Hand-cyclist Mike Dawson speaks to Kate Scotter about how London 2012 helped keep him in the saddle.

Name: Mike Dawson

Age: 44

Lives: Norwich

Bike: Top End Fore R hand cycle

I love cycling because: After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2005 and seeing my mobility go from a very, very fit active cyclist. I was left wondering what the future had in store for me. Missing being able to get out into the countryside on those wonderful sunny weekend afternoons, I was inspired seeing Alex Zanardi win double gold on his hand cycle at London 2012. So I researched what hand cycling was all about, found a bike and got out on the road. Now I average about 150km per week, in the main around the south of Norwich and Norfolk.

A ride that I'm looking forward to in the coming weeks in the fabulous Norwich 50/100. Always great to see so many folks on their bikes, of all abilities being brought together by this fantastic sport. Later in the year I'm doing a half Ironman, that's in Croatia.

Favourite ride in Norfolk: I particularly like to head out of Norwich through Eaton, Keswick, East Carleton, Wymondham, Wicklewood, Hingham, Barnham Broom, Barford, Little Melton and back to Norwich. A great 30-odd miles in a couple of hours. Norfolk is great for cycling.