Ride for Guide is an initiative developed by Kadek Artayana, a former carpenter now retraining to become a counsellor and personal trainer after becoming fully blind.
Kadek has set himself a challenge to ride a bike from Melbourne to Sydney, a formidable feat for a blind man, and raise $50 000 in the process – the cost of acquiring and training a guide dog.
Through this project Kadek wants to show his appreciation and give back to the community, especially to Guide Dogs Victoria - an organisation he believes is the best of its kind in the world.
“I was given a guide dog by Guide Dogs Victoria and this has changed my life dramatically. It has enhanced my independence and ability to do so many things,” Kadek Artayana said.
“Now I’d like to raise funds and help someone else enjoy the same kind of freedom I have ben enjoying since I got Livinia (Kadek’s guide dog).”
To take on the Melbourne to Sydney challenge Kadek enlisted 4 of his friends, Sergio Quintero, David Reyes and Jorge Dario (all three from Colombia) serving as “his eyes” throughout the journey. French-woman Caroline Bouzerand is also taking part in the expedition driving the “logistics” van with Livinia by her side.
Caroline Bouzerand et Kadek Artayana Credit: Kadek Artayana
“I’m not just doing the logistics and social media, I’m prepared to do some of the riding as well if the boys need some rest,” Caroline said ahead of the trip.
Sergio Quintero agrees, having a guide dog has changed Kadek's life considerably especially dealing with depression.
Starting their expedition from St Kilda on the 14th of May their goal was to ride 100 kilometres per day and cross the line 10 days later at the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
7 days into the journey they’ve already encountered several setbacks including a few tyre punctures, but they have beaten their own projections and are set to arrive in Sydney 2 days earlier than planned (Saturday 22/05/2021).
Ride for Guide team arrived in Sydney 2 days ahead of schedule Credit: Caroline Bouzerand
