About us

Who are we?

MSSC is an inclusive sports and social club for both visually impaired and sighted adults of all ages and abilities. For more than 40 years we have offered a uniquely friendly and fun way for our members to keep fit and enjoy days out.

We cycle on tandems with a sighted pilot and a visually impaired stoker, and we also enjoy walks, pub socials, a book group and ad hoc activities. 

On a typical ride day, fifteen or more tandem pairs will ride in four or more groups on trips of between twenty and sixty miles. We always include a cafe stop, and as many hills as the ride leader thinks the group will manage. 

What are we doing?

We have a team of four riders on three tandems taking part in Ride London. Our tandem pairs are Andrew and Victoria, and Nayoung and Toby. For some of us this will be our first 100 mile ride, for others our first sportive. 

We have begun our practice rides. Special challenges include getting into sync with our tandem partner, the extra weight on a tandem when we go uphill and getting used to eight hours in the saddle - particularly difficult for visually impaired cyclists who don't get the same chance to ride or train on solo bikes that sighted riders do.

What will your money go to?

We are fundraising to buy new tandems for the club.  £2,500 enables us to purchase a new Orbit tandem. Our volunteer mechanics will keep it in service with the club for more than a decade, enabling 400 or more riders to participate in club rides.

Our target is to purchase a single new tandem, and money raised beyond that will go toward the purchase of more new tandems and maintenance of the fleet of more than 20 bikes. This will enable us to replace some of our very old tandems with bikes that are easier, comfier and more fun to ride, so making cycling more accessible for more visually impaired people. 

Want to know more?

Find out more about the club and get in touch at https://www.mssc.org.uk/.