When John Barlow joined a tandem bike program five years ago he didn't expect to develop lasting friendships and cycle more than 200 kilometres in a day to raise funds for charity.
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Mr Barlow is one of many vision-impaired Canberrans who has partnered with experienced cyclists through FIT-Ability; a community organisation which provides a chance for a mere ride around the lake or medals at the Commonwealth Games.
"You have a whole different concept when you're on the back of the bike as you have to put all your trust in the people at the front of the bike," he said.
Mr Barlow, who was diagnosed with pigmentosa when he was 15-years-old and cannot ride alone, will take part in the 210-kilometre Around the Bay charity ride in Victoria this weekend and raise money for the Smith Family.
"I try to ride most weekends although it does depend on the availability of the pilots as sometimes they are understandably pulled away by things," he said.
"They have all been taught the etiquette of riding with a partner on the back of a bike and not to assume the other person knows what's going on."
Mr Barlow said there was a need for more Canberrans to volunteer with the organisation and allow vision-impaired people to exercise and lead healthy lifestyles.
"They've just got some funding from the ACT Government and have acquired a new tandem bike designed for people who are heavy so they can start exercising and getting in shape," he said.
Earlier this year, vision-impaired cyclists Brandie O'Connor and Paul Kennedy won medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after first trying out a tandem bike with FIT-Ability.
FIT-Ability committee member Lindy Hou said their organisation was always looking for more people to help the vision-impaired community enjoy the simple pleasures of cycling, whether it be socially or competitively.
"A number of people came and joined because they wanted to help other people enjoy their sport, yet more often than not they ended up getting a lot more out of it than they expected."
Ms Hou, who has a vision impairment herself, said there were close to 50 Canberrans registered with Fitability, ranging from those in their 20s to those in retirement.
"It can be much more fun to ride a bike with someone else," she said.
Canberra Cycling Club president Stuart Jones said the program was a great initiative and called upon members and experienced members to donate their time.
