AdvenChair Field Guide
Page 28
c.
Lift or support the chair on the downhill side: If the downhill side of the trail is stable
enough and free of branches and other obstacles, have side mules ready to step to the
downhill side of the trail to lift the downhill side of the chair using the lifting handles on
each side (Figure 14).
d.
Straps pulling to the uphill side: If the uphill side of the trail is stable and free of
branches and other obstacles, one or two side mules can attach straps to the side of the
chair or back of the seat and pull up and to the side to keep the chair from tipping to the
downhill side (Figure 13 and Figure 15).
e.
Before using these techniques, make sure that the side of the trail is stable enough to
hold the side mules and that they can safely walk over any branches, rocks or other
obstacles without tripping or sliding down the hill.
Figure 15. Using straps and the handlebars to cross a steep sidehill.
8.
Crossing wide obstacles:
When crossing wide obstacles like water bars or stairs, square
the chair to the obstacles so that both wheels roll over at the same time to prevent any
chance of tipping the chair.
9.
Narrow passages
: Very narrow trail sections or trails constricted by rocks, trees, or logs,
which cannot be navigated by the AdvenChair, can be a dead end and may require turning
around if more than a few feet long. If they are only a few feet long, and you’re unlikely to
encounter more, lift the rider out of the chair and carry her/him through the narrow trail
section, and lay or sit him/her down in a safe location. Then get the AdvenChair through,
around, or over the narrow trail section. Re-load the rider, and you’re off! This technique
requires enough people to move the rider safely and to get the chair through the passage
without damage.
10.
Rest breaks and lunch:
When stopped, make sure the brakes are locked so the AdvenChair
can’t roll, even on flat ground. Make sure the rider is comfortable, gets a chance to stretch
legs and get feet out of the footrest straps.