Bundu bashing and other wheelchair adventures…
Bundu bashing ( boondoo bashing)- a South Africanism for traversing rough terrain; usually for fun.
So, here I am, the proud new owner of a Trekinetic K-2 wheelchair. Now as you will see from my posts, this is definitely no ordinary wheelchair! After having to admit I couldn’t walk around under my own foot power anymore, it took me a couple of years to realise that I hadn’t managed to venture much further than the local town centre or shopping mall in my traditional wheelchair. That was when I started looking into an off road model. Let’s face it, the choices aren’t brilliant and you either go with a really large, motorised chair, or a bolt on wheel to make your chair into a motorised trike. Neither of these options really suited me, my lifestyle or car space.
Happily, during one browsing session, I stumbled across the Trekinetic website – it was love at first sight!
So, here we are a year later and one brand new, shiny K-2 was delivered to my door. Let the adventures begin!
Bundu bashing and other wheelchair adventures... 
I love this as that is how I felt after surgery. Finding Mike and K2 …life has just started. What a set of wonderful wheels I feel free now ..
What wonderful news that you’ve got your k-2. I wish you many years of adventure and fun together. Just go for it and when you get stuck shout for help like I do!
Hi
My name is Ellie
My mom (69yo) suffers from arthritis and cant walk far(max 3 km a day). I like going hiking and feel bad about not taking her along. I also am thinking of having come with me to El Camino trail in Spain.
We looked at many all terrain wheelchairs and think that trekinetic GTE version sounds like the best option.
Could you tell us your opinion on that?
Also, is there some sort of basket which is possible to attach to the chair so she can put her stuff in it while and about?
Thanks a lot!!!
And happy new year!
Hello Ellie, and thank you for getting in touch with me about your mom and the Trekinetic wheelchair. Oh my word – if I had the money for the GTE it would be incredible because I have just had surgery on my shoulder and can’t get around without help and a motorised chair would be phenomenal!!! A few things to note…. this is in my opinion the BEST chair because it isn’t as big as other off road wheelchairs and can still be put into the back of a vehicle whereas others are too big. The big front wheels are fantastic and get you across really difficult terrain. I self propel which is a little different and have help from hubby when I get stuck because when you gain that freedom, it tends to land me in a bit of trouble sometimes 🙂 If you are considering the motorised version then I see that it has the option to have the handlebars – I would definitely recommend this in case you mom needs help in a tight spot or perhaps if you have to use it without the motor. I haven’t got a bag from Trekinetic for it but you can definitely make use of off the shelf ones with minor modifications. I have a bag with smaller ear handles that I place over my handlebars for carrying shopping and other stuff for trips. I especially use the footplate in front of me to balance bags etc but I am on the hunt for a piece of pipe the same size as the umbrella so that I can have a mini table made for over my lap and you could definitely place a basket or shopping back on this. I also make use of the little triangular area above the back wheel between the shock absorber for a bag when I need extra carrying space. So far I have manage really well and I have lots of kids and grandchildren I have to carry all sorts of junk for….hazard of being in a wheelchair is you get used as a free carrying service!!! 🙂 Whatever you decide, your mom will love this chair – great in the snow and mud, up and down hills and even the beach. If you want any further assistance please don’t hesitate to ask or send me a message and we can try chat or Skype or FaceTime or something. Happy travels and happy and blessed new year. Michele
Hi Ellie, just in case you want to see some videos on the Trekinetic wheelchairs, take a look here…..http://www.beyondtheboundarywheelchairs.com – a lovely lady who produced a wonderful video and that I am always in contact with that has a dealership. Also, depending on which is closer to you…http://www.allterrainmobilitysolutions.co.uk/index.php
Hi ,
I recently bought my Trekinetic GTE . I have M.S and this step was enormous for both myself and husband. But after months of research this chair seemed to offer all we needed short of new legs !
Sadly though we have had so so many punctures ….and little help from the company . We live in a rural area and no where is free of country debris . Has anyone else had this problem . My confidence in this is now very low after being left stranded due to the last incident . We had so many plans and I am not feeling too secure .
Hello, I am so sorry that you are having problems with punctures but unfortunately this is a problem with all wheelchairs and if you consider that if you took any ordinary wheelchair off road, you would be even worse off.
