[Sportsandrec] finding guides

[Ron & the bears]

Hi Ashley,

It is very possible to ride a tandem without owning a tandem.

The first thing I would do is contact a local bike club. I just googled 
"Austin Bike Clubs" and found a lot of leads, even before I moved here. In 
fact, I even had a ride lined up for when I visited for the interview. Then, 
use the site's contact link to introduce yourself. The contact person will 
forward it out to the list, or maybe even sign you up. Then, introduce 
yourself with something like, "Hi, I am a blind person interested in 
cycling. Is there anyone out there who rides a tandem?...

Bike clubs are full of people who have tandems. Either their spouse lost 
interest, or their children have grown into the being too cool stage and no 
longer want to ride with dad, or perhaps there was a break-up. You should do 
well to find a riding partner or two rather quickly. You may also want to 
google your city-tandem club. You may find some leads there, but most of 
them already have riding partners in their spouses. Still, tandem riders are 
very enthusiastic about sharing their sport. They are generally more mature 
and willing to give back to the community. Many tandem owners miss riding 
the tandem after the kid moves out or the spouse loses interest.

If you like it, then you can buy your own bike. Like a friend of mine said, 
"It is easier to ride if you have a tandem. This is true. For a recreational 
ride, start with even casual rides, it is easier to find almost anyone who 
wants to jump on the front of a tandem with you. You may want to start off 
with a seasoned pilot, though. This way, you can learn much about how to get 
your saddle set right for you and learn the basics of safe riding. Then, 
once you are confident, you can teach just about anyone. When I promote 
myself on e-mail lists, I often say that it is just like riding a bicycle.

Your captain will have a way to transport the bike. He/she will probably 
have an extra helmet and waterbottle  as well. You will not be expected to 
have all this stuff at first. They will understand. You may do a short club 
ride, or just a few laps around your neighborhood.

It is not that hard to get started. I am on the tandem listserv that Lori 
mentioned. Send me your city and details off list and I can post something 
for you. Chances are that I already know riders in your area. I have been on 
this list for over ten years.

Sincerely,

Ron & the getting-ready-to-go-up bears
Austin, TX
rock the bike at us family dot net
5one2 4one9 one 37two

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ashley Bramlett" <bookwormahb at earthlink.net>
To: "Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List" 
<sportsandrec at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 12:03 AM
Subject: Re: [Sportsandrec] finding guides


: Lori,
:
: I'm glad you understand those negative feelings when conditioning alone in
: the gym.  I also go to spin classes.
: Everyone else has more options though.
:
: Checking with Disabled Sports USA is a good idea; they're nearby.  I 
thought
: the CDifferent  Foundation was only in one state, California or something.
: I guess they are national.  I don't know much about them.  What is the
: contact information?
:
: For tandem cycling how do you set up the session?  Who brings the bike to
: the path?  I would guess your pilot does; it requires a big van though as
: tandems are long.
: Did you have to buy one or could you rent a bike?  I wish I could rent one
: for a few times to try it out but they don't rent around here.  Tamdems 
are
: expensive although I can afford it if I decide I like riding and plan to 
use
: it a lot.  Riding occassionally would not make the price worthwhile.
:
: Ashley 



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