Steve Ewens
Tandem Lands End to John O'Groats
Fundraising for Life Cycle
Story
This all started when my brother Dave gave me two extra special Christmas presents: a pair of cycling shorts and a tube of cream to rub on sensitive areas. I had been hoping for a box of chocolates but accepted his challenge: to cycle on the back of a tandem from one end of the UK to the other.
I suppose it really all started about 3 years ago when I was sat at home not doing very much. I came across an email inviting visually-impaired people to try their hand at riding on the back of a tandem.
Being visually-impaired can be an isolating experience. There are many barriers (both physical and psychological) which can prevent you from getting out and playing an active part in society. One particular challenge is to get outside, do some exercise and keep fit.
I had not been on a bike for over 15 years since losing my eyesight. It was with some trepidation, therefore, that I came along to a "taster" session in Queens Square in Bristol. Wondering what I was letting myself in for.
From the moment that I got on the bike, however, I was hooked ! It gave me back my freedom and it was amazing to be cycling again. Since then, I haven't looked back, so to speak.
This was my first step towards accepting my blindness and looking for all the opportunities available to me as a visually impaired person. It really was the key to the door to a whole new world !
I have Life Cycle to thank for figuratively opening my eyes to a whole range of life experiences that have enriched my life since i took that first step.
Having benefitted so much from what Life Cycle has given me i wanted to give something back and this seemed the perfect way to do it.
My brother Dave says that this will be a real bonding experience for us, although spending almost two weeks with my head in close proximity to his backside will be a slightly closer bond than what I had envisaged !
In view of the impending pain and suffering that i am about to endure please give generously.
I suppose it really all started about 3 years ago when I was sat at home not doing very much. I came across an email inviting visually-impaired people to try their hand at riding on the back of a tandem.
Being visually-impaired can be an isolating experience. There are many barriers (both physical and psychological) which can prevent you from getting out and playing an active part in society. One particular challenge is to get outside, do some exercise and keep fit.
I had not been on a bike for over 15 years since losing my eyesight. It was with some trepidation, therefore, that I came along to a "taster" session in Queens Square in Bristol. Wondering what I was letting myself in for.
From the moment that I got on the bike, however, I was hooked ! It gave me back my freedom and it was amazing to be cycling again. Since then, I haven't looked back, so to speak.
This was my first step towards accepting my blindness and looking for all the opportunities available to me as a visually impaired person. It really was the key to the door to a whole new world !
I have Life Cycle to thank for figuratively opening my eyes to a whole range of life experiences that have enriched my life since i took that first step.
Having benefitted so much from what Life Cycle has given me i wanted to give something back and this seemed the perfect way to do it.
My brother Dave says that this will be a real bonding experience for us, although spending almost two weeks with my head in close proximity to his backside will be a slightly closer bond than what I had envisaged !
In view of the impending pain and suffering that i am about to endure please give generously.