Matt Gilman

My name is Matt Gilman and I am a blind bike trials rider. I became blind due to diabetes in 2004. I thought that I wouldn't ever be able to ride a bike again at that time let alone a trials bike. I decided to take my bike out one day to the curb to see if I could do a simple thing like a pedal kick. I quickly realized that I couldn't even trackstand. I put my bike away in disappointment. A few days later I decided that I would relearn how to ride again. I started with relearning the trackstand again, in my living room. Now after a few years of figuring out a new way to go about riding I have gotten to a decent level. I feel like I have a long way to go personally, with my abilities but it's a slow process. I just want to show the world that anything is possible with a disability.

Age: I am 29 years young
Height: 5 feet 10 inches tall
Weight: About 180 LBS
Years riding: I have ridden since 2001-2002 with a 2 year break in 2004-2006 due to vision and eye surgeries. So I guess about 5 or 6 years but I have been into it for 8 or so.
Favourite food: Home made Chile
Favourite drink: Water, green tea and black tea latte
Favourite music: Punk, hip hop (old skool) and just about anything really
Other interests/sports: Well I don't have much other interest anymore. I used to be into cars and auto cross a lot before but not so much these days. I really loved to ride BMX and go out to ride the local trails/ dirt jump. WIth my vision issues that is almost impossible. Though I soon might go to the BMX track to try my hand a dirt jumping again. I mainly enjoy spending time with my wife and the dogs.

Website: Blind Bike Trials

Photos: All photos of Matt are supplied courtesy of Nicholas D Mack