Two's Company
Tandem rides for people who are visually impaired or disabled.
Two’s Company gives visually impaired and disabled people in Bristol opportunities to come cycling on the back of a tandem. In 2011 we'll also be running some rides for people with early dementia.
We organise about 22 rides every year between March and October, most on local routes around the Bristol area, but we go further afield too. A typical ride has up to eight tandems, each with a sighted person at the front and a visually impaired/disabled co-rider behind. The rides are enjoyable days out, and also opportunities for people to socialise and make new friends. They are free of charge.
Rides for children and young people
These rides run mostly at the weekend along traffic-free paths up to about 15 miles, and on level terrain. The pace is leisurely and we take regular breaks. Favourite routes are the Bristol to Bath Railway Path, the riverside cycle path to Pill and the Strawberry Line. The rides are often combined with another activity, such as kayaking, a boat trip or an tandem easter egg hunt.
“My daughter was registered blind at 4 months old - it was an unimaginable shock. I prayed... I prayed asking "Oh God, please help me, what am I supposed to do to help my child?" The answer came back so strongly! CONFIDENCE. GIVE HER CONFIDENCE. My belief is that the work of Two's Company is one of these tools that does just this - not only for our children but for us as parents too." Debbie
See Two's Company on Children in Need here
Rides for adults
We cater for complete beginners through to experienced riders, and all ages. Most rides take place at the weekend and we also do evening rides in the summer. Favourite routes include the railway path to Saltford, quiet lanes up the estuary to Littleton-upon-Severn and the Forest of Dean. Last year we organised a weekend trip on the Tarka Trail in Devon.
- Level 1. Easy rides suitable for beginners. Up to about 15 miles, usually off-road, away from traffic on level terrain. The pace is leisurely and we take regular breaks. If you've not ridden a tandem before or if you're a bit out of condition we recommend you start with one of these rides.
- Level 2. Slightly more challenging, suitable for people with more experience. Up to 20 miles, on quiet country lanes, avoiding steep hills and heavy traffic whenever possible but the terrain is likely to be rolling rather than billard-table flat. The pace will be a bit more brisk.
- Level 3. Challenging routes, 30+ miles round trip, suitable for strong riders. We stick to country lanes wherever possible but there's more chance that you'll be mixing with traffic for some of the ride and we might encounter a few steep hills! You need to be fit and feeling strong to do one of these trips.
"After losing my sight in a horrific car crash I never though I'd be able to ride a bike. It's so lovely to feel the wind in your face and the sunshine when its about. It's also a lovely sense of achievement when you hear the mileage you have covered. Come rain, come shine it is just a great feeling to be out in the fresh air and doing something enjoyable and healthy for oneself, even if we do stop at a pub for lunch!" Jenny
“For me the whole idea of the Two's Company programme is superb, giving me the opportunity to take part in an activity otherwise denied me. The enthusiasm and commitment from all those involved is great.”
Tandem taster sessions
We run a few 'tandem taster' sessions every year so that visually impaired / disabled people can try out riding a tandem and meet other riders before committing to coming on a ride. Please contact us for more information or if you would like to organise a taster session for your organisation.
Who can ride on the back of a tandem
As well as people with a visual impairment, we've had people with Downs Syndrome, learning difficulties and autism come on our rides. We are also starting to run rides for people with early dementia. You need to be able to sit up, hold on to the handlebars and pedal, but the front rider controls the bike. You don't need to have ridden a bike before!
For more information about Two's Company, please contact Sally by email or call 0117 353 4580.
Set up your own tandems project
Our vision is that every visually impaired person in the UK is given the opportunity to go tandem riding. Drawing on our 4 years of experience, we can provide training in how to set up your own tandems project. Contact us for details.
Two's Company has been made possible thanks to funding from a small number of charitable trusts and sponsorship from local businesses. We are very thankful to the Boshier-Hinton Foundation for their assistance. We are also extremely grateful to all the people who have given us or lent us tandems, volunteered their time or made financial donations. Please help us if you can.
Borrow a tandem for free
Based in Gloucestershire, Charlotte's Tandems is a charity with a number of tandems available for disabled or less able people and those with special or additional needs to borrow for free. They can deliver to Bristol. See their website for details.
Tandem storage problem solved!
We are extremely grateful to Business Environment Group for letting us use their staff cycle parking area to store our tandems. We'll now have 24 hour access to the tandems, so the sky's the limit!
