Reclaiming Life, One Ride at a Time

In April 2021, 62-year-old disabled U.S. Army Military Police veteran Matthew Friend, heard the words “morbidly obese” from his doctor. At 356 pounds, with a long history of surgeries and chronic pain, it was a harsh reality, but also a turning point.

Determined to make a change, he began with short, painful rides on an upright bike. Then, through the Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Program, he discovered the ICE Adventure HD trike, and everything changed.

What started as a struggle became a passion. With support from his family and the team at the Hostel Shoppe, he now rides up to 50 miles a session, pain-free.

Here’s his powerful story, in his own words.

"I've always been "big". In April of 2021 my Doctor told me I was "morbidly obese", those words stung!

My weight was 356 pounds. I decided to then and there, too try no matter how hard it would be to change my life. I'm a 62 yr old disabled United States Army Military Police veteran.

I've had 8 total knee surgeries, both knees are total replacements and both shoulders have been completely rebuilt. I've also had bariatric surgery. My excessive weight and injuries made exercise hard and painful. I ate junk food out of boredom."

"I started riding an upright bike. That bike made life even more painful. I could only ride about a mile and a half before I had to stop, but I did this daily into the summer.

In October of 2021 I was approved for a trike through the Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Program in Tomah, Wisconsin. I had never heard of a tadpole trike prior to my approval. 

The physical therapist and occupational therapist at the Tomah VA hospital suggested I get into an ICE ADVENTURE HD rs26, so that is what I got. I now ride my ICE 2-4 times a week during my riding season . I ride 20-50 miles on a normal ride. I've riden upto 100 mile in a day! I've never been sore after riding my ICE.

My current weight is 185# and still losing weight!!

My physical and mental health is in an awesome place! My happy place is riding my ICE ADVENTURE HD!!!"

"My ICE Adventure HD has given me my life back. My wife and daughter have been huge supporters of my trike life. My wife has even gotten her own ICE ADVENTURE HD and we ride together now. Through their help and the help of Breanna VanDeHey at the Hostel Shoppe in Stevens Point, Wisconsin and 2 of her employees Jesse and Chris, they have SAVED my life. I absolutely love riding my ICE!"

What began as a painful struggle has transformed into a journey of strength, resilience, and rediscovered joy. With every mile, this veteran proves that it’s never too late to take back your health, your happiness, and your freedom.

Matt's ICE Adventure HD isn’t just a trike, it’s a lifeline; and with the unwavering support of his family and community, he continues to ride forward, one powerful pedal stroke at a time.

His story is a reminder to us all: no matter the obstacles, the road to a better life is always open - you just have to choose to ride it.