What began as a regular Friday conversation turned into a meaningful look at how one man is navigating life outdoors with a Trackchair®. I spoke with Mike Kitchens, a retired automotive industry professional who now spends his time camping, hunting, and exploring the landscapes of Georgia.
Mike lives in Blairsville, nestled in the North Georgia mountains, where he and his wife have made a peaceful home surrounded by nature. After retiring in 2018 due to mobility challenges stemming from spina bifida, Mike sought ways to stay active. Though everyday movement has become more difficult, Mike’s spirit remains undeterred — and so does his love for the outdoors.
Rediscovering the Beach
Mike’s first experience with a Trackchair® came three years ago during a trip to Myrtle Beach State Park. Until then, beaches had become places he could only view from a distance. “I never went to the beach because I couldn’t go on the sand,” he told me. But when he discovered a Trackchair® parked next to the campground check-in booth, everything changed.
“It was the first time I had been on the beach in I don’t know how long,” Mike said, his voice catching with emotion. “It was wonderful.”
That moment wasn’t just a beach visit — it was a breakthrough. A memory made possible by access, freedom, and a simple piece of adaptive equipment that let him roll over the sand and into the surf.
"It was the first time I had been on the beach in I don’t know how long"
A New Kind of Camping Adventure
Camping has become a monthly ritual for Mike and his wife. With their pull-behind trailer, they’ve made it a goal to visit every Georgia State Park — especially the ones equipped with Trackchairs®. Georgia, he says, is doing an excellent job adding Trackchairs® to their parks, and Mike is helping spread the word whenever and wherever he can.
“I’ve only used one three times so far, but every time, it opens up a whole new world,” he said. At parks like Skidaway Island and even beyond Georgia, he’s tackled trails he never thought he’d see again. But he’s also quick to point out parks that don’t yet have Trackchairs®, like Tallulah Gorge, advocating for change wherever possible.
A New Kind of Outdoorsman at Heart
Whether it’s fishing, hunting, or simply being in nature, Mike still finds ways to stay connected to the land — even if it means adjusting how he gets there. Though mobility limitations keep him close to home for hunting, he’s grateful to live in a wooded area where he can still enjoy deer and turkey seasons right from his own backyard.
“I’m lucky I can just walk out of the house and be in the woods,” he shared. “And one day, I’m hoping to get my own Trackchair® so I can go even further.”
Spreading the Word
Beyond his own adventures, Mike is a passionate advocate for Trackchair® use. Whether he’s at the beach or in a park, people ask questions — and Mike is always happy to answer them. “A lot of people don’t even know they can rent them,” he said. “Everyone needs to know this exists.”
For us at Trackchair®, Mike’s story is exactly why we do what we do. His voice helps amplify our mission, and his experience brings awareness to a broader audience. Whether you rent or own, the impact of access is immeasurable.
Looking Ahead
Mike has more trips planned — some to state parks with chairs, some without. But he’s hopeful that with continued advocacy and support, more parks will join the movement. We’re working to grow our Trackchair® Finder map and partner with organizations like the Amy Copeland Foundation and Waymaker so that outdoor access can expand.
Want to help people like Mike explore more?
Consider donating, spreading the word, or simply reserving a Trackchair® on your next trip. Freedom is out there — sometimes, all it takes is the right wheels or tracks!
Trackchairs in the Wild is a blog series by Trackchair that shares inspiring stories of real customers unlocking adventure and embracing freedom through their all-terrain wheelchairs. Share your inspiring story with us by contacting us here: