Strong Arm Expeditions, led by Keegan Reilly, is beginning the first ascent of Mt. Fuji in Japan for someone with paraplegia. Keegan and his team, consisting of Keegan?s three brothers, his uncle, and three long-time friends, reached the top of the mountain on September 4. They prepared and trained for this international expedition for nearly a year.

Reilly, 22, who lost the use of his legs in an auto accident seven years ago, has taken up downhill skiing, using a mono-ski with outriggers, kayaking, and now mountain climbing on a four-wheel bike designed and built specifically for this purpose. The $35,000 arm-powered "Scarab" is made of titanium tubing and is designed to roll over boulders and even climb steps.

Read more about Reilly's climb and equipment on the Strong Arm Expeditions Web site at http://www.ncpad.org/662/2739/2003-10-01.

From "Paraplegic Scaling Japan's Mount Fuji." September 2, 2003. Eric Talmadge, Associated Press.