The Legless Lizard Tour de Tejas

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

I've posted this in the Texas forum, but felt it needed to be posted here as well, especially for anyone living in Texas who has a disability.

I got an email from my friend and Sufi brother, Mikail Davenport. He is an advocate for the disabled, and has done some rather extraordinary things. To meet this man is to be in the Light and love of a beautiful human being. Anyway, here's what he's doing next, from the press release he sent me:

WHAT: The Legless Lizard Tour de Tejas

WHEN: Departing at the starting line of the El Paso Marathon in El Paso TX on March 4th 2007 and arriving RISE Center for Independent Living in Beaumont TX on March 29th, 2007.

WHO: Mikail Davenport, 58-year-old post-polio, cancer survivor, and handcycle athlete

WHY: 1.To demonstrate that people with disabilities are capable of living a full,active, productive life independently.

2. To raise awareness of (and funds for advocacy) on issues before the Texas 80th Legislature affecting Texans with disabilities, including:
*Significant Time Length Reduction on the State Services Waiting List
*Immediate Need for Funds for Centers for Independent Living
*Elimination of Futile Care--"Don't Pull the Plug!"
*Prohibition of Public and Private Utility Systems from Dicontinuing services to the Disabled and Elderly
*Allowing Mobility Dealers to Possess Untitled Vehicles to Modify for the Disabled
*MOST IMPORTANT! Texas is legislating to become exempt from the Americans With Disabilities Act!

HOW: Mikail will handcycle 950+ miles over 25 days towing a flat-bed bicycle trailer containing his wheelchair and gear in a solo, self-contained ride with no vehicle support. All supplies will be stored strategically along the route, in the fashion of the Pony Express and Appalachian Trail.

RIDE TO BENEFIT: Coalition of Texans with Disabilities advocacy fund

RIDE SPONSORS: Bicycle Sports Shop of Austin
Johnson & Johnson
Evercare
Anonymous
The Texas Heritage Cycling Experience

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Coalition of Texans with Disabilities
Attn: Charles Bearden
316 W. 12th St. / Ste. 405
Austin TX 78701
512.478-3366 or http://www.cotwd/legless.html

Mikail says he will do daily blogging while on the road, too--check in at the website each day.

[flamingyouth]

1. That is awesome!

Good for him. My SO's grandparents live in Beaumont. We'll be cheering him on from a distance (from all the way up in Seattle). :applause:

[eppur_se_muova]

2. Dang, too late to rec. Kick for the ADA, and TX's slimy attempt to evade it. nt