When I went to Africa we made sure we purchased the Safari pack for my chair to always have a puncture repair kit and spare tubes and wheel with my chair and it has been a lifesaver on many occasions so I would suggest that if you don’t have one you begin with this.
I am always out and about on bad roads and paths because we are also fairly remote and go camping quite often – our recent trip to a farm in Cumbria was amazing and those walks were VERY extreme and I didn’t have any problems with my off road wheels. By the way, do you have the indoor wheels and the outdoor wheels? I always change my wheels depending on the terrain and this is an absolute must because the off road wheels are designed for outdoors and have a much better tread.
Another suggestion is to go to your local cycling store and either buy the liquid to put into your tyres which will help seal any small punctures OR, you could buy solid inner tubes for your wheels. The only problem with the solid inner tubes is that they offer much greater resistance so if you are self propelling they will require more energy to propel. However, if you are being pushed it may be worth it because you cannot puncture them. I would definitely not give up because this chair has taken me all round the world without any problems and the company has been amazing in resolving any damage to my chair from airline accidents – even when I was in Canada on holiday!
IF you purchased the chair directly from Trekinetic give them another call in case they have been away or closed for the holidays. If you have purchased through a dealer then I would bypass them and go direct.
I really hope that this helps you and you quickly get out and about again. I have learned to change and repair my tubes very efficiently and if you are prepared then you won’t look back.
Happy wheeling
Kind regards
Michele
Hi! I’ve had my Trekinetc for five years and it is great for getting around outside. I recently added to my chair the footplate and this has been a great addition. I have MS so the feeling in my legs and feet is iffy so I had the problem of knowing if my feet were always place properly on the bar. The footplate has overcome that issue. I recently found your articles and enjoy them very much.
Hi Darlene. I am so happy to hear you love your K2 as much as I do. Like you, I have the footplate because I have a small fibre neuropathy and the pain in my feet is dreadful and the bars were a problem, but with the footplate I am much better. That said, the only problem is that in the snow my feet and footrest act as a snow plough! Rather amusing 🙂
I live in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains in Australia. I yet to try the chair in the snow. Can’t do it now as we are into summer but I should give it a go. You say in raise the footplate with a bungee, a
At what points do you attach the cord? Cheers. Darlene
You live in a place with that name and haven’t been out in the snow – amazing; and amusing!!!! Definitely try it but with some help as it is such fun but hard going. I hook one bungee to the back bar of the footrest the over the bar support of the back wheel and back to the opposite side of the footrest. I tend to keep a bungee attached on the back of my chair all the time in case I need it for the beach, snow or really boggy conditions. That way my shoes have a slight chance of staying clean and dry 🙂
Take care. Michele.
Partially because of your blog and partially because of my insane love for the chair, I started blogging about my experiences with the chair (http://mytrekinetic.blogspot.com/)
It truly is a wonderful chair and I hope to help people here in the states get their own Trekinetic. I have offered my chair as a “tester” if someone would like to try one without having to travel all the way to London.
Thank you, again!
Best,
James
Hi Michelle and James,
Thank you both so much for your responses. Reassuringly I have opted for most of the things you suggested – the push handles, disk brakes, safari kit and footplate. The info about your bungee system and air travel is really useful.
I am ridiculously excited about it’s arrival although this is probably still about six weeks away. I’m looking forward to trying out going downhill but I will be really careful to start with too.
You might be interested in the blog post I wrote about discovering the Trekinetic: http://www.touretteshero.com/2013/06/29/mobility-road-trip/
I’ll keep you posted on how I get on when it arrives. Thanks again for all your help.
Hi Michelle,
I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of my Trekinetic K2 which is on order and expected at the end of November. Before deciding to purchase the chair I borrowed one for 4 days which gave me a good idea of how it would fit into my life. But as an established K2 user do you have any tips in terms of things that you’ve found useful? Any particular accessories or add ons you would recommend or any problems that you’ve got solutions to? I work at an adventure playground and anticipate using the chair everyday in that environment. Any advice would be gracefully received.
