A Mostly Blind mans WORLDWIDE TANDEM cycle tour To See The World
Through Your Eyes!
Why a Worldwide TANDEM Cycling Tour
“The world is bigger than a 4.7-inch screen and I want to see it through your eyes!”
When I was a child, my family focused on experiences over things. As a result of this family focus, I developed a sense of exploration, adventure and athleticism at a young age.
In junior high my childhood personality was largely overshadowed by mourning when I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare eye condition that leads to blindness.
To begin healing as a junior and senior in high school, I strived to independently rekindle the sense of exploration and adventure from my childhood by signing up to participate in the SEVENTY48 boat race and a trip to London without telling my parents.
The summer after high school, I began to experience true interdependence for the first time when friends and family introduced me to tandem cycling and to a new friend who joined me on a tour of Greece.
As an epic expression of interdependence, I am setting off on a multistage worldwide tandem cycling tour by relying on the support and camaraderie of an ever-growing community including fellow cyclists to pilot my tandem and other local supporters to assist with lodging, meals, adventures and unique cultural experiences.
I know the world is bigger than a 4.7-inch screen and I want to see it through your eyes, as we interdependently demonstrate the power of inclusive and accessible travel to bring the people and cultures of the world closer together.
– jOSH
Chief Expedition Officer
Worldwide Through Your Eyes Tandem Cycle Tour
Recent Updates
St. George News Article
Josh was interviewed a few days before he got to the boarder. Here is the story! He has one more interview that was done at the end in Kanab. I’ll post it once it is out.
Tour of Utah Day 13: Mission Accomplished
Yesterday was such an amazing day! I met up with Preston for the first leg of the day. As we were riding our SAG wagon got a flat. We had to unload the car to get to the spare tire and we all jumped in to do it. It didn’t take long before we were…
Summit Challenge 2024 – My First Organized Bike Ride
Watch the video to join us on our first organized bike ride, the 2024 Summit Challenge in Park City. The Summit Challenge is a 25-mile ride with a 1350-foot elevation gain, and it’s a fundraiser for the National Ability Center. If you would like to donate, click on the link above. Your donations provide adaptive…
A Typical Day in the Life on Tour
Completing a typical stage of the tour requires cycling fifty to sixty miles per day for 30-45 days. A typical day on the road looks something like this:
Local Breakfast
Local Experience
Cycle to Connection Point
Cycle to Next Destination
Local
Dinner
Prepare and Rest
SHARE your world with Josh
On the tour I want to experience the world the way the people I meet do.
By riding or walking a mile in your footsteps, I will go beyond seeing through your eyes and experience the world the way you do. I expect these unforgettable experiences that highlight the rich tapestry of local traditions, people, places, culture, activities and cuisine will lead to the warmth of human connection that does not diminish over time.
August 24, 2024
National Ability Center Summit Challenge
Come ride with us and support adaptive recreation.
TOur SCHEDULE
Find out when I
will be in your area
and signup to participate
The Hase Pino Tandem
This unique bicycle specifically designed to accommodate riders with disabilities, features a recumbent front seat and an upright rear seat. Unlike traditional tandems the stoker sits in the forward recumbent position, while the pilot at the rear handles the steering, shifting and braking. This configuration not only allows Joshua to pedal and contribute to the ride but also ensures his safety and navigation through the assistance of a sighted companion.
What is Retinitis Pigmentosa?
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of rare eye diseases that affect the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of the eye). RP makes cells in the retina break down slowly over time, causing vision loss.
The Human Element
Family, friends, local supporters and fellow riders are the key to a successful expedition.
Family Support
Embarking on such a monumental journey requires meticulous preparation and planning. Josh and his family invest significant time in route planning, ensuring that each stage of the tour is accessible and safe. They also undertake extensive training to build the necessary stamina and endurance.
Challenges Ahead
Despite significant preparations, the journey will likely be fraught with emotional and physical hurdles. When these challenges are encountered it will take more than sheer will power to push forward and endure.
Local Supporters, Friends and Fellow Riders
Josh’s journey as a vision-impaired cyclist is enriched profoundly by the support and camaraderie of an ever-growing community. Friends, fellow cyclists, and local supporters play a pivotal role in ensuring his journey is not just a successful physical expedition but a deeply human and culturally immersive experience. At various stages, different individuals will come together to pilot his tandem bike, ensuring that Joshua can navigate diverse terrains safely and enjoy the stunning landscapes that his journey offers.