Blind cyclist Lorin Nicholson rode into Tweed Heads on Monday as part of his Brisbane-to-Melbourne Blind Courage expedition to raise $10,000 for Vision Australia.
Lorin, a classical guitarist and motivational speaker, started his 1,800km bike ride in Brisbane on December 5.
He will end the journey with a performance at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight presented by Myer, on Christmas Eve.
Forty-two-year old Lorin has been blind since he was four and is one of six siblings, three of whom are blind. He has been an athlete, children’s author and one of Australia’s leading youth motivational speakers on anti-bullying as well as being nominated for Australian of the Year in 2009.
More than 20 clubs are supporting Lorin, providing him with meals and accommodation. Clubs Australia and cycling clothing specialist Cannibal are also sponsoring Lorin as he raises funds to support Vision Australia’s services for people who are blind or have low vision.
Lorin said he was pushing himself to complete the ride to inspire people that anything is possible, and to raise awareness of the large number of Australians who are vision impaired.
“There are 300,000 Australians who are blind or have low vision,” he said.
“With an ageing population this number will grow to about 600,000 by 2020. Hopefully by completing this tandem bike ride I will help change the public’s perception of what blind people can do.”
“I’d like to thank Twin Towns Services Club and their members for supporting me on my trip. Recovery is an important part of the ride each day, and that’s only possible with a hearty club meal. I hope people are able to drop by Twin Towns Services Club to say hi and to have a chat.’’
He said a strong head wind had made riding harder than expected but he had a lot of support from fellow motorists on the trip from Brisbane to Tweed – a lot tooting their horns.
Clubs Australia CEO Anthony Ball said clubs were keen to support Lorin in his Christmas bike ride to raise money for Vision Australia.
“Twin Towns Services Club has long been known for its support of local charities. It’s great but not surprising they were keen to get involved and look after Lorin and his support team as they rode through Tweed Heads.”
To sponsor Lorin as he raises money for Vision Australia, go to:
www.clubsaustralia.com.au or www.visionaustralia.org.au or Facebook: ‘BlindCourage’