Best wishes,
Jess
Wow Jess, that is so exciting. I remember waiting very impatiently for mine so can understand how you must feel. Congratulations! I bought mine with the push handles which is vital for when I get stuck and have to be ‘rescued’ – it happens rather frequently as we are rather adventurous. I also have the disk brakes so I can control myself on downhills a lot better. Finally, I also purchased the Safari pack with the toolkit and spare wheel; because we often go off-road and to countries with less than ideal conditions I did not want to be caught without the tools to make repairs and also a replacement rear wheel. After about a year I also had the footplate added as I found that because my feet are very sensitive the bars became painful and the flat surface of the foot plate helped enormously.
In terms of other things, we have a makeshift bungee system to keep the footrest raised higher off the floor so that when we are in wet, muddy or snowy conditions the footrest does not scoop up debris and dirt. This was only a problem because when your wheels are cambered this lowers the height of the footrest and in boggy conditions you sink even further down and I was getting wet feet and this was a problem for me and my neuropathy. Also, as we travel extensively on aeroplanes, we cover the spigot that drops the back shock absorber because this was tampered with on a flight to Canada and resulted in damage to my chair when they dropped something on it. Trekinetic now offer an advice leaflet on transporting your chair on planes.
I also use my chair every day and it tackles most environments extremely well and it is only my lack of strength that has let me down so far. Please keep checking out my blog and older posts to see what other things I may have suggested to other users.
Once again, good luck, all the best and let us know how you get on.
Michele
Jess,
I also recently purchased one (received it in July) only from research online and from talking to Michele. I never once rode in it! prior to purchasing.
The chair is GREAT! The one thing that caught me unaware is when going down-hill and tipping forward…yes, you have the anti-tip wheels on the footrests, but it’s a little scary the first couple of times. Leaning back (if you can) definitely helps). I’m not telling you this to dissuade you from the chair, however, just as a heads up. This chair is awesome. I recently went back to my old chair, and it felt so weird/hard to push because of the placement of the wheels.
I agree with Michele, the push handles are a great addition and I hope you can get them.
Best,
James
Hi James, thanks for the excellent follow-up to my comments. I absolutely agree with the downhill stuff. I think we very quickly get too confident and ready to tackle the world and sometimes forget that gravity is still applicable! I always recline my chair and definitely zig zag down hills – after learning the hard way and nearly tipping myself out of my chair. The joy is that you can GET onto a hill/mountain at all and you couldn’t do this without the Trekinetic. With practice we learn to better negotiate obstacles and enjoy life outdoors again. Just so you know, the grandchildren think it is rather amusing to ride on my lap and occasionally pull the brakes when I am riding along happily – I have warned them that this means they will be ejected off my lap, but they just laugh – one day!!
Jess, this will be the BEST purchase you have ever made – I know that it was for me too. Please keep me posted when it arrives and let me know how you get on. Take care. Michele
Hi Michelle,
Would the wheelchair be suitable for dancing with and able-bodied dance partner? I’ve been looking at the Kuschall K2 with some modifications to tuck my feet in (legs bent at 90 degrees) so I don’t take my partner’s legs out, but I also really like the Trekinetic but obviously I can’t afford both.
Best wishes,
JQ
Hi JQ,
Thanks for the message. I would love to be able to say yes, but I am afraid that the Trekinetic K2 is at its best off road and in the dirt rather than the dance floor! As an ex ballerina and avid dancer myself, I have been known to get onto the dance floor with my K2 and although it is very agile and moves really well because the rear wheel spins around very freely, I cannot say whether it would be suitable because I think you probably need a much more compact and lightweight chair. However, before you make any decisions I highly recommend you go and try one out – I believe they are available to use in the Science Museum in London or perhaps there is a dealership you could contact who has one for you to test drive? Also, Mike at Trekinetic is extremely helpful and will be able to advise you on what sort of modifications could be done to the Trekinetic to see if it could be used during the day and danced with by night.
Anyway, sorry I could not be more helpful and I wish you all the best with whatever decision you come to.
