Billie Holbrook: Still Rolling Strong
An active septuagenarian, Billie Holbrook isn’t slowing down—she’s gearing up. With decades of life experience, an adventurous heart, and a hand cycle by her side, Billie is proving that strength, spirit, and determination don’t have an expiration date.
Billie’s journey into adaptive sports began after a spinal cord aneurysm left her paralyzed at age 22 while serving in the Peace Corps. When doors to nursing school closed because of her disability, Billie didn’t miss a beat—she became a dental hygienist, and later a dentist, adapting tools to fit her hands and running her own successful practice in Tucson for 25 years. Her creativity and drive kept her moving forward, always finding ways to do what she loved.
Then she discovered hand cycling.
What started as a new way to stay active turned into a lifelong passion. Billie’s first El Tour de Tucson ride was back in 1998—and she’s ridden it at least six times since. Her most recent rides have been with Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports (SAAS), where she’s found a team of friends who share her love for movement, challenge, and joy.
“It’s the wind in your hair, the feeling of pushing yourself, being outside—being alive,” she says. For Billie, hand cycling isn’t just exercise. It’s empowerment. It’s freedom. It’s fun.
Accessibility happens through working together to ensure EVERYONE has the opportunity to participate. Join us – whether it’s as an athlete, supporter, volunteer or donor, we want you on Team Access!
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