By YASEMIN TALAT
KEILOR resident and cycling enthusiast Peter James was honoured as Ambassador for the MS Melbourne Cycle over the weekend.
Mr James was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in1995 which halted his active lifestyle that included jogging daily, playing sports and fishing.
He slowly became less mobile and more reliant on mobility aids such as crutches and a wheelchair to move around by 2007.
But that all changed for Mr James after he purchased a specially outfitted recumbent tricycle.
And now he enjoys riding every single day and has been taking part in the MS Cycle with his team the Keilor Carers annually since 2008.
“Rain, hail or shine, I find once I start out even in the most inclement conditions I am soon enjoying the ride,” Mr James said.
“My favourite thing about cycling is the feeling of freedom from my loss of mobility, much of which I continue to regain slowly, through, I believe, this exercise,” he said.
“Then there is the challenge and sense of achievement in making goals set.
“I have lost over 20 kilos since 2008 and my general health and mobility has benefitted greatly.”
“MS symptoms are all still there but I am better able to handle these and the effect on me.”
Mr James now rides 120 kilometres a week and has ridden more than 43,000km over the past six years.
“I could not and still cannot ride a bike due to poor balance but found I could ride a trike,” he said.
“Exercise and healthier living have given me back my life in many respects.”
Mr James said he loved the camaraderie and the goodwill of the people who supported the event and was proud to be the Ambassador for 2014.
“It is a big boost to our feeling of worth in the community to see the level of support; it’s a real buzz for me.”
Together with family and friends, Mr James has helped raise $148,097 for MS Australia.
There are more than 23,000 Australians living with the chronic disease and a further 1000 diagnosed each year.
To donate visit register.msmelbournecycle.org.au/2014-MS-Melbourne-Cycle/aajamp.
