The Benefits of Tandem Cycling

 

By regularly taking part in tandem cycling you may notice:

​

• Improved basic fitness levels

• Increased positive thoughts

• Weight loss

• Increased self confidence and independence

• Increased strength

 

Riding a tandem is slightly harder than riding a solo cycle. It's heavier, longer and less easily manoeuvred! Crucially for Talking Tandems, there is a need to ensure good communication between the sighted pilot and the visually impaired stoker when starting and stopping etc. New pilots are given training with an experienced pilot and stoker before joining us on any of our group cycle rides. It can be daunting at first but any competent solo cyclist can pick up tandem group cycling quite quickly. 

 

Tandem cycling is also great fun once you get going! Two people working well together  can produce a lot of power that will leave their solo cycling friends behind! Our visually impaired friends tell us that this experience of speed is something they cannot experience any other way and is one of the great pleasures of tandem cycling. 

 

We are focused on leisure cycling, mostly on quiet country roads and cycle routes and don't leave anyone behind, although Talking Tandems has one member who competed for Team Scotland in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, so there really is no limit to where your Talking Tandems journey may take you.

​