Vehicle: Invacare Top End Excelerator Handcycle 24 inch
Engine: Peddle-power
Colour: Green
Name: Jack Lovett-Hurst (20)
From: Invercargill
When and why did you buy it? Trikes NZ brought a number of trikes from Levin to Timaru for demonstrations while I was competing in the Independence Games in April 2013. I had a go on a couple of them and loved it. We ordered it in November 2013, and it arrived February 2014, two days before the Invercargill Surf to City. I biked the Surf to City with my mum, Debbie Houkamau, and stepdad, Greg Houkamau, running with me
What is the vehicle’s history? It was made in the United States and altered in Levin to suit my needs
Have you altered it in any way? Yes, Trikes NZ changed the hand pedals to ones that were more suited to me. Also, Southern Mobility built some handles on the back of the seat so that Greg can push me when I need help, and also some padded extras for my knees to prevent rubbing
What’s it like to ride? Great
What’s it worth? $2700. It owes me nothing, it is the best thing for my upper body 
strength and helps to build up my guns
Where’s your favourite stretch of road? From Oreti Beach to home
Top speed? It has seven speeds and I can do about 8km/h
Best driving experience? Driving my mum and stepdad up the wall
Worst riding experience? When my stepdad is telling me what to do
What other vehicles of note have you owned? I owned another trike when I was about 6 years old. It was made for me by my friend’s dad. I rode that until I was about 12
Best music to ride to? I don’t listen to music when I’m biking as I need to pay attention to the road and my surroundings
Describe your riding style: Good most days, but some days pretty average
What was the first bike you ever bought? I had a trike when I was 3 years old and mum had blocks put on to the pedals with shoes attached to them, so that when my feet were put in the shoes and I was pushed by a stick attached to the back of the trike, this made my legs go round and round
Event: Jack Lovett-Hurst, who was born with muscular dystrophy, will be taking part in the New York City Marathon, an annual event which takes place through the five boroughs of New York. Considered one of the largest marathon events in the world, Jack will compete on his handcycle in the 42km event in November. Marathon organisers only allow two handcycle competitors from each country
