24 Hours Awake: One Cyclist, Cerebral Palsy, One Cause

Most people are surprised when they find out I have cerebral palsy. Aside from a small limp, it's invisible, but those who know me know I'll trip over thin air and veer into objects.

I was born with a left hemiplegia, which throws off my balance and causes my body to tire more easily than most. After being adopted from Russia at 18 months old, my parents did everything they could to give me the best life possible (countless operations, physio, appointments, and a whole lot of love). Growing up I had my right leg in a split, and there was always something oddly satisfying about the vibrating saw freeing my leg from a cast and the freedom that came after.

I was given opportunities many others aren't, and now I want to give back to those less fortunate by supporting the Cerebral Palsy Society.

After watching the film 100 Metres, something changed. What started as a 30-minute wobble on a dusty gravel bike from the garage became 100km, then 100 miles, then 200km, and last Christmas, 600km in 10 days. Now I'm chasing the big one: 24 hours.

I'm doing this because I've never seen endurance cycling and cerebral palsy linked anywhere, and I want to test my grit.

From 6pm on July 10th to 6pm on July 11th, I'll be staying awake for 24 hours, riding on Zwift for as much of it as I can (expect 20–22 hours in the saddle, with a few breaks for food, kit changes, and the inevitable call of nature). Come ride alongside me on Zwift, and if you're able, please donate to help others living with CP.