Blind riders take to the roads on bicycles built for two
by JENNY MONROE
Over 100 people took part in the `It Takes Two to Tandem' cycle - with over 40 blind and partially sighted participants, some of whom were cycling for the first time, at the Down Royal Park Golf Course.
LISBURN has hosted a special tandem event with over 40 blind and partially sighted participants, some of whom were cycling for the first time.
Over 100 people in total took part in the 'It Takes Two to Tandem' cycle at the Down Royal Park Golf Course.
The cycle was organised by Lisburn in Focus, the Maryland Wheelers and the David McCall Foundation and supported by the Big Lottery Fund.
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Left to right: Claire Patience (Project Co-ordinator, Lisburn in Focus), David Mann (Campaigns Team Leader, RNIB NI), The Mayor Councillor Brian Heading and Hamllton Topping (Chair, Maryland Wheelers). |
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 team.
"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."
On the day 40 tandems set out to do one of three routes; Two miles, 10 miles or 45 miles, giving complete novices and more experienced cyclists a chance to enjoy the day together.
Cyclists 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 seven7 stokers and 10 pilots as well as providing 15 tandems for the event. The Lurgan tandem cycling club 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. After the hard work was over participants had a chance to relax and enjoy a barbecue 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 you can contact lisburninfocus@rnib.org.uk or call 028 9260 0388.
Ulster Star
10/06/2011
