Ice Trikes & VA’s Competition
Since 2012, I've been a dedicated advocate for Ice Trikes (Inspired Cycle Engineering), consistently impressed by their innovation and customer service. I've personally owned a few trikes, including the Ice Adventure, Ice Full Fat, and my current favorite one, the Ice Sprint X.
The Ice Adventure is the ideal all-terrain trike for Veterans seeking outdoor engagement. Its high seat offers easy entry & exit, stability, and the available full suspension provides a smooth, low-fatigue ride.
The Ice Full Fat, with its 26x4 tires, is designed for navigating extreme rural terrain like sand, snow, and mud. Due to its weight, I recommend power assist. While great for New England winters, its limited year-round utility prompted my switch to the Sprint X.
The Ice Sprint X is a light, fast, and arguably the fastest folding trike. I customized mine with a responsive, reliable SRAM 1x12 wireless shifting system (using a chain-derailment-resistant narrow-wide chainring) and Spyre cable-actuated hydraulic disc brakes for superior stopping power and low maintenance. Its carbon seat enhances power efficiency. I can maintain 12-14 mph without power, even while towing cargo. The Sprint X and Adventure share the Compact Flat Twist Fold design, making them ideal for transport, like fitting two Ice Trikes and a hand cycle in a pickup bed.
For Veterans prioritizing speed and portability, the Sprint X is the top choice for competition.
On the subject of Veteran competitions, George Lamb, featured in a VA Gainesville article by Katie Blunk, recently excelled using the Ice VTX with electronic shifting—widely considered the fastest recumbent trike in production. Check below:
From the Couch to a Champion: A Veteran’s Journey
George Lamb, Marine Corps Veteran, dominating at the Golden Age Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.
By Katie Butler, Public Affairs Specialist
March 3, 2025
Marine Corps Veteran George Lamb, who sustained a traumatic brain injury, transformed his life from spending his days on the couch to earning gold medals for his achievements in cycling with the Adaptive Sports Program.
Lamb served in the Marine Corps from 1979 to 1995 as a dedicated member of the Rapid Deployment Team. During his service, he and his team undertook more than ten deployments to locations around the globe, including Bosnia, Japan, Korea, Navarre, the Middle East, and Europe.
After his military service, Lamb pursued multiple careers, including one with the VA, before eventually settling in Florida, where he began receiving care at the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS). During a visit with his primary care provider, she encouraged him to get off the couch and take a step towards a healthier lifestyle. She referred him to recreational therapy and that’s where he met Katie Blunk, Adaptive Sports Program Coordinator for the NF/SGVHS. Their introduction sparked the beginning of an inspiring chapter in Lamb's life, filled with new opportunities and the promise of a more active and fulfilling future.
During their first conversation, Blunk asked about three activities he would like to pursue, and one of them was cycling. She mentioned that VA could assist him by providing a recumbent bike, which is a three-wheeled bicycle. Lamb responded, “Marines don’t ride tricycles,” but Blunk was persistent in encouraging him to give it a try. Once he finally decided to test it out, Lamb said that he “loved it.”
After discovering his passion for cycling, he participated in the Face of America Ride, which spanned from Washington, D.C. to Gettysburg, Tennessee, all while riding a recumbent bike. Eager to embrace the competitive side of cycling, he spoke with Blunk, who encouraged him to race in the Golden Age Games. On his first attempt, he impressively secured both a gold and a silver medal in cycling. During his second outing, despite experiencing issues with loose components in his left knee, causing him to peddle with one leg, he still managed to walk away with a bronze and a silver medal. Most recently, he achieved remarkable success at the 2024 Golden Age Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he claimed two gold medals, finishing an astounding eight minutes ahead of his closest competitors.
When discussing the Adaptive Sports Program and his personal experience, Lamb expressed, “We are truly like a close-knit family. If someone’s having a bad day, we come together to support one another. I’ve formed strong friendships with many of the members.”
“I also participated in the summer clinic, where I was constantly reminded of what I can achieve. While many people focus on what you can’t do, Katie and the group showed me all the possibilities and things I can do,” said Lamb.
Lamb was deeply moved by the care and compassion exhibited by the recreational therapy team. He shared heartfelt words with Blunk that resonated with her, bringing tears to her eyes: “Providers improve lives, but recreational therapy continues your life.”
Veteran Lamb’s remarkable journey from a Marine Corps Veteran living with a traumatic brain injury to a gold medal-winning cyclist is truly inspiring. He has faced and overcome significant challenges, transforming his life from being confined to the couch to achieving success in the realm of cycling. This is the kind of uplifting success story that the VA cherishes and strives to be a part of every single day. Lamb’s determination and resilience serve as a powerful reminder that with courage and perseverance, anything is possible.
