Since 2008, Exsight Tandems Illawarra has been helping those with vision impairment or other disabilities go cycling thanks to a small fleet of tandem bikes and a roster of volunteers.
Twice a week, you might see the group having fun in the fresh air around the Illawarra, and always enjoying a coffee at a local cafe. Typical routes start at Figtree or at the homes of the participants. They may ride as far north as Bulli or as far south as Shellharbour. Sometimes they ride around Lake Illawarra or across Sea Cliff Bridge.
Founder Geoff Stratton says, “It just depends on where people who want to ride are located and where they would like to go.”
Geoff, who is totally blind, caught the riding bug when he was in England visiting a friend and had the chance to ride a tandem there. When his friend came to Australia, they had bikes but needed riders, so he put out a call on local media. The response was overwhelmingly positive and Exsight Tandems is now a registered charity.
The tandems are for anyone who wants to enjoy the thrill of riding a bike but can’t do so on their own, Geoff says. “We have people who are not vision-impaired but have Parkinson’s disease or autism etc – the group is open to anyone who wants to come out with us.”
The front rider who steers and navigates is known as the Captain and the rider on the back who turns the pedals and holds on is the Stoker.
They are always looking for Captains and Stokers. People can come as often or as seldom as they like. There are two E-Tandem bikes available. No fitness is required as riders can always start off slowly and build up.
Some people are nervous at first, Geoff says, but once they have been on a ride they love it!
Visit www.exsight.org.au, call Geoff Stratton 0416 612 675 or follow on Facebook.