Tread Setters - An Inspirational Journey
In October of 2022, a new sports film was shot, Tread Setters, capturing the incredible journey of four para athletes - Josie Fouts, Steven Wilke, Roger Withers, & Annijke Wake - as they embarked on a grueling 100-mile mountain bike ride along the White Rim Trail in Utah. Directed by Louis Arévalo, a wheelchair user himself, and produced by the National Ability Center, this film isn't just another sports documentary; it carries a powerful and impactful message about determination, resilience, and breaking barriers.
The White Rim Trail is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, but it is also infamous for its challenging terrain. Starting from Horse Thief Campground, the trail spans over 100 miles and usually takes 3-4 days to complete. However, the group of athletes in Tread Setters set out to conquer this trail in a single day - with one of their members, Steven Wilke aiming to set a new unsupported para FKT (Fastest Known Time). Despite facing significant obstacles - including news of a road closures due to extreme conditions coming to them in the day leading up to their journey and the clay trail turning into rough, muddy terrain due to recent storms - the athletes pushed forward. As Josie Fouts said, “When we focus on the abilities that we do have, together we can outride anything.”
Annijke Wake's Inspiring Journey
One of the remarkable athletes featured in Tread Setters is Annijke Wake. Annijke discovered her passion for mountain biking after accepting an invitation to join a biking club that found its way into her inbox. Her love for the sport grew and grew, but a tragic accident while biking one day left her paralyzed. Despite this life-changing event, Annijke didn't give up on her passion.
Since then, she has gotten back on the bike, using a Bowhead Reach to continue to tackle the trails. She says that mountain biking and getting back on the bike is what helped her get through the past year. Her bike is equipped with adaptive technologies to make it possible for her to continue tackling the trails. An all-electric mountain bike trike, the bike is equipped with an extra large battery to let her tackle the trail for longer spans of time & the support vehicle that assisted the group along their ride carried an additional battery so that she could take on this 100+ mile journey.
Now a year and three months out from her spinal injury, she wasn’t sure how her mind and body would respond to the challenge. However, in that time she has focused on what she can do with her mountain bike, both finding ways to continue to tackle trails and using it as a tool for advocacy in the community. Annijke recognizes that she is fortunate to have her bike and experiences; she knows that not everyone in the community has the knowledge or resources to access the outdoors. She hopes to see the outdoors become a more accessible space and to see more of those from the disabled community go out and get a chance to experience it - even if that experience is just a camping trip, it can still be a huge feat for someone.
Annijke says that what she has learned from her time in the disability community is that what is accessible to her might not be accessible to someone else & vice versa. Everyone has different needs, resources, and knowledge, this became clear on the white rim where the team worked together to provide support and help to each other where they needed it and asked for it. Annijike mentions that she has grown to truly appreciate the community during the past year - especially all the incredible people who have helped her learn different aspects of the community, how to navigate through the community, and how to find her space as part of it.
The Team's Results
At about mile 37, Annijke’s battery died, requiring the assistance vehicle to bring the second battery so that she could continue the ride. Unfortunately, the second battery was unable to connect properly, meaning that Annijke could not continue at that time. In spite of that, Annijke expressed gratitude for the experience, stating that she took a lot away from it, including more confidence in her everyday life. Annijke's participation in the journey is a testament to her spirit, determination, and the fact that the outdoors are for everyone.
Josie Fouts, another athlete in the group, pushed through the majority of the trail despite facing challenges with her prosthetic limb. After a fall caused by dirt and sweat loosening her prosthetic, she continued to ride until mile 96 at which point her body could go no further. Josie views the journey as a success, highlighting the importance of sharing their story and promoting the message that para-athletes are leaders in fostering an inclusive future.
Roger Withers and Steven Wilke completed the trail, with Roger finishing in 21 hours, 5 minutes, and 56 seconds, and Steven setting a new unsupported para-cycling FKT on the trail with a time of 8 hours, 23 minutes, and 51 seconds. Their achievements underscore the determination and resilience of the entire team.
The Director's Vision
Director Louis Arévalo said that “Tread Setters falls into the traditional "hero's journey" category and offers a non-Hollywood ending by embracing the independent living principle - The Dignity of Risk. In other words, not insisting on any particular outcome to tell a certain tale and instead allowing those living with a disability the opportunity to fail.” Trendsetters is a Sports Film like no other - it shows us that at the end of the day, we are all aiming to live full lives, and that while everyone might have their own ways of getting there, at the end of the day we all just have to get out there and start living it to the fullest.
Tread Setters is more than just a sports film; it's a celebration of the human spirit and the power of community. It reminds us that, despite whatever challenges and obstacles we may face, we can all strive to live full and meaningful lives.
Get Involved in Adaptive Sports
Inspired by the journey of these incredible athletes? Adaptive sports offer a fantastic way to connect with others, stay fit, and have fun. Whether you're interested in mountain biking or any other sport, adaptive sports provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.
Check out our other blogs on adaptive sports to learn more about the benefits and how you can get involved. Discover how these activities can enhance your life and provide new avenues for adventure and personal growth.
Don't miss out on this incredible story. Watch Tread Setters and be inspired by the journey of these extraordinary athletes.