Blind cyclist nearing Penticton

Injuries have prevented blind cyclist Craig Aucoin from continuing his cross-Canada ride but they did not end his dream.

Aucoin and sighted partner Lloyd McLean left St. Johns Nfld. Aug. 4 for a planned 85-day, 8,260-kilometre bicycle tour however separate incidents even before they reached Nova Scotia, curtailed his quest. Since then, Bob MacDonald, who suffers from the same condition (retinitis pigmentosa) which left Aucoin legally blind, has taken up the rear seat on the tandem, recumbent cycle.

The terrain in Newfoundland was very challenging, a lot of big hills and it was unfortunate about Craig but it is what it is, said McLean in a recent telephone interview from Suffield, Alta., just east of Calgary.

But the trip itself has been great and everywhere we go the response we get from the people is wonderful.

But as we get closer to the end and we can feel the end coming, it is exciting and hard to believe how many experiences weve had over the last two months.

The pair were preparing for their crossing of the Rocky Mountains and are expecting to be in Penticton for a meet and greet Friday, Oct. 18, at about 9:30 a.m. at Home Hardware.

The Craig Gives Back-2-Back Cross Canada Bicycle Tour was organized as a fundraiser and an awareness campaign.

In Aucoins words: To give back to the three non-profit organizations that helped me turn my life around and to inspire Canadians of all ages to overcome their personal challenges and adopt healthy, active lifestyles.

The groups he was referring to are the CNIB, YMCA and Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.

In the past 10 years, Craig has completely turned his life around for the better, said McLean, Aucoins good friend and personal trainer. He has lost 80 pounds and continues to exercise and eat properly. Craigs dream was to be fit and strong, so you could say he is now living his dream and inspiring thousands of people along the way.

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Blind cyclist nearing Penticton