Nathan Is Ready For The Ride Of His Life

Nathan McDowell is gearing up to achieve a lifelong goal to ride his bike long distance.

When 31-year-old Nathan was first diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, he was told he wouldn't live more than three years. That was in 2007.

Nathan, who also lives with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, will defy the odds this month by riding 110km from Noosa to Redcliffe to raise awareness of his illness.

Nathan's support worker at Holistic Horizons Disability Support Services in Margate, Matthew Bell, has been training with Nathan for the past two years to get him ready for the ride and will accompany him on the journey.

They have already completed more than 60 training sessions on Nathan's modified bike, a hand cycle where he uses his arms to pedal.

Nathan has his challenges; he has daily stomach pains because of issues related to his disabilities and his legs are very rigid,� Matthew said. But he has well outlived his life expectations. A lot of that is due to his attitude and just wanting to live life and stay as healthy as he can.�

Matthew, who also has an interest in cycling, said he had been investing a lot of time and effort into the ride and loved doing it.

Nathan is a real friend to me. He likes to think I'm his brother.�

Holistic Horizons event organiser Julie Latcham said she was hoping people will support Nathan's ride via his GoFundMe page.

Nathan wants to give 10 per cent of the money he earns as a donation to Leukodystrophy Australia for research into his disease," Julie said. "The rest of the money will go into a bank account for his future when his family aren't able to care for him anymore.

Every cent helps Nathan have a better life.�

While there may not be an official event on the day, Redcliffe locals are welcome to come to Crockatt Park to watch Nathan as he crosses the finish line.���

I'm looking forward to it,� Nathan said of his big ride. I want to keep cycling and find a cure for my disease.�

For information about how to support Nathan on his ride go to www.gofundme.com/f/nathan-m...

Ride for Nathan
8-13 March
Finishing at Crockatt Park
Cnr Hornibrook Esp & Oxley Avenue,
Woody Point