The High Line Canal provides unique experiences for all kinds of users. One group is those who participate in the Cycling Without Age, a nonprofit that gives free, wind-in-the-hair experiences to those unable to do so themselves. Participants are taken along trails via a trishaw. But we’re no experts. So we asked Cycling Without Age Board of Director Member Chris Wootten (Chris is also a High Line Hero!) to share more. Here’s Chris’s story.

I grew up a short rock’s throw away from the High Line Canal. In fact, the Canal filled our small pond a few times a year. Needless to say, the High Line Canal has played a key role in my growing up.

I started volunteering for Cycling Without Age Littleton as a pilot in June of 2020. A Pilot! Such a cool title for someone who gets the pleasure of taking one or two people out in our trishaw for an hour or two. What is a trishaw? A trishaw is a 3-wheeled e-bicycle that has a sit-down bench in the front of the bike. We take out those with mobility or stability problems and share an experience along one of the several trails / paths. Many of our older adults used to be very active but life has given them new limitations. With a trishaw experience, our passengers can feel the wind in their hair and experience things that more recently might have seemed less attainable.

I have a few favorite rides I like to take my passengers. The majority of our trishaw experiences begin at RiverPointe Senior Living. A short northbound ride on the Mary Carter Greenway and then a right on the Big Dry Creek Trail leads us to High Line Canal! Go north towards Quincy and we get to enjoy sprawling, unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains. Go south and discover similar majestic mountain views towards deKoevend Park. There is nary a moment of a lack of conversation when we ride on the High Line Canal and enjoy these amazing views. I remember my passenger Molly just marveled over the beauty of a massive cottonwood tree and asked to stop for photos.  We did.  Of course, we did (photo attached). FYI, the trishaw ride from RiverPointe to Quincy along the High Line Canal is about a 2.5 hour round trip, all the while the passenger(s) is/are seated restfully and comfortably buckled up in the trishaw.

You do not need to be a resident of RiverPointe! Just note that is where most of our rides originate. To book a ride, please contact Jinny at (414) 861 – 4877. If you are interested in volunteering your time, contact Barb at (720) 231 – 6248. Fun fact: Barb and Jinny are sisters!

ABOUT CYCLING WITHOUT AGE

Cycling Without Age Littleton is a non-profit and 100% donation driven organization. That’s right. There is no charge to the passengers and our pilots are 100% volunteers. If this tugs at your heartstrings like it did mine, please consider a donation and allow us to continue to offering wind-in-the-hair experiences to all who are unable to do so themselves.

We are proud to protect and enhance a greenway that supports people across the Denver metro region. Help preserve this recreational and ecological for generations to come. Learn about our membership program.