Competing at a new level
By John Marquez
When i first got an email back from GoHawkeye about the equipment grant, i instantly was filled with joy. I have been thinking of using and owning a CarbonBike ever since my friends bragged to me about theirs. Being chosen for this grant gave me more than just a handcycle. It gave me the opportunity to become competitive in a sport that i have grown to love. It also reminded me that there are people out there who really care about helping athletes with disabilities reach their goals.
The CarbonBike itself has been a game changer. My old handcycle was heavy and didn’t fit me at all. It limited what I could do in training, but the CarbonBike feels like a totally different experience. The carbon frame is smooth and fast, and the gearing makes a huge difference when I’m climbing or holding speed on the flats. It just feels like the bike was built for the way I ride. Having the right equipment has taken a lot of frustration away and replaced it with excitement to get out and ride!
Since using the CarbonBike I’ve noticed big improvements in my speed and comfort. I can ride longer without feeling completely worn out, and I’ve been able to push harder in workouts without worrying about being able to pack my car back when i’m done. All my average speeds are faster and I already feel more confident going into races. Before this grant, I sometimes felt like my gear was holding me back, but now it feels like I finally have the tools to match the effort I’m putting in. I even was able to go over two miles per hour average faster with the same exact power.
Getting this grant has also changed the way I think about my future in the sport. It’s not just about having a faster handcycle. It’s about knowing that there’s support and belief behind me. That gives me extra motivation to train harder and keep aiming for bigger and bigger races. I feel like I can set goals that once felt too far away and actually go after them.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to see how far I can go with this handcycle. I want to keep improving, racing stronger, and showing what adaptive athletes are capable of. The GoHawkeye Equipment Grant has given me the chance to do that, and I’m really thankful for it. Every ride that i have done on it is a reminder of the support I’ve been given and the responsibility I have to make the most of it.
I can’t thank GoHawkeye enough for helping me get this handcycle. A CarbonBike is something Ive dreamed about for a long time, and now every time I see it, I’m reminded that you guys believed in me enough to make it happen. It’s more than just a handcycle, it’s a push forward in my life and in my sport. I’m truly grateful, and I’ll keep working hard to make the most out of this opportunity. I want to say thank you to everyone at GoHawkeye that believed in my journey, i won’t let you down!
