The organized effort to initiate the Blind Tandem Cycling Project moved closer
to reality during the month of October.

The Oral Hull Foundation, of Sandy, teamed with the Mt. Hood Bicycle-
Pedestrian Coalition (MHBPC), has now raised $3,500 following an Oct. 8
fundraiser.

“As far as I’m aware, there has never been a program of this type anywhere,”
said George Wilson, director of the MHBPC. “I am excited about the fact that
we will be the first.”

The project is coordinating with a Eugene-based company Co-Motion Bicycles
who will custom build each tandem bicycle. These bicycles will provide for a
pairing of a sighted tandem captain with a blind or visually impaired rider –
called a stoker – of various skill sets.

“Each handmade tandem bicycle will be made of sturdy, lightweight
aluminum, utilizing higher-end race grade components,” Wilson said.

The project plans include establishing novice and intermediate camps to
prepare the riders for single day/multi-day recreational tandem rides and
events. The next evolution would include organized sanctioned tandem racing
events through the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association.

“Our mission goal is to offer a quality program, utilizing state-of-the-art
equipment and gear, to produce an adventure experience of a lifetime that
would not otherwise be possible for individuals with visual impairment,”
Wilson said. “Each tandem team will utilize helmet to helmet communication,
which will be especially useful during racing events.”

The MHBPC contribution to the project will also include: maintaining a pool of
dedicated tandem captains and volunteers; provide medical and rest stop
support; manage, service and maintain tandem bicycles and equipment; and
provide an online computer assisted at-home training program utilizing a
stationary trainer.