SALEMBURG — As Perry C. Williams pedaled towards Fayetteville, the cyclist made strides in bringing awareness to diabetes, a disease which affects close to 30 million Americans.

Known as The Bicycle Man and The Miracle Rider, Williams recently completed a non-stop time trial, which began at the Dollar General in Salemburg and ended in Fayetteville. It took Williams 2 hours, 17 minutes to complete the 22-mile route. For Williams, the time was right since November is National Diabetes Month.

“It was a good ride,” Williams said. “A lot of times I have to stop and get some snacks because my sugar gets down.”

It was a steady ride, accompanied with snacks and a bottle of Gatorade, which replaced his body with carbohydrates and fluids lost during the activity. It’s not the first time Williams rode for diabetes awareness.

“Diabetes is a serious health problem, it can take you out of here,” Williams said. “You can have strokes, heart attacks, you can go blind. You can have your foot amputated. It’s serious.”

Williams knows first hand about the hardships of fighting diabetes and was on life support after falling into a coma a few years ago.

“My people consider me a miracle to be here,” Williams said. “It’s a miracle and a blessing from God that I’m still here.

The 54-year-old hopes other diabetics continue to fight and not give up.

“I just want to get the message out there to other diabetics,” Williams said about spreading hope to others. “Stay on top of exercising … walking, swimming, running, cycling …”

But overall, Williams noted how it’s a testimony, which is shown through his bike rides. He’s been riding for more than a decade.

“I feel great that I’m still here and that God gave me a second chance,” Williams said. “It was a miracle.”

One day, he hopes that a cure can be found for diabetes. But in the meantime, he’ll continue to do his part by riding and spreading awareness. One idea is to ride from North Carolina to the coast of the Pacific Ocean.

“This is something I love doing,” Williams said.

For more information regarding sponsorship opportunities for future rides, contact Williams at 910-564-4257.

Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.

By Chase Jordan

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Perry C. Williams enjoys riding his bike to bring awareness to diabetes.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_Ride_2.jpgPerry C. Williams enjoys riding his bike to bring awareness to diabetes.