From Leg Injury to Global Explorer—Theo’s Bike Friday Story

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When Theo faced the challenge of recovering from a severe leg injury, he could have let it slow him down. Instead, he chose to see the world—one bike ride at a time.

“My leg was partially severed and reconstructed, the special boot I wear provides an air pocket so I do not walk on my heel. However this severely limits my walking daily and makes it difficult to exercise and travel internationally. My Bike Friday pakiT allows me much more freedom and prevents pressure on my leg.” Theo explained.

Before his accident, Theo was a already an avid traveler and casual mountain biker. He has led trips to Egypt, Jordan, Portugal, Antarctica, and even the Everest base camp.

After his accident, his mobility was was limited to only about an hour of walking. “Not being able to wander far from my hotel or rented apartment severely limited my exploration abilities” he shared.

Theo began searching for a lightweight, easy-to-use bike that would fit in his luggage. His research led him to the Bike Friday pakiT. He initially considered various folding bikes but chose the pakiT to support a USA-based company and because he heard great things about Bike Friday’s customer service.

Theo decided on a single-speed pakiT with a Carbon Belt Drive to ensure reliability and ease of maintenance when traveling. Theo also added the pakiT backpack, giving him the perfect bag to carry his bike. “Time to travel the world with a fresh pair of eyes” he shared via his Instagram upon receiving his pakiT in April 2024.

Despite his limited mobility, Theo’s pakiT has been the perfect travel companion, allowing him to navigate new cities and countries easily. Since receiving his pakiT, Theo has taken it on incredible adventures to Comayagua, Honduras, Atlantic City, NJ, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and Cali, Colombia.

Some of Theo’s favorite pakiT memories include riding the length of the Atlantic City boardwalk in New Jersey. Despite his limited motion, he enjoyed the 3-hour ride and even took the time to visit the Absecon lighthouse.

In Honduras, he hopped on his pakiT to explore the old capital, Comayagua, and engage with the local community. “Without the pakiT fitting in my luggage, it would put tremendous strain on my ability to explore” Theo shared.

He is planning his next travel round, starting from Berlin in late October, followed by visits to Turkey, Georgia, and China, before heading to Tibet by December 18th, 2024. His future travel plans include southern France, Amsterdam, and South Korea.

Alongside his travels, Theo is also on a mission with his personal project, Flag Without Borders.  He carries a flag featuring every country in the world with him on every adventure. “One of my favorite fighters, Genki Sudo, used to display the flag after his fights, so I continued the tradition in my travels.” he shared about the history of the flag. “As human beings we have more in common than differences,” he shared “My life objective is to remind all of us that we are one planet, one people.” He has already visited 58 countries and 7 continents, and through his travels, he aims to promote unity and inspire others, especially those with disabilities, to pursue their own adventures.

Theo’s story reminds us that despite adversity, with the right tools and mindset, anything is possible!

You can follow Theo’s travel and mission via his Instagram @FlagWithoutBorders


About the pakiT:

Our lightest, smallest folding bike is the pakiT!

It features 16″ wheels and can be outfitted with a chain + derailleur drivetrain, internally geared hubs, or a Gates Carbon belt drive. The sporty ride makes it a great multi-modal commuter bike and with a starting weight of 21 lbs, it is the perfect travel companion!

We were careful to maintain a high-quality ride to insure you could still ride this bike for hours around town with ease while making it fold quickly and compactly to fit unobtrusively in all the situations in your daily city life.

Explore the pakiT here.

 

 

3 Responses

  1. Thank you so much for the Spotlight and promotion. I hope everyone , including handicapped people and those with limited mobility can be inspired and adapt their lives for exploration. I wish to inspire the youth and anyone who thinks they must be able to walk in order the travel ! @FlagWithoutBorders

  2. I was hit by a car door while bicycling to work in 2014. This resulted in a badly broken femur and other injuries. I had several surgeries over a number of years, and then needed to have a total hip replacement as a result of this crash. The only bicycle I could get on with easy, post surgery has been my New Word Tourist. I have been able to continue riding, including self supported touring and camping in Denmark, and New York’s rail trails. Mobility issues are not always obvious.

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