A local athlete’s declining vision is racing him in a new direction. For Lowell Taylor, tandem biking is the beginning of his new rush. “It feels like pain. Your legs are screaming, your lungs are screaming, your throat’s dry and your brain becomes fog and mush,” he said. This is how Taylor describes flying around a track, on a bike, at 60 kilometres an hour.

Taylor is not your average athlete, he has been visually impaired since he was a little boy and his lack of sight continues to progress as he gets older. He describes it as though he’s looking through a tiny hole and he cannot see anything peripherally. It’s been closing in his whole life and eventually it will completely disappear.

For Taylor though, his less than perfect eyesight has not held him back. His athleticism has been demonstrated in the numerous marathons and triathlons he has raced and excelled in throughout his life. He won a gold medal at the International Triathlon Union in Edmonton last year. Lowell has also competed in numerous other national and international races.

A series of events last year led Taylor in a new direction with sport. Long story short, Canadian cycling coach, Stephen Burke, quickly realized Taylor had some power on a bike. Shortly after Burke introduced Taylor to Mark MacDonald, an ex-professional racer, and the two became a team. MacDonald serves as Taylor’s pilot on the tandem bike. “It’s a selfless thing,” says Taylor, “they do it for us, their names aren’t out there- they’re putting their effort in to help us achieve a dream,” said Taylor.

The two of them began training together in the beginning of 2015. In October they competed at the Canadian Track Championships and received two bronze medals. Their sights are now set on the Rio Paralympic Games this summer, then Tokyo in 2020. “It’s a new dream. It’s fun and everything is just kind of getting started,” said Taylor.

MacDonald says him and Lowell make a good team. “He’s a great guy, super positive and he keeps everything into perspective but still shoots for the big goals. He’s fully committed and dedicated to make it to Rio and Tokyo,” said MacDonald.

It’s not only Taylor’s athletics that keep him busy. He also balances a family and a job amidst his vigorous training. Taylor gets up at 5 a.m. to train prior to heading off to his job at the medical clinic as a psychologist. After work he spends his evenings with his wife and two kids. “My wife is a massive support, she’s super quirky and super awesome,” said Taylor.

Taylor’s wife, Julie, describes him as an incredibly determined person. “He doesn’t let his lack of vision get in his way,” she says. “He’s a very helpful and kind person.” “We’re all very proud of him,” she said. “He’s a great role model and a great dad.”

Taylor says being able to race at an elite level allows him to pursue a dream. He mirrors his goals with his training in psychology. “It’s kind of cool. As psychologists we try to reframe obstacles and overcome challenges. I kind of feel as though I get to do that when I’m cycling,” he said.

Taylor is currently funding the majority of his trips on his own. He recently put up an Indiegogo fundraising account. As it stands, his donations have been minimal. I feel bad, I don’t really push it because it’s my dream and it’s not other peoples’ dream,” he laughs. “I always feel bad saying to people hey, can you give me money?”

The two are hoping to receive some sponsorship from a company or club that may be able to help them out with one or two trips. Taylor and MacDonald would then ride with their jerseys. “We haven’t been able to land them yet though,” Taylor said.

If you’re interested in following Taylor’s progress and journey you can catch up on Taylor’s wife’s blog: lowellandjulie.blogspot.ca.

Lowell Taylor gives a thumbs up prior to his motivational speech for school kids at Victory Church on Feb. 9.