Why? It’s a powerful question that often leads to some of the most insightful stories that have shaped our human history and it’s the question we asked local riders here in South Wales. Since autumn last year we’ve been meeting bikers on the trails and pump tracks and asking them the simple question of why. This first series of Rise With Us seeks to unpack why rising to ride brings joy to people’s lives; it’s a personal yet inspiring decision to simply put foot to pedal and get outside. So, join us for a whistle stop tour of some inspiring stories of risers from across the South Wales corridor.
Eduardo Jesus
To end our first season of #RiseWithUs we have the powerhouse that is Eduardo. A familiar face in his local community in South Wales, Eduardo is often seen at the local skate park or training for yet another charity endurance challenge. Originally from Brazil, Eduardo is well known within his local community for tackling ambitious long-distance rides to raise money for various charities.
“My name is Eduardo, I am Brazilian and have lived in South Wales for 15 years now. I came here for work and fell in love with Swansea – I’m just here enjoying life!
Today I’m riding the Octane One Jump Bike; it’s just lovely for a few jumps in the skate park or in the dirt as well. I just love it!
I also have a road bike as well, it’s an Italian Cipollini – a lovely carbon road bike. Back in Brazil I was a semi-professional rider. I loved cycling on the road with the wind in my face!
“Basically my charity project is called Cycle For Hope. I started it in 2014 and since then I have completed a long ride every year either here in Swansea, Wales, over into England and I guess any part of the UK. We have raised £50,000 for different causes and it’s been an absolute pleasure.
The longest ride I’ve ever done was three years ago. I cycled the equivalent distance from here to Brazil which is 5000, 560 miles in 112 days; it was incredibly hard but I’m alive!
The last ride I did was in aid of Cae Tàn, which is a farming project on Gower and they loved what I did so much they want to do another one for spring time this year so we are in the process of planning the next ride.”
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