Last Saturday, blind and disabled Scottish biker, Stuart Gunn became the fastest blind man on a motorcycle, after hitting 167.1mph.
Eleven years ago, Scott was involved in a horrific accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. He nearly died, and doctors told him he was never going to walk, let alone ride a motorcycle again. Seven years later, following a seizure caused by the same accident, he completely lost his sight and became paralyzed on his right side.
Stuart fought hard and eventually regained 40% feeling in his right arm. He still couldn’t feel his legs, but it was enough for him to get back on a motorcycle. He didn’t just decide he was going to ride again, but that he was going to set a new world record. He had heard about the World Land Speed Record for being blind and disabled set by Billy Baxter, who is also blind, and reckoned he could best it.
Despite his disability, he remained determined and on Saturday, he arrived at Elvington Airfield in North Yorkshire, ready to make history. He had to battle crosswinds while trying to push a Suzuki Hayabusa to over 164mph (the former record), and he managed to do just that, setting a new world speed record of 167.1mph.
Stuart rides with the help of his father who rides alongside him and uses an intercom system to let him know when he needs to steer and brake. Basically, he keeps him riding straight. “I was surprised to hear I’d done it,” Gunn told the press after his successful attempt. “I hope this proves to people that just because you are blind or have a disability, doesn’t mean it should change or limit your life".
Watch video below.
