I have set myself a challenge of cycling the entire length of the Outer Hebrides to emulate the recent journey completed by around the world cyclist, Mark Beaumont. I believe, if I achieve this, that I may be the first person with cerebral palsy to have done this. Cycling is my passion and I want to show that disability is not a barrier to achieving great things in the same way an able-bodied person can, and that there are no restrictions when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors.
My journey will begin in Barra and take in the southernmost tip of the Outer Hebrides before heading north onto South Uist through Benbecula and Grimsay. The next step is North Uist and Berneray. I will tackle the mountains of Harris and on up to the Butt of Lewis. This cycle tour is 186 miles in total and will have its particular challenges. The first days will be through rolling country with high exposure to possible winds and rain. The later stages of the trip with be particularly hard due to the hilly and mountainous terrain on Harris and Lewis. For more details of the route I will take please see the following link.
https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/active/cycling/hebridean-way-cycling-route/
For me this will be a difficult challenge because of the length of the route, the hilly later stages and the possibility of exposure to some wild weather. It will also be challenging cycling six days in a row without a rest through difficult conditions. However, I want to show that with my sheer grit and determination that I am able to do this and hopefully encourage others to achieve things they might have thought impossible.
I am trying to raise the money to enable me to take this challenge because I want to show other people what is possible when they put their mind to something. By completing this challenge, I will show that disability is not a barrier to enjoying the great outdoors and that we all have an innate ability within us to achieve often more than we can even imagine. I want to inspire others out of their comfort zones, not just in the outdoors, but to achieve in whatever sphere of life they may want to excel in. I believe I will reach a lot of people through doing this and will, through giving talks, writing and social media, encourage and inspire many people to reach the success they strive for.
I have calculated the costs on the price of the current ferry prices, B&B accommodation and petrol costs. I will be accompanied by one driver who will provide me with backup support.
I would be very grateful indeed for your contribution.
Thank you, DAVID