Farnham Road Club continued its relationship with guests at the Woodlarks Camp Site Trust with a two-day riding experience.

Volunteer Sean Caveille once again organised a stay at the site for a group of visually-impaired guests and the club provided ‘taster’ rides on a tandem for all those who wished to try the experience.

The tandem allows riders of varying degrees of fitness and ability to take part – and requires a degree of confidence in the ‘steersman’ from the ‘stoker’ on the back!

Robert Allan, a blind former Paralympic medallist and still a frequent race competitor, offered advice and support, as well as entertaining the guests on the clarinet and saxophone – with a few of his better stories and worse jokes thrown in for good measure.

Paul Charman took his tandem from Bordon and rode a five-mile loop with ten of the Woodlarks guests, while two others were more conservative and opted for a few circuits of the Woodlarks car park!

One rider, now in her 90s, said she had not ridden a bike since she was seven and had never thought she would ever do so again!

The event was so well received there are already plans for a two-day session next year, involving cycling spread over two days and an evening barbecue with music.

Anyone who could offer assistance would be welcome to get in touch with Sean Caveille via the Woodlarks Camp Site Trust or with Farnham Road Club via its website.

Jim Parker