Matt was one of my best friends growing up in Baltimore; we virtually lived on our bikes. Indicative of his dedication to life on a bike, as kids, we used to ride our bmx bikes ~10 miles to the closest trails, ride all day, then 10 miles back home. Where that drive and love of riding dwindles for some as soon as they get a car, Matt never quit. He kept getting better and better.
When he started having trouble with his vision a few years ago, I knew that his love of riding was too strong to be squelched. He may not be flowing through rhythm sections on his bmx bike, or doing epic XC rides anymore… but he is on two wheels. I had the pleasure of riding with Matt recently and was amazed at what was possible without the benefit of vision… By the look of the video Matt is progressing quickly, just like when we were kids.
Maybe Matt with comment here himself, but if not, I know that Matt is interested in hearing from and inspiring other disabled riders.
Holy crap. That’s the University of Maryland campus he’s riding around (mostly). I’m completely amazed, I’ve seen those walls up close and personal, and I can tell you that they look way less impressive on the video.
Great job Matt
haha… Dave! Thanks for the kind words and for letting me know that this got posted here. I definatly want the word to get out that you can still ride a bike even with disabilities. I once thought that I could not be able to ride again. I got over it! I love riding a bike it makes me feel so much better. I hope this motivates people to do something that they once loved to do even though they think that their disability is holding them back.
I just got word that the ADA or american diabetes association is letting me do a demo for them at the Tour de Cure this up coming year. So please donate!! I will be trying to raise money as well as trying to figure out how a blind person can put on a demo. I will have more to come in the future, hopefully.
this is one of the most amazing things ive seen done on a bicycle in a while. so inspirational, and hes better than ill ever blind and my vision is great. what song is it, its pretty good?
I ride with Matt and was responsible for some of the filming of the video.
Even riding with him regularly he still amazes me. He is by far the most persistant rider. He will work on an obstacle for well over an hour until he gets it. People are reluctant to ride with him when they hear he is blind because they think he will hold them back. Once you ride with him you quickly realize he’s the best rider on most rides.
thank you to brad Q for sharing this inspirational video segment, and to Matt for inspiring others to chase after their dreams. your talent is amazing even if you were able to have normal eyesight, and with your impairment, i just want to recognize how hard this must be and what an awesome rider you are!
i wish you best of luck in whatever you do, and thanks for being an inspiration to the rest of us!
I worked next to and have ridden BMX with Gilman since I was 14. He is a grumpy bastard. In addition to his sightless stupid tall-BB long-wheel base bike hopping he is also mechanic of extraordinary ability, even if you have to pick up small fasteners that he drops.
Matt, I am going to work with a BLIND double leg amp wounded while serving our country, he wants to ride the marine marathon on a handcycle, any suggestions on guiding him?
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Matt was one of my best friends growing up in Baltimore; we virtually lived on our bikes. Indicative of his dedication to life on a bike, as kids, we used to ride our bmx bikes ~10 miles to the closest trails, ride all day, then 10 miles back home. Where that drive and love of riding dwindles for some as soon as they get a car, Matt never quit. He kept getting better and better.
When he started having trouble with his vision a few years ago, I knew that his love of riding was too strong to be squelched. He may not be flowing through rhythm sections on his bmx bike, or doing epic XC rides anymore… but he is on two wheels. I had the pleasure of riding with Matt recently and was amazed at what was possible without the benefit of vision… By the look of the video Matt is progressing quickly, just like when we were kids.
Maybe Matt with comment here himself, but if not, I know that Matt is interested in hearing from and inspiring other disabled riders.
Holy crap. That’s the University of Maryland campus he’s riding around (mostly). I’m completely amazed, I’ve seen those walls up close and personal, and I can tell you that they look way less impressive on the video.
Great job Matt
haha… Dave! Thanks for the kind words and for letting me know that this got posted here. I definatly want the word to get out that you can still ride a bike even with disabilities. I once thought that I could not be able to ride again. I got over it! I love riding a bike it makes me feel so much better. I hope this motivates people to do something that they once loved to do even though they think that their disability is holding them back.
I just got word that the ADA or american diabetes association is letting me do a demo for them at the Tour de Cure this up coming year. So please donate!! I will be trying to raise money as well as trying to figure out how a blind person can put on a demo. I will have more to come in the future, hopefully.
this is one of the most amazing things ive seen done on a bicycle in a while. so inspirational, and hes better than ill ever blind and my vision is great. what song is it, its pretty good?
I ride with Matt and was responsible for some of the filming of the video.
Even riding with him regularly he still amazes me. He is by far the most persistant rider. He will work on an obstacle for well over an hour until he gets it. People are reluctant to ride with him when they hear he is blind because they think he will hold them back. Once you ride with him you quickly realize he’s the best rider on most rides.
thank you to brad Q for sharing this inspirational video segment, and to Matt for inspiring others to chase after their dreams. your talent is amazing even if you were able to have normal eyesight, and with your impairment, i just want to recognize how hard this must be and what an awesome rider you are!
i wish you best of luck in whatever you do, and thanks for being an inspiration to the rest of us!
your riding is very very impressive!
I worked next to and have ridden BMX with Gilman since I was 14. He is a grumpy bastard. In addition to his sightless stupid tall-BB long-wheel base bike hopping he is also mechanic of extraordinary ability, even if you have to pick up small fasteners that he drops.
Good video Matt.
your homie,
Josh
ps. Nicki is a saint.
It’s amazing! I’ve no words to say something. Matt, you are a wonderful inspiration.
Matt, I am going to work with a BLIND double leg amp wounded while serving our country, he wants to ride the marine marathon on a handcycle, any suggestions on guiding him?
Rick Leipold