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There are four types of Members/Volunteers at TandemEyes:
Leader (volunteer role): Each ride is guided by a Leader on a single bike at the front of the group. The leader is responsible for leading the ride on the route specified. The Leader controls the pace to allow everyone to stay together. The Leader is responsible for initiating water breaks, checking in with the group and staying in touch with the Sweep to ensure everyone is feeling comfortable on the ride. The Leader is responsible for getting the group back by the specified time and reporting back to the Ride Leader Coordinator should there be any issues during the ride, bike mechanical issues that need attention, or problems encountered along the specified route – e.g., road construction, trail washouts, etc.
Sweep (volunteer role): Each ride is accompanied by a Sweep on a single bike who typically rides at the back of the group but also assists with road crossings, bike mechanical issues, check-ins and overall flow of the ride.
Captain (volunteer role): The Captain is an experienced, passionate rider who rides at the front of the tandem and pilots the bike. The Captain is responsible for safely operating the tandem bike and communicating with their Stoker – i.e., alerting them to upcoming turns, road conditions (bumps, railway crossings, slowing or a requirement for extra power to climb a hill), as well describing the surroundings. The Captain’s number one responsibility is to ensure their stoker is feeling comfortable with the ride from start to finish. Please note, all Captains must have a valid driver's licence.
Stoker: The Stoker is an individual who is blind or partially sighted. The Stoker rides on the back of the tandem and works with the Captain to power the bike. Good communication and trust between the Captain and Stoker is the most important part of successful tandem cycling.
Each spring we conduct a mandatory orientation/training session for all members so that everyone can get comfortable with the bikes and understand their respective roles. At this point, each Stoker will do a self-assessment on their ability to be part of the bike team.
As a potential new Stoker, you may have cycled for many years prior to your vision loss or you may be looking for a brand new idea to get some exercise and meet new people. Either way, we would love to have you be part of this experience. It is a simple phone call or email for more information.
The membership fee for joining TandemEyes in 2025 is $75.00. This includes a membership with our partner, the Peterborough Cycling Club, and its parent organization, the Ontario Cycling Club, and covers the cost of insurance for the cycling season.
New Captains and Stokers are always welcome. Please reach out to our team by clicking the Come Ride With Us button below.
There are four types of Members/Volunteers at TandemEyes:
Leader (volunteer role): Each ride is guided by a Leader on a single bike at the front of the group. The leader is responsible for leading the ride on the route specified. The Leader controls the pace to allow everyone to stay together. The Leader is responsible for initiating water breaks, checking in with the group and staying in touch with the Sweep to ensure everyone is feeling comfortable on the ride. The Leader is responsible for getting the group back by the specified time and reporting back to the Ride Leader Coordinator should there be any issues during the ride, bike mechanical issues that need attention, or problems encountered along the specified route – e.g., road construction, trail washouts, etc.
Sweep (volunteer role): Each ride is accompanied by a Sweep on a single bike who typically rides at the back of the group but also assists with road crossings, bike mechanical issues, check-ins and overall flow of the ride.
Captain (volunteer role): The Captain is an experienced, passionate rider who rides at the front of the tandem and pilots the bike. The Captain is responsible for safely operating the tandem bike and communicating with their Stoker – i.e., alerting them to upcoming turns, road conditions (bumps, railway crossings, slowing or a requirement for extra power to climb a hill), as well describing the surroundings. The Captain’s number one responsibility is to ensure their stoker is feeling comfortable with the ride from start to finish. Please note, all Captains must have a valid driver's licence.
Stoker: The Stoker is an individual who is blind or partially sighted. The Stoker rides on the back of the tandem and works with the Captain to power the bike. Good communication and trust between the Captain and Stoker is the most important part of successful tandem cycling.
Each spring we conduct a mandatory orientation/training session for all members so that everyone can get comfortable with the bikes and understand their respective roles. At this point, each Stoker will do a self-assessment on their ability to be part of the bike team.
As a potential new Stoker, you may have cycled for many years prior to your vision loss or you may be looking for a brand new idea to get some exercise and meet new people. Either way, we would love to have you be part of this experience. It is a simple phone call or email for more information.
The membership fee for joining TandemEyes in 2025 is $75.00. This includes a membership with our partner, the Peterborough Cycling Club, and its parent organization, the Ontario Cycling Club, and covers the cost of insurance for the cycling season.
New Captains and Stokers are always welcome. Please reach out to our team by clicking the Come Ride With Us button below.