My name is John and I'm in my 30s. I've been blind since birth and have been a rear rider with Bury Tandem Club for over eight years. Tandem riding is great fun, but it's not just the physical challenge I enjoy - it's also the opportunity to meet people with whom I share a common interest.
Before I joined Bury Tandem Club, I had practically no experience of cycling at all and found some aspects of tandem riding such as keeping the bike balanced quite difficult to master. All members of the club were, however, extremely supportive and with their help I was able to iron out these minor problems.
Each Sunday, our rides range from 40 to 60 miles over sometimes quite challenging terrain, but when we're not struggling up a two-mile long steep hill or roaring downhill at 50 mph, my front rider and I have been known to have some pretty interesting conversations and before I know it, the ride's over!
Tandem riding is the only team sport in which I participate, but even though it can be quite harrowing at times - what with sore backsides, not to mention rain, wind and irate car drivers, I wouldn't give it up for anything.