Unfortunately, after multiple workout cancellations for the nascent Loudoun County chapter of Achilles International (because of insufficient sign-ups from Achilles athletes), the chapter is closing. It may just be that Leesburg is too far for many people in Loudoun County to get to, not to mention the fact that our meeting spot was not convenient to Metro or even the W&OD Trail.
Simultaneous with that closure, though, is an attempt to start up a chapter in Fairfax County. Multiple options are being considered for meeting points, to include the W&OD Trail near the Wiehle-Reston Metro stop and the Vienna Metro stop. Fingers crossed that either of those locations will make it more palatable and accessible for athletes and guides alike to come out and make it into a thriving chapter over the next several months. (Having something other than very cold, very windy runs would certainly help, too. The wind was brutal on each of our Sunday runs.)
If you know someone who is blind or needs to use a hand cycle, and they want to participate in road races -- ultimately in marathons, point them to Achillesinternational.org. There are plenty of chapters around the country and worldwide. And if they are in the Northern Virginia area, they should hook up with the Fairfax chapter!
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