“It was out of this world”

“I get close enough to see the lawns and gardens and old trees casting shadows,” Shorehaven resident Mary Lou Shryock described her recent fall trishaw ride with daughter Jeri Shryock.” I love seeing the old Victorians, the parks and the winding streets ahead of me. The experience is out of this world.”

cheryl ride10Shryock is one of many residents boarding the trishaw this summer, a rickshaw commandeered by a volunteer or staff pilot and outfitted to carry up to two residents at a time. Residents have toured Imagination Station, the Oconomowoc Saturday Farmers Market, greenhouses, downtown businesses and coffee shops. “Pilot Cheryl said we have two ways to go,” laughed Shryock, “And I told her ‘Let’s do both.’”

“We didn’t miss a minute of the entire ride. We got really close to the houses, and saw all the details in the windows and rooflines. I think my ride was the longest, longer than two hours. People were waving at us and cheering us on.”

The Shryock pair said they’d jump on the trishaw “in a minute”, but know they’ll probably wait till next spring to hit the open road again. “I told staff that if there are any cancellations, I’m there in a second. You won’t have to wait for me to jump on.”

Shorehaven acquired the trishaw through private donations and state grants, and a second is on its way next year. “The trishaw rides provide stimulation, connections with nature and with pilots, the feeling of fresh air and freedom for passengers,” said Shorehaven Strength and Fitness Center manager Kira Grosenick. “The vehicle and the experience it brings has proven to truly enhance our residents’ lives.”