Jerome Flores today started another leg of his amazing awareness-raising rides. Amazing because he has no use of his legs - but his powerful arms and his self-styled trike have taken him on rides all across Belize.
Last year he went from Belize City to Cayo - a 74 mile span. This year he's chosen a much more difficult 50 mile stretch: Belmopan to Dangriga.
It takes him through the hills and valleys of the Hummingbird Highway - a picturesque but punishing route if you're powering yourself.
He's doing it in two days and we caught the first half today:
Monica Bodden Reporting
Jerome Flores arrived at Independence Hill in Belmopan this morning at 6:30 - ready for the ride and not the least bit nervous.
Jerome Flores - Ride for the Reef
"I've been around so much and with the media; I am not affraid, and I don't feel nervous or anything like that. I'm just ready; that's all."
He will ride this customized 7 speed recumbent trike that he engineered and built himself. It has a futuristic profile, and is made of a lightweight aluminum frame.
It is outfitted with hand operated gears and everything to make this seasoned road runner comfortable and efficient.
Jerome Flores
"I'm just going in there and on the hills in the upside. It's going to be challenging, but I have the team that will there to support me if I need any help. I'll just go and have fun. I just want everyone to be careful, and have a nice day."
Monica Bodden
"I see that you have a big team support. Tell us a little bit about that."
Jerome Flores
"It's my immediately family - my mom, my brother, friends, my brother-in-law, and my sisters. They're there to support me with drinks whenever I need."
Monica Bodden
"The first leg of the ride is from Belmopan to where?"
Jerome Flores
"It's from here right now, and we'll head up to St. Margaret's Village."
Monica Bodden
"Have you managed to estimate a time?"
Jerome Flores
"When I was training, I would say about maybe 2 hours; it may be a little bit more. It all depends, but as you can see, the weather is very cool. So, once my body keeps cool, maybe we can get in a little bit quicker."
At about 7 he sped down independence Hill - out on to the long road towards Dangriga.
In the first few miles we saw him laboring on the steep inclines as maximum effort was required to power over the top of the sweeping hills of the Hummingbird.
It got so strenuous t times that he had to get a gentle helping hand from one of the members of his team.
While his twin brother fed him water.
Jerome Flores
"I'll be riding definitely for everyone - all those disabled persons will be with me today, so i'll definitely pull through."
The down hills though, were a breeze as he raced down those at high speed. On average his speed was just above 10 miles per hour.
This morning's ride finished at 9:15 in St Margaret's village at Over the Top. Flores rode 25 miles in about 2 hours.
OCEANA Vice President Audrey Matura Shepherd needed a little more than that as she visibly labored on the road, but did not give up.
But this first 25 miles was the easy part. Tomorrow he must go over Cisco Hill which is the roughest part of the ride.
Jerome Flores
"Tomorrow is the challenging one at Cisco Hill, so I'll be worrying about that tomorrow. I won't worry about that today. Those who would like to join in may do so tomorrow. If they want to ride they can do so. If they want to to give donations - any support financially - BAPDA - that's Belize Assembly for Persons with Diverse Abilities has account at First Caribbean Bank."
Tomorrow's ride starts at 7:00 and he expects to ride into Dangriga to catch the celebration in progress...
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