"People think you're restricted and confined," he said.
"I've seen guys with no legs and no arms doing things I couldn't do.
"You can do more than what they believe you can. That's what I believe."
Mr Ross was picked up by the Paralympics New Zealand Xcellerate to Xcellence programme in 2009.
"We did a series of tests and they said 'you've got some natural ability'," he said.
He competed at the 2012 London Paralympics as well as the world champs in Los Angeles. He also has a Master's degree in planning from Otago University.
He raced in the C5 category, which included people with upper-body disabilities.
While Mr Ross never had to adjust to living without a limb, having been born without it, he said learning to ride a bike was "rather interesting".
Adjusting for weight, balance, "delivery with power" and using gears was all a learning experience, and there were several modifications to be made on the bike.
During his speech at May Day, he planned to outline what motivated him, his skills, and the different aspects he learned along the way.
"I have a personal willpower to prove people wrong," he said.
"I like to do the best I can do. I don't go in 50 per cent, I generally go in 120 per cent."
Having a point to prove gave him a "motivation drive".
He encouraged people with disabilities to go along on the day and listen to him speak.
"You might as well give it a go," he said.
"You're not losing anything."
Anyone interested in attending this event will need to register with the Whanganui Disability Resources Centre, phone 347 1176.