Rediscovering Freedom Through Biking

For this month’s instalment of Beyond Barriers, Sophie Morgan shares how her life changed when she discovered the freedom of biking.

8 March 2024

A Revelation in Mobility

Discovering that I could drive without the use of my legs was nothing short of a revelation. Before a car crash left me paralysed from the chest down, I was unaware of the adaptations available for disabled drivers until an occupational therapist informed me that it was possible for someone like me to drive.

A few days later, I awkwardly transferred into a learner car, buckled my seatbelt, and felt the vehicle edge forward as I engaged the hand controls. My life, which had felt unrecognizable during early recovery, was slowly coming back under my control.

Redefining Accessibility

Adjusting to life with paralysis often means navigating the world in a wheelchair. However, I was determined to find alternative methods to explore my surroundings, reinventing the concept of mobility. After all, there is only so far a wheelchair can take you.

Driving represented freedom and agency at a time when my fate felt uncertain. It provided an escape from the societal perceptions surrounding disability. I no longer felt confined to those labels.

Discovering New Possibilities with Can-Am Ryker

My world shifted again when I encountered the Can-Am Ryker. Although it was not designed for users like me, its stable structure allowed me to ride without relying on balance or core strength. For my first ride, I journeyed to Scotland, revisiting the site where I suffered my injury and reclaiming control over the road.

In that moment, the experience became a mantra for my life post-injury—emphasizing that I could indeed drive forward despite adversity.

The exhilarating sensation of independent driving is a declaration of defiance, transcending traditional societal expectations and gender norms. Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of power and adaptability that I had long desired.

Embracing a New Identity

Leaving my wheelchair behind, I experience a shift in perceptions. On my Can-Am Spyder, I become a “biker chick” rather than a wheelchair user. This new identity empowers me, shaking off the negative stereotypes often associated with disability.

Having a powerful machine between my legs transforms my outlook. The confidence I gain while riding stays with me long after the engine stops, serving as a reminder of my strength and resilience.

Road to Recovery and Advocacy

My advocacy work saw significant growth alongside my riding journey. It coincided with the end of an abusive relationship, making the road to recovery particularly challenging for women, especially disabled women. Nonetheless, I found empowerment in biking, enabling me to regain confidence and overcome struggles.

The Biker Community and Personal Freedom

Fellow rider and close friend, Kristina Tracey, echoes this sentiment. She notes how being part of the biker community provides solace and empowerment, offering a sanctuary and a meditative experience amidst life’s challenges.

During a 4,000-mile solo ride across America, our friendship deepened as we traversed scenic routes, affirming the supportive nature of the biker community. This diverse community spans age, race, size, and ability, creating a unique sisterhood among riders.

As Cindy Birkett beautifully states, “Freedom of the mind begins with a single turn of the key.” The calming sound of engines and the camaraderie found in the biker community have been invaluable to my journey of healing and empowerment.