Tandem bike riding workshop offered

The Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association will sponsor a free Tandem Bike Riding Open House and Workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, at Madison Meadow Park, 600 E. Madison St., Lombard.

Tandem bike riding for visually impaired and blind riders offers the benefits of recreation, exercise, confidence building, independence, camaraderie and friendship.

The rider, or "stoker" (back rider), is a key part and motor for the duo. Bikes, tandem techniques and tips on working together will be provided at the workshop. Experienced front rider/captains are available, and interested captains also can join in.

"Tandem riding is twice as much fun. Riders can enjoy this experience working as a team," said Dr. John Loesch, doctor of optometry, coordinator of event volunteers, and avid tandem biker.

The event, open to all communities, is brought together with the help of Elmhurst Bike Club (www.elmhurstbicycling.org) and the Chicago Area Tandem Society (www.chicagotandems.com). Experienced bike riders from these groups will be on hand with their bikes to introduce this lifetime activity.

Advance registration is requested. Those interested may contact Lori Miller, manager of program development, at lmiller@nedsra.org.