Community Care

There is an indescribable pleasure in riding downhill with a group of your friends. I love the sensation of the fast breeze tickling my neck. The cool air feels especially good after a steep, sweaty climb. As my wheels pick up speed, I release an enthusiastic scream of “wheeeeee.” Other riders hoot and holler too. At once, I feel joyful, triumphant, and in sync with my colleagues. Together, we exclaim our enthusiasm on two wheels. 

After being wiped out going 30 mph downhill, it was hard to get back to that lighthearted downhill glee. I have had to do a few versions of trauma desensitization. One opportunity for creative healing came from an unexpected ride in Alex Benigno’s trailer. 

Long before he became Atlanta’s beloved Magnet Man, Alex Bengino was cycling with the city’s group rides. During the 2023 spring bike camping weekend organized by the Atlanta Cycling Festival, I had a chance to get to know Alex better. I learned that he, also like me, had recently chanced into cycling with these groups. In riding around the city, we found comradery and fun.

On our camping adventure along the Silver Comet Trail, Alex brought his elliptical bike. I was curious about this seat-less, step-through bike. While we were in the comfort of a patch of grass around our campsite, I tried to ride his special bike. It was unwieldy and made me a bit nervous. Still, I was intrigued. Later I learned he used this special type of bike because Alex had some injuries that made the standard bike uncomfortable. The elliptical bike, Alex, assured me, has helped him get in the best shape of his life.

A few weeks later, I had the accident that put me out of cycling for a while. During my wheelchair time, I was driven around Atlanta by my friends. As a passenger, I started watching street traffic differently. I looked a few car lengths ahead to anticipate any prospective collisions in front of me. From my wipeout, I realized I had developed anxiety around roads, crowds, and going downhill.

Shortly after I regained my (car-based) independence, a crew of us cyclists foodies made dinner plans to Chai Pani in Decatur. That Friday afternoon, Alex rolled up with his elliptical bike and a trailer in tow. I was perplexed about the purpose of the trailer. Then, Alex showed us his system of picking up metal debris from the ground with magnets underneath his trailer.

I looked at the sturdy construction of his trailer and cheekily asked if he would give me a ride in the trailer. To my surprise, he was open to the idea. I hopped in and he rode his bike, pulling me in the trailer around the Chai Pani parking lot. His short ride made me cautiously optimistic about my ability to get back to cycling. Later that evening, our dinner crew moved to the Brick Store Pub in Decatur Square. Alex pulled me in his cycle-powered trailer the few blocks there.

I had seen Alex riding with our group rides; he is both sensible and cautious. After our spin in Decatur, I felt moved to ask for a longer ride! His calm demeanor and conscientious riding would be the perfect way for me to get back on the road. We asked our ride organizer at Midweek Roll if it was kosher for me to ride like this for a group trip.  Luckily, Midweek Roll created an abbreviated (and modified route) to accommodate my trauma-healing ride! Alex reinforced the trailer (seat). I wore my helmet and was eager to roll with my crew again.

Though I was anxious about not being in control of my own movements, I trusted Alex’s level-headedness and construction skills. I noticed that Alex carefully avoided potholes and rough patches in the road. I tried to keep my cool as we turned corners. As he pulled me along on the back of his elliptical bike, I sensed that I was slowly overcoming the angst of being out in the streets. It felt so good to be spinning around again with the rest of our friends. By the end of the ride, I felt a slow return to the enthusiastic celebration of downhills. It was almost as if I were riding bikes again!

Before he exploded on the scene with his Magnet Man Instagram account, Alex was doing kind things for people. His sense of civic responsibility enriches our community. Through Alex’s help, I was able to overcome the anxiety I felt on the road. I feel lucky to be the beneficiary of his kindness. His concern for others around him inspired his magnetic public service project. Alex is a brilliant example of how we can help make the world a little better, one thoughtful action at a time.