Area cyclist to take national stage at U.S. Special Olympics

 “When he was small, he couldn’t peddle a bike, so we started him out on a tricycle which we fastened his feet to where he could regulate his movements."

KILGORE, TEXAS — Mike Steed’s journey has taken him from a diagnosis of cerebral palsy at age 2 and difficulty walking to competitive cycling.

And now, Steed has reached one of the pinnacles of his sport. He has been selected to compete in the U.S. Special Olympics National Games set for June in New Jersey.

Trainer Mark DePaepe said Steed is one of only four Special Olympic cyclists in Texas who will be going to New Jersey for the games.

“I was shocked,” Steed said. “I didn’t think I’d get to go to something like this. I’ve just got to keep riding and get in shape for the competition.”


As a cart pusher at Walmart, Steed, 42, said he is constantly exercising.

He has become a dynamo on the bicycle, often riding 20 miles at a time with ease.

“He could ride to Dallas if he wanted to,” DePaepe said.

Steed’s father, Johnnie, said there was a time his son couldn’t even walk after being diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a toddler.

“He’s come a long way,” Johnnie Steed said. “When he was small, he couldn’t peddle a bike, so we started him out on a tricycle which we fastened his feet to where he could regulate his movements.”
Steed said his son’s ability and hard work has given him a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”

“I was excited because he gets to go to New Jersey,” he said. “He may never get this chance again. It’s something you work for. They felt like he was qualified to go and represent the state of Texas.”
DePaepe has been the head trainer for Longview’s Special Olympics team, East Texas Lightnin’, since 2005.

He said he knew right away that Steed had a unique ability.

“Mike came from being a guy who just got out and rode his bicycle to a heavy contender,” DePaepe said. “Nobody can touch him. I can’t keep up with him, and I’ve been cycling a lot longer than he has.”

While cycling is his main athletic endeavor, Steed said he also enjoys swimming, softball and running track.

To give Steed every chance to succeed at the national level, however, DePaepe has given Steed access to his personal bike.

“The bike that he’s going to ride is all carbon fiber,” he said. “He’d never used clip-less pedals so I set him up with some clip-less pedals and some shoes and that made a difference in his speed. When you’re locked onto the pedals, all your energy is moving forward.”

Steed’s father said DePaepe has been instrumental in getting his son to his advanced skill level.

“He is real qualified as far as teaching cycling,” Steed said. “Mark does a lot of cycling, and he knows what kind of equipment you need and what you need to do.”

Steed and DePaepe train every week at Synergy Park in Kilgore and rode in the Freeze Your Fanny bike ride Saturday, which benefits East Texas Lightnin’.

“He’s dedicated,” DePaepe said. “We don’t let temperatures deter us from our practices. If it’s 30 degrees or 100 degrees, we are still out here riding.”

 http://www.news-journal.com