From 15 Riders to 100+: AGM’s Evolving Commitment to Adaptive Cycling
Five years ago, AGM Container Controls, through its Ascension Wheelchair Lifts division, began a journey that would profoundly shape our understanding of accessibility and inclusion. What started as a sponsorship effort to support Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports (SAAS) has grown into a 100+ rider movement dedicated to empowering adaptive athletes at El Tour de Tucson.
How It Began: From Support to Solidarity
In 2019, Ascension sponsored a team of 15 SAAS adaptive cyclists, providing race-day support, jerseys, and entry fee waivers. Our goal was twofold: to better understand the real-world challenges and needs of wheelchair users—the very people our products are designed to serve—and to uplift an organization doing essential work to bring sports and enriching experiences to the adaptive community.
Building Momentum Year by Year
Those first 15 riders laid the foundation for a much larger movement. Year by year, our commitment deepened—more volunteers, more logistics, and more engagement with the athletes themselves. From adaptive equipment transport to day-of mechanical support, AGM staff and volunteers leaned into every opportunity to serve. What started as sponsorship evolved into deep, hands-on involvement.
Video footage from early events shows the growing sense of purpose: community rides, coaching meetups, and moments of triumph as adaptive riders crossed finish lines with the support of cheering crews.
Welcoming Veterans & Expanding the Team
By 2023, through the inclusion of 12 alumni riders from the Wounded Warrior Project, WWP officially became part of the team, bringing a new dimension of strength and resilience. Their presence not only inspired, but also reinforced the mission to create inclusive, welcoming spaces for all adaptive athletes—civilians and veterans alike.
With this partnership, Team Access was born: a collaborative effort led by AGM and supported by SAAS, Wounded Warrior Project, and other advocates for accessibility in endurance sport.
Shaping a More Inclusive El Tour
AGM’s involvement hasn’t just been about supporting riders—it’s been about shaping the event itself. El Tour de Tucson has responded to the growing adaptive presence by expanding its infrastructure: designated handcycle staging, modified start procedures, and better course accessibility. AGM has been part of every step, providing input, volunteers, and funding to help make those changes a reality.
Watch the Story Unfold
Explore our journey through these featured videos:
- AGM + SAAS | Ascension at El Tour (2021)
- Team Access + Wounded Warrior Project Ride (2023)
- Road to Accessibility
- No One Left Behind: Team Access Partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project
- El Tour De Tucson – accessible cycling gets rolling in Tucson
Looking Ahead
Today, Team Access includes over 100 riders, reflecting a growing movement grounded in equity, action, and understanding. For AGM, this isn’t just about a race—it’s about showing up for the community we serve.
If your organization would like to ride alongside us, sponsor a handcycle athlete, or explore partnership opportunities for El Tour de Tucson, contact:
arussell@team-access.org
Learn more about this partnership
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