About Us

The U.S. Blind Tandem Cycling Connection is legally recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. 

Mission

The U.S. Blind Tandem Cycling Connection endeavors to increase the participation of individuals who are visually impaired or blind in the exhilarating sport of tandem cycling.

Vision

Our vision is that everyone with a visual impairment has the opportunity to experience tandem cycling, with its’ feeling of freedom and sensation of speed. Also, we look forward to more sighted cyclists experiencing the satisfaction of captaining tandems and sharing the ride.

Our aspiration is that every school for the blind and every major city will support a blind tandem cycling club. Our hope is that more visually impaired individuals will cycle regularly, meeting new people, joining training rides, and competing in events.

Our website went LIVE on January 19th, 2010. Our database of captains and stokers is increasing and more dots, representing riders, are showing up on the USA map. The more cyclists that create profiles, the more riding opportunities there will be for everyone.

What We Do

We serve as a resource to:

• Connect blind and visually impaired cyclists with sighted cyclists
• Educate people about tandem cycling
• Disseminate information about cycling clubs, events, and opportunities
• Address the needs of the blind tandem cycling community

Board of Directors

Steve Diaz of Mt Shasta, California, has been a tandem captain for many years. He is a fan of the Northwest Tandem Rally and shared the ride with a blind stoker at the Ride the Rim event at Crater Lake National Park. Steve is a retired firefighter with decades of leadership experience.  He has held professional positions in event planning, incident management, logistics, and emergency medicine.  When he is not cycling, Steve enjoys kayaking, cooking, being a father and Grampy,  and doing anything else his grandchildren need.

Joe Pelle, of western Michigan, has stoked a tandem bicycle for the past 30 years in search of adventure and physical challenge. This year his goal is to pedal over the Gordie Howel International Bridge to cross from the U.S.A. into Canada. He has built his own network of tandem captains, both local and out-of-state, and values those relationships. Joe retired from his career as a Promotional Agent in Michigan’s Business Enterprise Program, where he supported blind vendors in operating successful food‑service businesses and ensuring compliance with program standards. When he is not cycling, Joe likes to help people, play the guitar and attend live entertainment. 

Chuck Miller, of Gainseville, Florida, is an accomplished blind tandem cyclist having completed many long-distance cycling tours, including RAGBRAI 7 times, the Katy Trail, The Face of America, The Great Allegheny Passage, and the C&O Canal Towpath.  As a military veteran, he is extensively involved in advocating for disabled veterans and in planning adaptive athletic competitions and clinics, such as the National Veteran’s Golf Clinic.  He is a certified Peer Support Specialist.  Chuck is a leader, a planner,  and a team player.  When he is not cycling, he is skiing, playing golf, and hanging out with his guide dog, Zebe.

Brandy Pinder of New York City “absolutely loves riding tandem bikes”.  She began cycling in 2014, and as a blind stoker has completed two centuries, multiple triathlons and a Half Ironman.  Brandy has experience with fundraising to benefit recreational opportunities and guide dogs for the blind.  She is active in disability advocacy and helped make it possible for visually impaired athletes to swim around the Statue of Liberty.  Brandy’s dream world includes tandem cycling opportunities in all communities, whether it be a large city or a rural area.  Brandy works as a licensed massage therapist and loves animals, food, and bikes.

Nancy Stevens of Bend, Oregon, stoked a tandem 3000 miles from Portland to New York City in 2000.  She won three gold medals at the International Triathlon World Championships in the Visually Impaired Division in 2005, 2006, and 2007.  A talented teacher and trainer, Nancy organized two Tri-It Triathlon Camps for blind athletes and sighted guides in Glenwood Springs, CO, in 2007 and 2008.  She is the first blind female to climb the Grand Teton.  Nancy is passionate about encouraging others to be confident, to set goals, and to make things happen. We appreciate her energy, enthusiasm, and experience.

Christine Tinberg, of Los Angeles, California, is the founder and Executive Director of Bicycling Blind.  She works as a Professor of Kinesiology at Los Angeles City College and is a certified Adaptive and Inclusive Fitness Trainer.  She captained a tandem at the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes’  Developmental Cycling Camp held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and has competed in the U.S. Paralympics Road Cycling National Championships for blind tandem bicycling. Christine holds a B.S. degree in Sports Medicine, a M.S. degree in Ministry and a M.S. degree in Exercise Science. She cycles on the road and on the dirt in the Santa Monica Mountains near her home.