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ABC News
ABC News
National
Allyson Horn

Chass Moller-Nielson is completely blind and got a licence to ride a dirt bike

Chass Moller-Nielson has a licence to ride a dirt bike.

Chass Moller-Nielson can't tell you what a motorbike looks like, but he's always wanted to ride.

The 32-year-old, who was born "totally blind", was told for years there was no way he could legally get behind the handlebars.

But the Brisbane man has just become the first person who is blind in Queensland to receive a recreational dirt bike licence.

"It just feels like freedom, freedom and joy."

Navigation help from a friend

Mr Moller-Nielsen used the help of a navigator, on a separate bike, to give him directions and information about the course.

Jack Elkins helps Mr Moller-Nielsen while riding using microphones and earpieces inside helmets to communicate. (ABC News: Allyson Horn)

Navigator and friend Jack Elkins said the pair used microphones and earpieces inside their helmets to communicate.

"The most important thing a navigator can do is give them cue points — you're at this part of the course — and then just a basic steering left or right," he said.

"I don't tell him what gear to use, how to brake, et cetera, I just have to guide him.

"We haven't really complicated it yet, so we're just doing simple turns and leaning.

"But obviously, as we progress, we're going to get a bit more difficult."

The pair ride around a dirt bike track at the Queensland Moto Park. (ABC News: Allyson Horn)

The pair currently ride around a dirt bike track at the Queensland Moto Park near Boonah.

Mr Moller-Nielsen said he relied on community support, including donated bikes and equipment, to keep riding.

"I want to tell others not to listen to the people who say no, don't prove yourself to the people who say no," Mr Moller-Nielsen said.

"They've already made their mind up.

"Even someone who gives you a tentative yes — go with them — because you will get a thousand miles more."

First female with blindness to get dirt bike licence

Helen Boardman is the first woman with blindness in Queensland to receive a dirt bike licence. (ABC News: Allyson Horn)

Mr Moller-Nielsen has since encouraged others with vision impairment to join him, including Helen Boardman, who has become the first woman with blindness to obtain a recreational dirt bike licence.

The 59-year-old has been slowly losing her vision and has about 2 per cent remaining.

"I only see central, with holes in it," she said.

"So I might see something's there and then it's gone, and I crash into it.

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