Pedal Pushers Help Autistic Kids

Residents Amanda Gray and Odwin Winkeler are leaving for Greece on Monday for a five-month trip to raise funds for Dubai Autism Centre, armed with a pair of mountain bikes and a small trailer with 30kg of essentials.

Winkeler, 34, a Dutch quantity surveyor, said they wanted to do something fun and for a good cause this summer so they contacted the Autism Centre.

“Personally we have donated about Dh5,000 in the last week to the centre and are hoping we are doing a good job raising money,'' said Gray, a British publisher. She said that their family, friends and colleagues are sponsoring their trip and many people are donating as part of the charity bike ride.

“I have no idea how much have been raised till now or can't estimate how much until the trip is over. We've left all money matters with the centre,'' said the 33 year old.

“We had been thinking about New Zealand, but it is cold at this time of year and we wanted to go somewhere pleasant.''

The couple will fly to Athens and take a ferry to the islands where they are going to cycle.

“We don't know what the tracks are going to be like but we do know it's rocky. Though we have a tentative plan on how to spend our days, it may not turn out that way since some obstacles might come in the way. One of us might get injured during the ride which could delay some time,'' said Winkeler.

The pair have budgeted for 60 euros (Dh296.34) per day.

“We'll eat and drink on the way, so we won't be packing food with us but we've already picked up tents, mattress, blankets and some personal belongings,'' said Winkeler.

“We've been training ourselves physically and mentally since the past three months. I hope everything turns out well and good and we raise a lot of money for the children at the Autism Centre.''

Dubai Autism Centre is a charitable organisation for children with autism, a disorder that affects the person's social and communication skills.

To make a donation towards the charity bike ride or keep track of Amanda and Odwin's tour, visit www.travelpod.com/members/Amanda_Odwin

Amanda and Odwin's bikes

Name: Scott Reflex 20
Made in: Switzerland
Features: Front suspension, 27 gears, light-weight
Price: Dh3,000

(Bikes available from Wolfi's Bike Shop, located beside Organic Foods and Café on Shaikh Zayed Road)