One of the most famous quadriplegics known to us – the late Christopher Reeve – actor, film director, author and activist, is quoted as saying: “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”
This could certainly be applied to the men and women taking part in the Quads 4 Quads off-road motorbike event in October. About 600 quad bike and two-wheel motorcycle riders, including several quadriplegic and paraplegic riders on adapted quads, will take part for the 12th time in an event which has made a remarkable difference to the lives of quadriplegics and paraplegics in South Africa.
This year, Ari Seirlis, the CEO of QASA, as well as other well-known quadriplegics, including Phil Case, the financial director of Dial a Nerd, will be taking part. This will be the 11th time Ari is taking part on his adapted Polaris RZR and Phil’s fifth time in his CanAmm Maverick with hand controls.
The first stage takes place from Johannesburg to Durban on Thursday October 1, and ends at Cane Cutters in Ballito on Sunday October 4. The return ride starts on Thursday October 8, arriving at Carnival City on Sunday October 11.
Ari Seirlis is the CEO of the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) and managing editor of Rolling Inspiration. email: ceo@qasa.co.za