Toti cyclist cycles the hand cycle relay race
Able-bodied riders were shocked at how hard it was on their arms
Some members of the Amanzimtoti Cycle Club (ACC) supported the inaugural 24 hour Achilles hope and possibility hand cycling relay race that made its debut at the Moses Mabhida Stadium’s People’s Park on Saturday, 25 May.
Adopting a relay race approach, allowed able-bodied participants and disabled athletes to work as a team together, to complete as many laps of the People’s Park 1km track as possible, within the allotted 24 hours. A roster of 15 minute intervals was given to the Toti riders, with Sue Martin being the first one out the pen. Sue had an unfortunate mountain bike accident in July 2015, which left her paralysed from the chest down and the support she received from the cycle club was overwhelming, especially from the club’s chairman, Barry Walker. Barry cycled a few laps before the victorious Sharks rugby game, only to came back, together with Chris Dempsey, and cycle about a further 50 kilometres. Adding up all the teams effort, a total of 3 500 kilometres was ridden within the 24 hours.
Every able-bodied rider was shocked at how hard it was on their arms and have new respect for those who do the 100km races on these hand cycles. Able-bodied riders don’t think twice about getting off to walk if the hill is too steep. Disabled people can’t.
There were a number of different reasons for this initiative, but they all serve to better the lives of disabled athletes around the province. All funds raised went to Ethembeni School and Achilles South Africa who are all about enabling people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream running and cycling events and ACC was proud to be a part of it.
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