1.  Getting ready.
DON’T HOP ON YOUR HANDBIKE YET.  You need to do a few preliminaries.   Remember, you will probably tip over a few times until you get the hand of it.

Read the operating instructions and become familiar with how everything works.

Adjust the seat back, leg rest length, and crank height to suit your size.

Find a willing friend who is strong enough to help you back onto the bike or your wheelchair.  Two friends are better. You might want them to jog along side you at first.

Wear a helmet and sturdy clothing and shoes.  Protect your body.

Find a flat, smooth paved area with no obstructions.  No gravel, no hills, no speed bumps and lots of space to turn in.

2.  Transferring onto the HandBike
Check that both outriggers are latched in the down position. Engage the crank brake so the crank handles are forward and out of your way.  Transfer to the seat and lift your legs into place.  Check that your position is comfortable and you can reach all the controls.  If not transfer out and make adjustments.

Hint: Some may prefer to lift a leg over the crank tower after transferring while some may prefer extending a leg over the seat prior to transferring.

3.  Becoming familiar with the gears and brakes
With both outriggers down crank the HANDBIKE and shift thought the gears.  Find a gear that is easy to crank at a modest speed.  Practice with the cam brake by cranking in reverse.  Note that when the brake is engaged it is difficult to crank forward.  To overcome this crank BACKWARD until the brake releases.  You will hear an audible snap as the brake disengages.  Now crank forward.  Repeat this until you feel comfortable with the Cam Brake operation.  It take a little practice to instinctively crank backwards to brake -- so don’t go too fast at first.

Hint: You can start the brake action in any crank position.  It takes about 1/3 turn to fully engage the brake and it usually works best to start the reverse crank with the crank handles near the top so that full brake action occurs near the bottom.  Find what is comfortable for you.

4.  Learning the basics of balance
Again with both outriggers down rock back and forth between the outriggers.  Try to balance between them.  (You won’t be able to unless you are moving).  Repeat this exercise at slow speeds and then at moderate speeds until you are comfortable with shifting your weight from one outrigger to the other.  Don’t go too fast as the HANDBIKE does not steer well with the outriggers down. At slow speed try turning in a very tight radius.  You will be able to go backwards when turned fully to the left.

Hint: Both outriggers should not touch the ground.  Otherwise it is almost impossible to steer.  Avoid terrain with ridges that push up on the outriggers.  Such ridges are often found near the edge of roads where the pavement tapers off.

5. Operating the outriggers.
While leaning on one outrigger disengage the other outrigger and let it come up.  DON'T LOOK DOWN TO SEE HOW IT WORKS because this will cause you to tip over on the outrigger you just lifted up.  Feel for the slight inward then upward pressure needed to release the outrigger latch.  The outrigger should snap up.  Push the outrigger down. Check that the latch fully engages when the outrigger is down.  Repeat this until you can engage and disengage the outriggers with ease and by feel.

6.  Steering with one hand.
To operate the outriggers you will need to coast with one hand on the crank.  Repeat the Balance Exercise while coasting with one hand.  DON'T LIFT UP THE OUTRIGGERS YET.  With which hand is it most comfortable to steer?  With which hand is it most comfortable to operate the outriggers?

7.  Tipping over on an outrigger.
Even in the up position the outriggers will prevent you from tipping over unless you force it over.  With a friend standing by lift up one outrigger.  Shift your balance and tip over onto the retracted outrigger.  Have your friend spot you from this side or even let you down slowly.  Most likely you will feel very uncomfortable tipping over and will need your friend to help you get back in the upright position. Repeat with the other side.

Hint:  With practice you can right yourself by shifting your weight and manhandling the bike into the upright position but don’t worry if you can’t quite get this now.

8.  Riding with one outrigger up.
Now we start the fun stuff.  Lift one outrigger up and crank slowly in a straight line. As you gain speed briefly take the weight off the down outrigger.  You will probably tip over onto the retracted outrigger.  Practice until you can bounce along on the extended outrigger.  Note that the bike steers well in one direction but won’t turn well to the side with the extended outrigger.  Repeat with the other side.

Hint: Here is where you might want a friend to jog along side.

9.  Takeoff
By now you have a favorite hand for lifting one outrigger.  Lift up THE OTHER OUTRIGGER.  Your want to leave the outrigger down that you feel most comfortable lifting up.  Crank along until you gain moderate speed.  Turn gently towards the UP outrigger until the weight is off the DOWN outrigger.  Quickly reach down with your favorite hand and lift up the other outrigger.  YOU’RE CRANKIN’ NOW.  Enjoy the ride.

Hint: If you fail to make the grab for the outrigger repractice lifting up the outrigger while standing still.

10.  Riding the HandBike
Practice making turns.  Start with a series of S-turns and progress to a U-turn.  Keep your speed moderate but not so slow you feel unbalanced.  On straight runs speed up and slow down.  Get a good feel for using the Cam Brake.

Hint:  Adjust your turn speed so you don’t need to use the brakes or crank during the turn.  Note how it is actually easier to control the HandBike with both outriggers up.

11.  Landing
Using the Cam Brake, slow to a moderate speed.  Not too slow as you won’t have good balance. Not too fast either.  Push an outrigger down into the locked position.  It’s best to use your favorite outrigger hand.  Lean over onto this outrigger and brake to a stop.  Push the other outrigger down and relax.

12.  Practice makes perfect.
Operating the bike in traffic, on hills or rough pavement requires instinctive reaction.  DON’T GO THERE YET.  Practice braking, steering, takeoffs and landings in a safe place until you are completely familiar with the HandBike.  In no time at all it will be second nature.  But PLEASE know your limits and ride safely.

Hint: You can start from the tipped over, outrigger up position.  Crank to get up a modertate speed.  This is hard to do.  Turn rapidly into the low side while keeping your weight centered.  The HandBike should snap into the upright position.  It take some practice to get right.