Jackie Infalt and Stefanie McMullen
Learning to shift gears is a skill most of us take for granted. When Stefanie McMullen suffered a mitochondrial stroke at the tender age of 18, everything changed, and the traumatic shift left her partially disabled.
Mom Jackie Infalt, a retired Menomonee Falls police officer, was by Stefanie’s side through the long road to recovery. Biking and other sports have played a critical role in their journey, including riding an electric bike to help build skills.
Twenty-four-year-old Stefanie, the proud owner of a new TerraTrike eBike, and avid cyclist Jackie share how biking has transformed their lives.
How did biking and other activities become part of your lives after the stroke?
Jackie: Stefanie is my miracle child. The stroke initially left her almost unable to walk, we left the hospital in a wheelchair and walker. She was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease, a condition where the cells that produce energy for your body, don’t function correctly. Stefanie’s body does not produce enough energy for her to be able to ride without the assistance of the electric bike.
Stefanie has been part of the IRIS program, which stands for Include, Respect, I Self Direct, for adults with disabilities.We were able to get a bike to help her as part of becoming more self-directed.
It was hard for her to ride more than two miles, but then we discovered electric bikes. They weren’t that popular seven years ago. At first, we had a three-wheel upright electric trike which was unreliable and too big.
Stefanie has also competed in Special Olympics to include bowling, basketball, swimming and walk racing. Stefanie has received many ribbons and medals in Special Olympics competition. I wish they would introduce biking because so many people with disabilities can use bikes.
Stefanie: I saw my mom always going out to bike and I wanted to join her.
I work at a daycare and like working with kids. Playing outside and doing crafts with kids are some of my favorite things.
I like to ride my bike around and explore the scenery.
What is your biking history, and where are you riding together now?
Stefanie: I like to ride to Grandma’s house 6 miles away.We also go to the Bugline and the Interurban trails. Wow, there is a lot to see out there.
Jackie: I really got into road biking about 10 years ago when I heard about the Police Unity Tour, to honor fallen police officers. I’ve participated in this event three times. I’ve ridden some great rides covering approximately 300 miles in 4 days with over 2800 riders from Pennsylvania to DC or New York to DC.
I really love exploring urban trails through Chicago and New York, especially the amazing biking around the heart of the city.
Why did you pick the Terra Trike eBike?
Stefanie: I tried three bikes. The two wheeled bikes were too difficult for me to balance on. So, Jeff suggested we try the trike and I had fun in the parking lot riding it and felt so much safer on this one.
Jackie: I did research on the web and found TerraTrike. We went to the Brookfield store and met Jeff Hudzinski, who specializes in trikes and recumbents. He’s remarkable and assured us anyone can ride this bike. It’s true. If you have balance issues, you can ride this bike. If unsure, then work with Jeff!
What are some cool new things and challenges you’ve found about your new bike?
Stefanie: I like it. It’s fun and has a comfortable seat. Mom’s helping me learn to shift gears when we come to hills, so I can make it up!
Jackie: It’s tough for Stefanie to ride more than two miles on a regular bike due to Mitochondrial Disease. The eBike lets us go 12 to 15 miles together.
She’s learning the gears, especially going up and down hills, as well as stopping. The trike is safer because Stefanie’s balance isn’t quite there yet on a two wheel bike. The trike is wider on the trails so she’s learning to stay to the right letting others pass.
Where would you like to go next?
Stefanie: I would like to go to California because it’s warm and I’ve done some riding along the ocean on a rented electric bike and it was beautiful.
Jackie: Since COVID has changed our plans, we’re staying around the state and exploring new places together.
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