Take care. Michele
Hi Michele, my husband has had his K2 for about 5 years but in a months time we will be taking it on a plane for the first time. Have you got any tips for packing it as it has to go on with the luggage. Thanks, Caroline
Good morning Caroline, I have travelled quite a bit on planes with my K2 and you need to insist that the chair is NOT collapsed during the flight unless you have a crate for it. We leave my chair in the reclined position and take a short section (about 10cm) of 40mm (approx) diameter plastic pipe from the plumbing department, split it down one side. We slip this over the spigot (the toggle that raises and lowers the back piston) and tape with on with electrical tape. This prevents the shock absorber from raising the chair. The reason for this is that the airline seem to have dropped something on the chair that was extremely heavy and they had changed my chair to the raised position and it had bent the shock absorber. This threw all the fine settings on the chair out of alignment and the brakes as well. Luckily, since we have started doing this quick fix we have had no further problems at all :-). Keep your roll of tape and pipe in your pocket whenever you travel. Also, just as a precaution, I would also push your footrest up to the top and hook it with a bungee or elastic so it cannot drop down and be exposed if the chair get knocked about. Please also contact Mike at Trekinetic and let him know where you are travelling in case he has any further advice to offer. Have a wonderful trip and let us know how you get on. Michele
So happy that you can get out and see the world! 🙂
Brilliant isn’t it. For more than a year I was too scared to go out anywhere by myself and now I have a wheelchair I know I can trust it has made such a difference to my life. Happy and fulfilled 🙂 Take care. Michele
Michelle,
I am currently looking for wheelchair options. I have been an incomplete quad for 27+ years and am finding I need to use the wheelchair more. I have an old Quickie sports chair and think that I should replace it with a newer chair that is more versatile and can be used off road as well as everywhere else. I have been researching chairs and there’s not that much out there. The two that I find in the running are the Trekinetic and the Top End Crossfire (http://www.topendwheelchair.com/OurChairs/Product-Details.aspx?id=27). I am split in my decision and the only two things keeping me from going with the Trekinetic K2 are the price tag and I really don’t know how you would go down curbs (kerbs) in it. Seeing that you’ve had this chair for a number of years, how do you find it in a day-to-day experience?
Thanks in advance,
James
Hi James,
It is lovely to hear from you. I am pleased that you have done your research as this is vital when spending this amount of money and the product HAS to be fit for purpose. You are correct about the choices because some wheelchairs are good for indoor and a few others for outdoor, but not really much choice when it comes to cross over usage. I cannot comment on the other choice but I certainly have PLENTY of experience with my Trekinetic K2. The only thing I would say is that looking at the image you sent on the link, it is still just a traditional chair with the small wheels at the front and this is where all these chairs fall down in my eyes because the small wheels are what stick in the ground unless you plan on wheelie-ing everywhere outdoors! If you take a look through my blog it has been with me to a number of countries and most with very poor conditions compared to local mall or pedestrianised walkways we have become so used to. Please see for yourself – my K2 has been to Africa in the bush veld and come out without so much as a puncture although I carry the Safari pack with me as it includes a spare back tyre and a toolkit for replacing the inner tubes on the large tyres. Moscow was definitely an experience!!! The curbs there are designed for heavy snow and are more than a foot high in most places and it is only here that I have needed to go up and down with the help of my hubby but it is manageable, sometimes forwards and sometimes backwards but experience will tell you the best method.
The last few years we have had quite a bit of snow and the occasion that it was at least 6 inches deep the K2 was incredible!! It is obviously a little harder to push yourself but it ploughed through without any issues – apart from my wet feet which was a small price to pay to be out and about when most other wheelchair users are stuck indoors.
With regard to curbs and steep downhills, the chair has a recline mode which is really easy by lowering the rear shock absorber so your centre of gravity is more stable. For small curbs I don’t bother and just drive off the edge without any issues. On steep slopes and very high curbs I lower the seat and then simply drive off the edge as well – although depending on the height or gradient, I do this more carefully using the ring or wheel itself as a control mechanism. Seriously, this chair is phenomenal outdoors and I dread going back to my old chair when it is in for its service. I cannot praise it enough as it has given me the confidence and freedom to go out and about on my own after a long time hiding indoors!! I believe that this is the best investment you will make and if it is just about the cost then find the money because you will be amazed what you will do together.
I would love to speak to you more about it and am happy to talk to you or email you if you prefer. If you want to speak to the guys at Trekinetic (Mike) and they can get a message to me with your number.
Good luck and I hope to hear from you soon one way or another. Michele
Yes, I agree with a lot of what you’re saying.
When you do go down a curb front-ways, what happens with the wheels on the front of the foot rests? Do they catch? Do they just help with the roll-through?
I like the fact that it has a braking system and that it has an adjustable camber system and seating system. I’m just curious about some day-to-day logistics. 🙂
Thanks for all your help…it’s definitely pushing me towards the K2.
