Mission Statement:
Strong Arm Expeditions is dedicated to pushing perceived limits by climbing big mountains using only arm-power. Encouraging the development of new adaptive technologies and the enhancement of mobility in natural environment with minimal impact.
Keegan Reilly, uses highly customized adaptive equipment that runs completely on his arm strength. He has made first arm-powered ascents of notable mountains and trains and climbs with a team of dedicated climbing partners.
His climbs hopefully fan the internal flames of others who might push beyond their own limits.
Current Project - Mt. Rainier 2006 Wilderness Inquiry Benefit Climb
Team Strong Arm is attempting it's most difficult climb to date. Mt. Rainier is a premiere climbing destination and is visited by climbers world wide. This is not a walk up even for abled bodied climbers. Pete Reike successfully climbed Mt. Rainier using arm-power and holds the only succesful ascent to date, though a handful of other attempts have been made. Pete used a SnoPod which he designed and built for his summit. Keegan used a SnoPod along with others on the successful ascent of Mt. Shasta.
Keegan will use a sit-ski based climbing machine (we've dubbed it the "Gulag") which a Russian team used successfully to arm-climb Mt. McKinley in 2002 (amazing!). We plan to climb the mountain elegantly with a small self sufficient team and will be taking a different route than Pete. The climb is set to begin in June. Because of Park Service regulations banning mechanized equipment, Keegan will access the base of the climb where his ski can be utilized in a loaned Sam Sullivan Foundation "Trail Rider".
To help spread the joy of getting all comers into the wild, Team Strong Arm is hoping to raise awareness of a partner organization Wilderness Inquiry, a non-profit whose mission is to make the wilderness accessible to people of all abilities.
We encourage you to support the Mt. Rainier expedition financially. Proceeds will go to help establish W.I. in the pacific northwest and help to acquire other adaptive equipment for use on W.I. trips. All donations are greatly appreciated. Donate Now
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