‘Spirit of Syria’ is the name chosen by its 110 members, who aim to prove that dreams and passion have no limits, even in war times, and that with a lot of willingness people can achieve what some believe impossible.
With its own financing and effort and without any other support, the team was able, thanks to 20 months of steady work, to make Sky Bike a reality, despite challenges and difficulties.
We have adopted all international standards to carry out our initiative with the aim of offering a safe and fun experience in this beautiful and virgin nature, group head, Ali Esper, said.
He added that it is a short and pleasant trip in which the participant rides his bicycle suspended by two cables between the sky and the Earth. It starts at the al-Tariqiah town hill, goes through beautiful Mashquita Lake and then enters a pine forest through a 40-meter deep section.
About safety and technical information standards, Esper explained that the very resistant cables are made of steel and can stand a 40-ton traction.
The Sky Bike’s shape is different from the traditional bicycle, as it is specifically designed for the practice. It is installed with pulleys and cables and its wheels support all weights, even though he made it clear that the adopted standard requires the person to weigh between 45 and 110 kilograms and to be from 16 to 65 years of age.
There are two medical points, at the trip’s beginning and end, where he explained that the participant goes through a quick medical check-up to examine oxygen level, pressure and weight, and receives the necessary instructions.
Esper mentioned that as an individual project Sky Bike faced several challenges, including the blockade and sanctions imposed on Syria, which made it difficult to obtain the supplies and equipment needed for its implementation, especially since they come from Europe.
The initiative’s launching shows that the willingness of young people is stronger than the embargo and attempts to strangle the Syrian youth, he said.
Sky Bike’s goals go beyond financial profits, contributing to the development of rural areas and raising awareness about the importance of protecting natural reserves and guaranteeing job opportunities for nearby towns, the organizers say.
According to participants, it is an adventurous and thrilling experience that enables them to enjoy a beautiful landscape that combines water and forests.
Taken from Orbe weekly
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