Mikhail Davenport sets out this weekend to cycle 950 miles across Texas in 25 days.
No, it isn't a torrid pace. But the 58-year-old Texan is riding from El Paso to Beaumont on a hand-crank trike towing a trailer with his wheelchair.
Calling it the Legless Lizard Tour de Tejas, Davenport wants to raise awareness for disability issues currently in front of the state Legislature — such as the state's claims of immunity in not following regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Davenport contracted polio when he was 2 and underwent years of treatment until he was able to walk on his own. Years later he began suffering from post-poliomyelitis syndrome which cost him the use of his legs again.
The founder of Disabled Not Unable, Davenport began competing in wheelchair sports events in 2000, but stopped in late 2004 after suffering an injury. Since then, he's taken to endurance cycling on his hand-cranked trike.
In an interview on CBS13, Davenport said he's undertaking the tour — mostly along Highway 90 — so other folks with disabilities can see what can be accomplished and to inspire voters to contact the legislature about disability issues.
The tour is being supported by sponsors of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities.
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