Hi, all,

My name is Vince Thacker, aged 60, living in Leicester in the UK.

I've always been visually impaired, but when I was quite a bit younger, I was a keen solo cyclist - nothing competitive, but it was just a great way to see the country. I always had to be aware of riding in a very safe manner, and have never had an accident, despite the odd scary moment.

Now I'm registered blind, or what Americans might call legally blind, and I haven't been on a bike for several years, which is why I've taken an interest in Tandem riding. I hope one of these days to find someone willing to be the tandem captain, so that I can get back to enjoying some bike trips.

This forum could well be a good starting point. Looking forward to some interesting exchanges.

V.T.

Welcome to Bike Forums, Vince! You might want to check out the UK regional forum for other cyclists in your area who might be interested in tandem riding. Have you checked with any cycling clubs near you?

You might find the Fifty Plus and Tandem forums worth a look, too.

Hello Vince. I am a very keen tandem cyclist from Merseyside, born in Liverpool during WW2. I have a nephew living in Leicester, Tom is a member of Leicester Forest cycling club. Would you like me to ask Tom if he knows of a tandem captain living in your area ?
Hear from you soon.

Thanks, all, for your replies,

Alan, it would be magic if you could ask Tom about possible local contacts. I know there's a tandem club (not a blind one!) locally, and there's a firm called CycleMagic that tries to assist disabled cyclists, so I might be in a very good place to pursue this.

Sorry about the slow reply - been distracted by other things recently.

Hello and welcome to Bike Forums! We do have another legally blind member here who has a very unique way of being able to ride on his own. He wears a very special pair of glasses that remind me of little telescopes. His name is powerhouse. Perhaps he can give you some tips! Oh and when he and I use Private messaging, I usually will use the larger font for him. I hope you don't mind me using it for you. :0

Hi Vince, saw the message passed on via LFCC forum. I live just outside Leicester and would happily meet up for a trial ride to see how you get on as co-pilot. I've only ever ridden with Mrs ericonabike on tandem, so it would be a novel experience for us both! PM me if you'd like to try it! I can also pass your message on to the Leicestershire tandem club members if you wish?