Chinese double amputee fulfils his dream with 2,166km bike ride to Tibet
After taking on the treacherous Sichuan-Tibet highway, cyclist, who lost both limbs on his right side in an accident nine years ago, said he’s ready for a new challenge
A Chinese man who lost an arm and a leg in an accident nine years ago, earlier this week realised his dream to cycle the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, mainland media reported.
Guo Shaoyu, 24, set out on his mammoth 2,166km ride on June 1 from Yaan in southwestern China’s Sichuan province and arrived in Lhasa, capital of Tibet, on Tuesday, Thepaper.cn reported.
Tackling the route, which is known as one of the world’s most dangerous, highest and most perilous, is the ultimate goal for many cyclists.
It’s also arduous. Guo was quoted as saying that he fell off his bike at one point and struggled with the physical demands of the journey, but the many friends he made along the way and the stunning scenery he saw made it all worthwhile.
The crashing fall, as well as happier moments of the ride were captured on video and included in the news report, though it did not explain who shot the footage.
Doctors were forced to amputate Guo’s right arm and right leg after he was electrocuted and badly injured while playing with friends in 2008.
For some time after the surgery, the teenager was confined to a wheelchair, which made him lose confidence and become introverted, the report said.
“By accident, I was introduced to disabled sports by watching TV,” he said.
“[So] My parents contacted the local branch of the Disabled Persons Federation”, to discuss his sporting options.
Guo said he chose cycling and received training on how to balance and ride with two missing limbs. He proved to be a natural, and soon progressed to national level in his discipline.
His ambition and determination seemingly know no bounds. After completing the gruelling Sichuan-Tibet Highway ride, he said he’s now ready for a new challenge.
“I’ve heard it is [even] more difficult to ride the Xinzang Highway ... I want to try.”
