One man’s journey to conquer three countries and countless hearts

THIS October, a Guyanese athlete is set to undertake a feat rarely seen in Guyana and accomplished by few. Tyson English, a weightlifter, gym owner, man behind the ‘Lift Guyana Initiative’ and all-round sportsman known for pushing his body to its limits, has been embarking on various cycling journeys throughout Guyana since 2021.

This year, however, will see him and a few of his friends embark on a new, more extreme ride. Beginning in Suriname, Tyson plans to ride from Suriname to Guyana and then Boa Vista, Brazil, covering 835 miles.

His venture, called ‘Ride for Hope’, is in its fourth year, and the reason and inspiration behind it remain unchanged. Tyson says he rides to raise awareness for people struggling with cancer and mental illness. While he brings hope to those facing these challenges, Tyson shared that they, in turn, motivate him. He believes that if they can survive mental illness and cancer, it makes him believe in himself just a little bit more.

Early Life
Tyson was born and raised in the countryside of Maichony. Born into a family of teachers, construction workers, and farmers, he learned the value of hard work at an early age. After completing school, he pursued his dream of becoming a physical education teacher, a job that had always captivated him. As he shared, “I came to Georgetown in 2005. I had to attend a teacher training college where I studied visual arts and physical education. Staying in Georgetown, rather than returning to the countryside, allowed me to do a whole lot more things.”

A multi-faceted individual, Tyson tried his hand at various ventures before sports, including art and agriculture. Athleticism, however, seemed to be his true calling. He has excelled in his field and is one of Guyana’s best all-rounders. His passion for the educational aspect of fitness has made Tyson a diverse athlete and sportsman. As he stated, “Currently, I am the General Secretary for the International Weightlifting Association. I try to ensure that I have a bit of knowledge in every area. At one time, I was even a football referee. But I’m the type of person who does not stick to one thing for too long if it does not present a challenge. If it doesn’t challenge me, I tend to get bored pretty fast.”

The thrill of ‘Bikepacking’
Bikepacking may not be a word many Guyanese have heard, but it is one of Tyson’s biggest passions. As an avid hiker and camper, bike-packing was a new way for Tyson to challenge himself. As he explained, “It’s called bike-packing internationally because it’s an extreme sport. There’s a massive movement in European countries, in the U.S., and some parts of South and Central America. When I came across bike-packing, I knew this was something I could actually do. I’ve done a lot of hiking, camping, and expeditions in Guyana. This is probably the newest of all the ventures I’ve started, and I think it’s one of the most rewarding so far.”

This extreme sport requires athletes to ride long distances at a time, with their bikes packed with everything they need. Although an immensely physically trying endeavour, Tyson says the mental aspect is what he rides for and truly inspires him. “The thing about cross-country or endurance cycling is, number one, you’re in full control. Two, the nature of this kind of cycling presents the perfect opportunity for you to travel and experience exactly what the country, particular region or community has to offer.”

Tyson described the added experience of meeting new people while biking, stating, “It is a complete tourism package. You get a chance to go into places like Region Eight, Region Seven, Region Nine, Region Six, and so on. You meet people. As simple as me riding, because most times, for those who don’t know me, they think I’m from an African country until we start a conversation.”

Ride for Hope 2024
The dates set for this incredible ride going through three countries are October 27 to November 3. Tyson’s route will take him and his team through various communities in Guyana, and he is urging others to come out and show their support. The team aims to begin their ride in Albina, Suriname, through Paramaribo, across the river to Guyana and then to Lethem, where they will cross another border to Boa Vista. Ride for Hope began simply as a reason and has now evolved into a catalyst for change.

As Tyson explained, “The ride that is normally done in October comes under the theme, ‘Ride for Hope’. We are using ultra-endurance cycling or cross-country cycling to bring awareness to mental health issues and to help in the fight against all forms of cancer, not just breast cancer. We are giving hope to people who may be hopeless or on the verge of giving up. Because the nature of that ride itself is more mentally challenging than physical. We aim to bring hope, give reassurance, and lend support.”