of the night I heard my heart beating loudly … It scared me and I bought a trike the next day,” Zimmerman said. “Watching TV for four years. It doesn’t do anything for fixing. I vowed that night to fix my body or die trying.”
For four years he was essentially paralyzed and mad at the world.
Zimmerman couldn’t talk at that point and could barely “surf” around the house.
Eventually he started pedaling three to five miles each day embracing the struggle.
Five miles turned into 10 miles a day for a year then 20 miles a day. This resulted in a clearer head and he began to talk again without therapy.
“Riding my trike pumped blood to my brain … solved everything. Well, not everything. I walk with a limp and talk funny and I don’t use my right hand,” Zimmerman said.
After triking for two years alone in Scottsdale, Arizona he grew bored and eventually found a trike group to ride with.
Having people around him made it easier and suddenly for five days a week he would ride 40-60 miles a day.
During those times he would practice words on the trike with nobody around, calling out every word he saw or thought. Eventually, he knew what his mission was, to help people. Zimmerman formed Spokes Fight Strokes 11 years ago.
A decade ago he did his first trike tour riding from Washington to Florida (5,380 miles), which took five months. This is one of several crosscountry trip he has done solo and with a group.
“Stroke survivors really can get better,” he said.
Zimmerman now travels the country inspiring people to get out on a trike from his motorhome and 30-foot trailer full of trikes attached to the back.
Fast-forward to present day he now has 11 chapters all over the country.
Zimmerman presents at local rehabs, hospitals and more.
Zimmerman and Zalvakink are examples of how people can overcome the effects of a stroke to lead a positive, productive life.
