Saturday 4th June saw Northern Ireland's first tandem-only sportive take place at the Down Royal Park Golf Course in Lisburn. Over 100 people took part - with over 40 blind and partially sighted participants some of whom were cycling for the first time!
The "It Takes Two to Tandem" cycle was organised by Lisburn in Focus, the Maryland Wheelers and the David McCall Foundation and supported by the Big Lottery Fund. Tandem cycling is a great way for people who are blind or partially sighted to get on a bike.
On the day 40 tandems set out to do one of three routes; 2 miles, 10 miles or 45 miles, giving complete novices and more experienced cyclists a chance to enjoy the day together.
Cyclist came from clubs the length and breadth of Northern Ireland, and many club cyclists tried piloting tandems for the first time. As well as strong support and representation from the Maryland Wheelers, Newry and Mourne WATCH club were well represented with 7 stokers and 10 pilots as well as providing 15 tandems for the event. The TWG+ group based in Lurgan were present in big numbers as was the RNIB Coleraine tandem cyclists piloted by members of Bann Wheelers. RNIB had a significant number of tandem cyclists present from the Bangor, Belfast and Lisburn areas.
Hamilton Topping,Chairman of Maryland Wheelers said;
"Saturday was a wonderful day out for the regular tandem cyclists some of whom put in very fast times practising for the upcoming Dublin - Belfast - Dublin Maracycle and a never to be forgotten experience for some blind and partially sighted people who were trying it out for the first time.”
Danny McSherry from Slieve Gullion Wheelers and the Watch club commented;
“Hopefully this date can be inserted in the cycling calendar for next year and with the widespread support it has received in its inaugural year it can only get bigger and better."
After the hard work was over participants had a chance to relax and enjoy a barbeque and music. The Mayor of Lisburn, Brian Heading, presented a small memento of the day to the stokers.
For details of tandem cycling in Lisburn please contact lisburninfocus@rnib.org.uk or call 028 9260 0388.
ENDS
Photo attached:
Media contact:
Claire Patience 028 9260 0388