The bicep-powered bike

Bikers and hikers on Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road who made it up to The Loop or Logan Pass this past month may have noticed Whitefish resident David Nickelson.

He was up at the pass on June 14 when the road became available for bikers and hikers heading to the pass — but Nickelson was the only person who came up from the east side. He's also the only person who powers his way up the 6 percent grade with arm power.

"I crushed my back a little over seven years ago, and my legs are partially paralyzed," he said. "Completely from the knees down, and about two-thirds from the waist down."

The Pilot ran into Nickelson inside the recently plowed Big Drift as he flew past on his way to Jackson Glacier Overlook. The Pilot ran into him again on June 21 aboard his Quickie Mach 2 handcycle.

"I bought it in January 2008, and it's really enabled me to get out and explore areas," he said. "Prior to that, my only means of getting around were either a) with the use of my walker or b) in a car. Now I just fold up the walker and bring it with me."

Nickelson said he's been in Whitefish for about four weeks so far this summer and hasn't used his truck once.

"I just take the bike everywhere I need to go," he said. "It's definitely tough work getting up the Sun Road, but for the views and the peace and quiet before they let the cars all the way up, it's worth every bit of effort."