By Jessica Wagner

Staff Writer

What started out as a means of transportation has transformed into a record-setting, speed machine for the self-proclaimed Sampson County bike man.

Locally renowned for his six-hour ride to Dillon, S.C. roughly five years ago, Sampson County native Perry Williams has recently set a new self-imposed record after riding to Fayetteville from Salemburg in less than two hours.

Williams, who graduated from Lakewood High School in 1979, has been riding bikes for the past seven years, the cyclist revealed in an interview earlier this week.

“I like to just get out and ride. It keeps me fit and in shape. I haven’t drove a car in seven years; if I have to go to Fayetteville or Raleigh, I ride, and those are like baby miles to me,” Williams described of what would be an hou-long commute if driven.

“If I can ride 50 miles, I can ride 100 miles; and if I can ride 100 miles, I can ride 150 miles because my body has gotten so used to it,” Williams emphasized.

In 2004, Williams was featured for his ride to South Carolina, however, the now 48-year-old claims he still has what it takes to set records.

“I can still ride as fast as I did when I was 43,” Williams admitted, adding that he rides at a steady pace in order to keep his momentum on the road.

“I don’t change gears, only when I am going up hill,” Williams said.

According to Williams, his 15 speed bike, which is one of four bikes he currently owns, is usually ridden in the 10th gear, which leaves him maxing out at 45 miles per hour, he revealed.

Although Williams is proud of his last trial ride, which was a 23-mile trip from Salemburg to Fayetteville in a time of 1 hour and 45 minutes, he has dreams much bigger than there and back.

“I want the people to know that if you have a dream of doing something you love to do then you can do it; just follow your dream, have faith in God and never give up,” Williams expressed.

According to Williams, his ultimate dream is to follow in the foots of his role model, Lance Armstrong.

“My dream someday is to ride in the Tour of France. Right now I have the speed too, but I need to get my body ready,” Williams explained.

In order to get in shape, Williams said he will need more training in mountain riding, since a majority of the tour rides high into the mountains.

Granted riding side-by-side with Armstrong is his lifelong dream, Williams plans to first conquer some smaller visions.

“I am hoping to ride from Fayetteville to Florence, South Carolina, in 2010,” Williams revealed, adding the trip is roughly 92 miles and he hopes to ride it in less than 8 hours.

Look for the Sampson County bike man, and remember to share the road.

Jessica Wagner can be contacted at (910) 592-8137 ext.122 or reached by e-mail at siphoto@intrstar.net