A drizzly cold morning wouldn’t normally draw a cycling crowd but there was no stopping our clinic enthusiasts who came along to our July clinic to learn all about tandem cycling with WATCAC.  Our morning program provided an introduction to tandem cycling for both volunteer pilots and blind or vision-impaired stokers of all abilities, in a fun and supportive environment.

We welcomed three new blind or vision-impaired riders who got the low down on the stoker’s role in tandem cycling.  After a familiarisation session on a stationary tandem, it was out on bikes as soon as the drizzle eased up.

Also, along for the ride were eight new pilots who shared cycling experiences with WATCAC members and picked up helpful communication and co-ordination tips for tandeming and off-bike guiding before venturing out.  On the track around our local park our new pilots practiced coordinated starting and stopping and got a feel for balance and maneuvering.  They also jumped on the back seat to experience tandem cycling from a stoker’s perspective (including riding with their eyes closed).

In addition to our new riders, four current members came along to try out different bikes, different pilot/stoker combinations and different set-ups, including pedal cleats.  The morning ended with some further practice sessions with different styles of bikes and a range of rider combinations.

Special thanks to all who joined in and specially to our clinic helpers Beau, Christine, Connie, David, Dee and Sue as well as committee members who helped out on the day.

To register interest in our next clinic (date to be announced) please use form on the Contact Us page and include “Clinic” in the subject field.