Paraplegic man riding high again
A paraplegic man who sold his modified motorbike so he could help fund his son’s stunt riding dreams has been gifted a new bike from friends and the community.
Steve Reid was paralysed from the chest down when a motorcycle stunt went wrong at Auckland’s Karioitahi Beach nearly three years ago.
Reid said the accident felt like the end of his life, as doctors told him it was impossible he would be able to ride a motorbike again.
A year ago, Reid was riding a modified bike but the solo dad decided to sell it so he could help fund his son Layne’s stunt riding.
Knowing how much riding meant to Reid, his friends decided to help him fundraise for a new bike with a ride event.
Yesterday, a large crowd turned up at Auckland Harley Davidson, in Mt Wellington, to ride, take part in auctions and raffles.
Animal rights charity Paw Justice and family social club NZ Chopper Club also helped raise money for the new bike.
Reid had thought the event was to fundraise for his new bike and believed he would take part in the ride on the back of his friend’s bike, but his friends and local businesses surprised him with his very own modified bike to take away.
Reid said he was gobsmacked, adding: ‘‘This is amazing ... I am speechless.
‘‘You are not just helping me, you are helping my son. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart,’’ he said. Reid led the ride out of the Harley Davidson shop and a long line of motorcyclists could be seen, and heard, making their way along Niall Burgess Rd on to Panama Rd.
In 2018, Reid told Stuff about how he slipped into depression after he was unable to ride after the accident.
But having a modified bike, which includes changing the foot gear shifter and adding a cart to the side for his wheelchair, it was a second chance to do what he loved.
Riding has also helped him bond with his teenage son, whom Reid said was as mad about bikes as he was.
‘‘Don’t give up on your dreams. I did once when the doctors told me I couldn’t walk again, let alone ride – but I was determined.
‘‘I had a great support network and I’ve achieved things with my body I never thought were possible.’’