For many, the feeling of confinement because of mobility challenges can seem like a permanent part of life. Yet, thanks to visionaries like Jerry Alcorn and Michael Porter, that sense of limitation can transform into a journey of freedom, empowerment, and the discovery of new possibilities to stay active and mobile.
As the owner of Alcorn Adaptive Bike and Mobility Shop, Jerry Alcorn knows firsthand how drastically life can change in an instant. Ten years ago, while working a construction job, Jerry suffered a catastrophic accident that physically crushed his body, leaving him with an incomplete spinal cord injury. His spinal cord was severely damaged from L-1 through the entire S-section. The road to recovery was grueling, with years of repetition and rehabilitation just to regain basic body functions. Even now, Jerry continues the fight, using movement as a form of therapy. “A body in motion stays in motion,” he emphasizes. Along the way, he discovered that existing mobility aids were inadequate, often treating patients as “one-size-fits-all.” Determined to make a difference, he committed to designing customized solutions to help others stay active and independent. “I literally walk the walk through my own disability,” Jerry says. “It’s not just about money or making people smile; it’s about enjoying life, getting off the couch, and discovering a world of new opportunities.”
Michael Porter’s path was different, but reflected the same unbreakable spirit. Diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease that severely damaged his nerves. He vividly remembers the uphill battle to regain strength, celebrating each step as he progressed from a wheelchair to a walker, and eventually to a cane. Immersing himself in adaptive sports, he began coaching for Adaptive Sports Northwest in Oregon, a nonprofit dedicated to turning physical limitations into athletic achievements.
Although Michael and Jerry lived miles apart—Michael in Oregon and Jerry in Southern California—their paths serendipitously crossed through the adaptive sports community. Michael transported many of the custom-made bikes Jerry helped develop, unknowingly linking their journeys long before they formally met. Michael, and his wife, Edie, moved to the Coachella Valley and eventually settled in Sun City, where his passion for adaptive sports found a new home. Jerry, meanwhile, had launched the Alcorn Adaptive Bike and Mobility Shop in 2018, creating custom solutions for individuals and nonprofits through his heartfelt commitment to enhancing mobility for all.
Alcorn Adaptive, now thriving in a spacious 4,000-square- foot location at 3800 East Vista Chino, is driven by Jerry and Michael’s personal experiences and a commitment to serving people of all abilities. While they specialize in adaptive equipment tailored to unique needs—like electric handcycles for paraplegics, off-road vehicles with hand controls, and recumbent bikes for stroke survivors—they also provide comprehensive services for everyone. The shop is well-known for expert e-bike repairs and traditional bike servicing, ensuring that all cyclists, regardless of ability, can enjoy the freedom of riding. “It’s not just about the bike,” Jerry emphasizes. “It’s about the future and understanding what’s uniquely needed for each person who walks—or rides—through our doors.”
Jerry and Michael’s vision for freedom is more than a dream; it’s a promise. They’ve turned their personal battles into a gift for others, ensuring that anyone facing mobility challenges can experience the joy of movement and the limitless opportunities that come with it.
They would love to see their fellow Sun City neighbors to come out to see what possibilities are in store at 3800 E. Vista Chino or call them at 760-464-0366.
