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Mobility Question

Started by Catherine DArtois, September 19, 2013, 05:21:11 PM

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Catherine DArtois

Greetings oh wise and knowledgable Queen. I am at a loss as to which board is best suited to this query. This I address it here, trusting your redirection if appropriate.

I am at a point in my life to require mobility assistance. Having had my dear lord and husband attempt to maneuver a traditional wheelchair in TRF's sandy areas, I seek advice regarding a powered option. There are in your kingdom many who utilize such noble mounts and I seek guidance regarding the breed best suited to that terrain. A model that is also housebroken would be doubly helpful, though not essential.

Many thanks for any and all assistance in this matter!


Catherine D'Artois
McLotofUs charter member
Campfire Chili Mistress
Clan McLotofus

KeeperoftheBar

Good Day, my Lady.
I believe I am qualified to assist with you query as I have been riding StudMuffin at TRF for several years.  TRF is fairly 'rider' friendly as long as you plan ahead a bit.  Often you have to look for a good place to get on and off the walkways as they sometimes have a ridge or edge.  Staying on the roads work well and is not as rough a ride as the cobbled walkways.  You do need to keep an eye out for small holes which are easy to catch a wheel and tip you over.  However, if that happens, I have found no trouble getting help form willing people to right you and help you on yor way.  There are one or two booths that are not accessible but overall the vendors are quite helpful.  And if you do get stuck in some loose sand, as I said earlier, people are always more than happy to help, even 'danes.

I have a Pride GOGO Ultra X three wheeled scooter that gets me around very well.  It is a small scooter that disassembles into smaller pieces so it does not need a lift or van to transport.  So you do not need a large heavy scooter to get around. at TRF.   If you do not have an electric scooter, there is a booth just outside the gates which rents them.  A word of warning, they are first come, first served so I would recommend getting there before the gate opens.   They also rent manual wheelchairs but I don't recommend this unless you have a pusher to help you around.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me and I shall do my best to answer them.  I've been going to TRF for over 20 years, both walking and riding and know it fairly well.  If you attend opening , please try to look me up.  StudMuffin and I can usually be foud at the meet and greet or on the Sea Devil's deck. 

Fare thee well, My Lady.
Landshark # 97
Member, Phoenix Risen

Catherine DArtois

Thank You, KeeperoftheBar! That's just the kind of reply I am seeking. I've got a "pusher," but the sand frustrates. If you don't mind my asking,  what portion of your typical faire day do you spend moving? I'm seeing reviews that give about a 13 mile max for the batteries. I've never measured how far we go between the camp site at row 8 and back plus all the rounds we make inside. Are there places inside where you can recharge a battery if necessary? We've got a generator at the campsite which should be able to handle overnight recharging.

Anyone else have other models/experiences for my consideration?


Catherine D'Artois
McLotofUs charter member
Campfire Chili Mistress
Clan McLotofus

KeeperoftheBar

Power is something you have to keep an eye on.  If you rent one of their scooters, you shouldn't have a problem as they are more 'industrial' sized.  Another thing, going up a slope uses more power than downhill or on the level.  So if you go to the  Sherwood Forest area, it is uphill coming back.  Also riding on the grass instead of the roads or walkways use more power due to the increased drag as does loose sand or mud.  In the past when I've camped with Phoenix Risen, I have driven from the campground to the main parking area to shorten how far I need to ride StudMuffin.  But someone always steals my parking space while I am inside the gates, so this year, with a new battery, I am planning to ride to the gates from the campground.

I generally ride over most of the village over a course of a day and StudMuffin is rated at about 8 miles (under ideal conditions) but I'll let you in on a secret...last year they put a couple of outlets in the poles of the Sea Devil's deck.  (Something I thanked Terre for several times)  Also, the Price of Wales has offered to allow me to recharge.  I even saw them run an extension cord out to a woman where the meet & greet used to gather.  But don't forget to bring your charger.

One of the larger concerns out there is rain.  Scooters and rain do not mix.  I keep a plastic bag handy to cover the tiller if a short shower comes by, or head for the POW,  but if is a major storm is predicted, I don't attend.

Hopefully we can meet and compare notes.  I plan to attend on the Big Three days, but only camp opening and AHE.
Landshark # 97
Member, Phoenix Risen

Catherine DArtois

I found a great deal on a Pride Jazzy. New batteries. Can't wait to try it out.


Catherine D'Artois
McLotofUs charter member
Campfire Chili Mistress
Clan McLotofus

BLAKDUKE

I stumbled on this thread by accident, but it has relevance for me.  As some of you may know, I am King ALLYN THE ONLY at the gulf coast faires in Pensacola and Mobile.  My age is creeping up into the stratosphere and as well as an ever increasing girth.  As such along with arthritis in every leg joint I own, it is becoming more and more difficult to walk around even our small faires.  I would like to inquire if anyone would look down upon a monarch in an electric conveyance if it were properly dressed up.   I can still walk a bit but not long or far.  Let me know what you think.  BTW we are not all that HA so that would not be a concern, but my wife is giving me grief and lip so I am concerned.   As I may not get out to this thread to often you can email me at lordladymopak@msn.com.   
Ancient swordsman/royalty
Have Crown/Sword Will Travel

Lady Renee Buchanan

I realize that being the king, you must look decorous.  But there was a lady at Bristol, who sadly passed away a few years ago, who had an electric scooter.  It was decorated as a dragon, head, tail, the whole works.  It was mostly covered, except for the seat and steering wheel.  It was amazing.  If I saw a king like that, I'd think, "how cool."

Another option is to have a pull cart.  They used to have them at Bristol, and I think they still have them in MN.  You could have a serf or one of your guards pull the cart around.

To my way of thinking, health comes first.  Do what you need to do to not risk yourself or cause yourself pain.
A real Surf Diva
Landshark who loves water
Chieftesse Surf'n Penny of Clan O'Siodhachain,
Irish Penny Brigade
Giver of Big Hugs 
Member since the beginning of RF
All will be well. St. Julian of Norwich

Rowan MacD

  Agree with Lady B.   Another option would be to rig the conveyance to look like a throne. 

   This would be easier to do if the conveyance was an electric wheel chair, rather than a 3 wheel scooter. 
    You may be able to find a chair at the thrift store (of all places).  I recently spotted 2 electric chairs at Thrift America (Goodwill saves donated chairs and scooters for disabled employees).  One had 4 wheels and a head support which was removable.  The other was a standard chair with armrest controls;  both had prices in the 75-150.00 range.
    Apparently scooters are in high demand, and don't get donated.
What doesn't kill me-had better run.
IWG wench #3139 
19.7% FaireFolk pure-80.3% FaireFolk corrupt

KeeperoftheBar

I don't think you will hve the slightest problem, especially if you try (even half heartedly) to decorate your ride.  I have been riding StudMuffin for several years now and have yet to find anyone who doesn't accept him.  Of course, I have only gone to TRF and Scarborough but people, both normal and mundane, have been wonderful.
Landshark # 97
Member, Phoenix Risen

BLAKDUKE

Thanks all.  I have an elec. wheel chair to use so the throne idea is great.  I have a year to come up with something so................................ 
Ancient swordsman/royalty
Have Crown/Sword Will Travel

Queen Bonnie

 One of the story tellers at Sherwood has a wheeled dragon to ride! She looked great!
Wingardium Leviosa!
Tis not the length of the staff- but the magick there in!