A BLIND cyclist will be among more than 100 riders who take on terrains of east Africa in an international bike ride.
Anthony Lane will be riding tandem in Kenya in October in a bid to raise cash for charity.
Mr Lane, who lives in Norwood residential accomodation in Bleinheim Avenue, Gants Hill, was born with detached retinas and cataracts in both eyes and is registered blind.
He was a keen cyclist but his poor eyesight has meant that in recent years he has been unable to cycle on his own.
However, thanks to Norwood - a charity which supports people with learning disabilities and children and families in need -people with disabilities have been taught and encouraged to get on a bike and Mr Lane now feels confident enough to climb back in the saddle after a ten year absence.
About 140 cyclists begin at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro and finish in Mombasa by the clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
Riders will cycle through national parks, breathtaking scenery and get up close and personal with the local wildlife, while navigating the challenging mountainous hills and vast flat lands.
The Kenya Bike Ride is an opportunity that most people could not refuse, including 50-year-old Mr Lane.
He said: “Cycle My Way gave me the confidence to be able to do something that I have really enjoyed doing in the past.”
Mr Lane, who recently took part in Norwood’s Capital to Coast Cycle Challenge for charity, added: “I am looking forward to the Kenya bike ride.
“I did my last overseas ride in 1999 and I am happy to take part and represent Norwood.
"I have just completed the London to Hove ride and I did not put my feet on the ground once, I think this shows that I am still able to achieve goals in my life and I am very proud.”
Two trips to Kenya have been organised, between October 7-18 and October 14-25. The registration fee is £575 (£475 for under 30s) and the required minimum sponsorship is £2,750 (£1,750 for under 30s).
Ian Tate, Norwood’s head of challenges, said: “The Kenya Bike Ride will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for all those involved, and I guarantee that participants will come away with a great sense of achievement and pride, knowing that they have not only completed a significant challenge, but also raised vital funds for Norwood’s ongoing work with people with learning disabilities, and children and families in need.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here