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Community Corner

Blind Ambition: Stunt Biker Extraordinaire Matt Gilman

Stunt biker Matt Gilman shared his remarkable story of learning to ride his bike again after losing his eyesight.

As Reisterstown resident Matt Gilman straddled a bicycle that was perched atop a five-foot-high pedestal, he attempted to do the seemingly impossible.

After taking a moment to collect himself, he balanced his bike and then launched with it from the raised platform into the air in one fell swoop, landing perfectly onto the ground below.

Meanwhile, a crowd of about 40 to 50 kids cheered him on—staring in disbelief.

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While the scene took on the magic and energy of a city street performance, the feat of daring wasn't Gilman’s biggest trick. The ultimate stunt is that Gilman does it all riding blind, literally.

“I had to get over some adversity to come here today,” the 31-year-old told the crowd.

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Gilman, a stunt biker who has appeared at fairs and events across the region, lost his eyesight due to Type 1 diabetes when he was just 24. The once carefree competitor had to learn simple bike riding all over again, a daunting task for anyone.

But Gilman is competing again as a stunt rider. In addition to competing at stunt bike competitions, Gilman now tours the area giving motivational talks about overcoming adversity.   

On Tuesday morning, Aug. 9, Gilman spoke at a public event at the Westminster armory gymnasium, attracting a large crowd comprised mostly of Carroll County Recreation & Parks campers.

During the lively event, Gilman performed a handful of tricks on his bike to music while drawing in the crowd with tales of his personal struggles.

First, he talked about how the blindness came into fruition.

“I was not taking care of myself like I should have been,” Gilman said. “I thought I was invincible and wasn’t going to get hurt but I learned as an adult that’s not true.”

In 2004, Gilman went to the eye doctor; his vision began to get blurry.

“Everything started getting real dark,” he explained.

Doctors then told Gilman the truth of his affliction—that he was losing his eyesight. He’s since gone through 22 eye surgeries. 

But his message is one of hope. After spending two years away from the sport, Gilman finally got back on his bike and started learning it again, though everyday tasks can still be daunting.

"There is a lot of stuff I know I can do that I can’t seem to do anymore,” he told kids.

But, he continued, “If I believed I couldn’t ride my bike anymore, I wouldn’t be here with you today. “

As for how he manages to maneuver on his bike without the use of his eyes, he says he uses his wheels to locate himself. And, he practices—a lot.

“It took a couple of weeks just to balance on a bike again,” he explained.

Gilman uses his story to motivate others.

His tale has appeared in The Baltimore Sun and the City Paper, among other publications. He also regularly appears at conventions, business meetings, schools, fundraisers and retreats to educate others on the themes of hard work and ambition.

“My main objective is to be an example to other people who may have adversity in their lives—whether it be a disease like diabetes or a disability like blindness—of how to enjoy life, and to live to the fullest,” he has said.

His message seems to be catching on.

Audience member Robin Cherney, who works in the Recreation & Parks Dept., was more than impressed with Gilman's morning performance.

“It makes me feel like I can do anything in the whole wide world,” Cherney said.

Gilman will appear at the Hampden Fest, the Charm City Cross, and the Harford Fall Festival. For more information on Gilman, visit blindbiketrials.com

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