Since Dan Zimmerman suffered a stroke in 2005, his objective has been to show stroke survivors that recovery is possible.

His latest project is teaching free adaptive cycling clinics at Tempe Lake, Tucson, Denver and Colorado Springs.

“We help stroke survivors gain independence, ability, hope and freedom. The goal is to increase awareness about stroke and HHT (Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia), the cause of my stroke, and to make adaptive cycling available to the stroke community,’ said Zimmerman, a former Fountain Hills cabinetmaker. “Live life to the fullest and make a difference along the way.”

Zimmerman started riding a trike recumbent in 2011 to improve blood flow to all areas of his body, especially his brain.

He recently bought and upgraded a pre-owned 1992 ambulance to tow the 15 trikes that he loans participants. He and a volunteer, Rick Meyer, teach participants with disabilities to ride. Meyer is affiliated with the Apache Junction Cyclists.

Classes are free; Zimmerman welcomes donations for the non-profit foundation.

Although he now lives in Mesa, Zimmerman said he still considers Fountain Hills his hometown after operating Woodworks by Dan Inc. on Colony Drive for 23 years. Several local businesses continue to support him, he said.

Next summer, Zimmerman plans another marathon trike ride along the Eastern seaboard. Between June 24 and July 1, he will lead the Erie Canal Tour between Buffalo and Albany. The eight-day tour will include several historic sites, such as the American Revolution-era Fort Stanwix.

An extension of the trip will be July 14 from Calais, Maine, to Key West, Fla., ending in mid-November.

Details and costs of the trips are provided on his website, spokesfightingstrokes.org. Corporate sponsors or individuals who are willing to help support his effort are welcome.

In 2014, Zimmerman and four friends pedaled across the country from Anacortes, Wash., to Key West, Fla. The trip was followed by another ride in 2015 from Colorado, Springs, Colo., to Cary, N.C. He traveled in 2016 from Anacortes, Wash., to Framingham, Mass.

Zimmerman can be contacted at dan@spokesfightingstrokes.org.