Best,
James
Hi James, Good question, when you use the chair every day you forget about things like that. The little rollers on the front of the footrest just skim along the ground when you curb hop. If the curb is really high they can retract by themselves as they hit the road surface because they are telescopic. When I am in rough terrain, water or snow, I have a little bungie that I use to keep the footrest at a higher position so my feet don’t get dirty or wet. Also, when you recline this raises the footrest anyway because the chair is all integrated. Have a fab day. Michele
Michelle:
Thanks very much for your help!
God bless you!
Joe
Michelle:
I have a spinal cord injury at C6-C7 so I am a quad.
I can I drive a sports chair, now I have a Kuschall K2 (http://www.kueschall.ch/en/Active-wheelchairs/Rigid/K-Series/Product-Presentation.aspx)
I have no grip in my hands.
Will I be able to use a Trekinetic?
If you do not offend. Could you tell me your disability?
Thank you!
Jose
from Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hello Jose
If you can self propel then you will be able to use the Trekinetic K2 but they have also just finished developing a motorised version. Take a look at the website http://www.trekinetic.com. I have a neuropathy which means I cannot stand and walk for more than a few moments and I get around very well on my own most of the time. The Trekinetic lets me be independent and go places other normal wheelchairs don’t and I have a lot of my freedom back – it is incredible.
Michelle that is just wonderful!! Its great that you can enjoy getting out and about in the outdoors. I would love to be able to do this as well but unfortunately my lungs let me down. Buck and I have been looking at the motorized ones but they so are very heavy and take up an awful lot of space in the car.
Michelle I am so happy for you. You are a brave girl, not letting your disability ruin your live. You inspire me to carry on with my life no matter what the road blocks are.
I love your blog, please keep on writing, I enjoy your well-written stories and when I read them I am transported into a different world even if I am just lying in bed!!
All my love
Heleen
Hi Michelle
I have owned my Trekinetic for 2 years now, and it is a god send. I have progressive MS so can walk short distances, but then need to hop in the chariot when my legs get tired.
With regard to muddy wheels, we have bought mountain bike wheel bags, so when we have concluded a walk, we just take the wheels off, put them in the bags, and this keeps the car cleaner.
We still go rambling in the countryside with our dog and are building up a number of walks which are “Trekinetic friendly”. These are more adventurous than could be achieved in a normal wheelchair, but obviously do not have stiles. Have you considered having a page on your web site for fellow “Trekkies” to post walks they have done, and enjoyed? This would be useful for people going on holiday out of their normal area?
Hope you continue to enjoy your new wheels as much as I do!
Best wishes
Julie
Hi Julie,
I am so pleased with all the comments and encouragement I have been receiving! The aim of my blog was to encourage new wheelchair users to become more adventurous because I know how much of a transition it is from mobile to wheelchair. Without the advice from people who have already been to a location it can be very nerve racking. I will definitely be adding days out etc. onto the blog and as soon as I figure out how I will let everyone know so they can send in their links and information.
Kind regards
Michele
My son is a Trekkie user and I agree wholeheartedly with you blog. Even though he has visual impairment and leraning difficulties as well as mobility problems he has had so much fun in his new chair – definitely beach-friendly and copes brilliantly with forest trails as well. Hope you have oodles of fun together!
Hi Michelle,
I’m middle aged, overweight and unfit, but on my first recent outing I managed to get my K-2 across gravel, wet leaves and grass, through mud and over pot holes and tree roots. I needed help on the steeper slopes, but as I get stronger and fitter (and hopefully slimmer!) I shouldn’t need so much help from a pusher.
Prior to my spinal cord injury all of my hobbies were physically active and outdoors. It is great to get out there again. I’m buying some wet weather gear so I have no excuse not to get out and about over the winter.
I’m looking forward to reading more of your exploits!
Hi Lorna,
Wonderful to hear from someone who sounds just like me, not so slim, not so fit and new to off-road wheelchairs! Good luck to us with our future adventures.
You made it sound so much fun that I am tempted to get myself a pair of these wheels even though the legs are still in working order!
Not bad writing for a girl who teethed on Mills & Boone!
All that money and time spent on romance novels had to come in handy sooner or later. I will attempt not to wax too lyrical!
:-))