From Alaska to Zermatt: Patrick’s Adventures Around the World on His Schuchmann “momo tricycle.”

Patrick, 14, from Karlsruhe, is a spirited globetrotter with an infectious smile and an unyielding zest for life. Alongside his twin brother, Lucas, he keeps their parents on their toes. The two are inseparable and nearly identical, though Patrick’s leg-related spasticity from birth sets him apart. Despite needing a walking aid or wheelchair for mobility, Patrick proves that disabilities are no barrier to living life to the fullest.

Whether by the sea, in the jungle, across the desert, or up in the mountains, Patrick loves exploring. For him, every journey is an opportunity to escape the routine and embrace adventure. If school in Karlsruhe didn’t tether them, Patrick and his family would happily live out of suitcases. “I’m good. Good enough not to fail,” he quips, flashing a cheeky grin. Patrick, like Lucas, attends the eighth grade at a local Gymnasium, with geography as his favourite subject—a fitting choice for a young traveller who’s already journeyed to most continents on his tricycle.

“Patrick finds cycling far more enjoyable than sitting in a wheelchair,” shares his mother, Carla. “It allows him to move independently and stay active.”

From the Golden Gate to the Grand Canyon

Among Patrick’s favourite destinations are the USA and Canada. He fondly recalls cycling across San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, marvelling at its views of the bay, and tackling the rugged roads leading to the Columbia Icefield in Canada. The family underestimated the terrain’s difficulty, but teamwork prevailed. “We almost couldn’t continue,” recounts his father, Martin. “But with the help of two American tourists, we carried Patrick and his tricycle the final stretch to the glacier. The breathtaking view made every effort worthwhile.”

Later, hikes in Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon felt comparatively easy. One particularly memorable moment was pausing to dangle their legs over the edge of the Grand Canyon, soaking in the awe-inspiring vista.

Planning Makes Perfect

Every travel adventure begins with meticulous planning. Martin handles logistics, relying on airlines like Lufthansa, which accommodate up to two mobility aids free of charge. “Booking flights is straightforward, but you must provide exact dimensions for the aids beforehand,” he advises. Road trips require equally careful preparation, with enough space for luggage, mobility aids, and passengers.

The family’s tricycle bears the marks of countless journeys—scratches etched into its blue paint like a map of their travels. “It’s incredibly durable, though we always pack some tools, a spare inner tube, and an Allen key set,” Martin adds.

From Machu Picchu to Machinations in Pisa

Their most recent journey took them to Carla’s native Peru, where Patrick witnessed the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu and the marvel of whale watching along the coast. Comparing this to his past travels, Patrick rates the geysers of Yellowstone National Park as particularly unforgettable, rivaling even the grandeur of Egypt’s ancient temples.

Closer to home, the family regularly explores the Alps and destinations like Croatia, Italy, and Germany’s North Sea coast. Their holidays may be scaled back for now due to the pandemic, but Patrick and Carla have a shared dream: to visit China and cycle the Great Wall. “That wouldn’t be bad,” Patrick jokes, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. Until then, they plan to discover more cycling paths around Germany.

Photo Captions:

• Columbia Icefield, Canada: Two generous tourists helped carry Patrick to the summit for an unforgettable view.
• Berlin, Germany: Snowy adventures in front of the Altes Museum.
• Grand Canyon, USA: A well-earned break to relax and enjoy the view.
• Machu Picchu, Peru: Patrick and his father soaking in the history and majesty of Inca ruins.
• Pisa, Italy: Patrick and Lucas pondering the Leaning Tower’s tilt.
• Pula, Croatia: Racing his tricycle in the historic Roman amphitheatre.
• San Francisco, USA: Overcast skies couldn’t dim Patrick’s joy on the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Sequoia National Forest, USA: Awe-inspiring giant sequoias, towering up to 90 meters tall.