Thirty five tandems from across the Yorkshire district rode out together last night (Tuesday) to celebrate 35 years of a Harrogate-based disability charity.
Open Country, which has its headquarters on East Parade, offers a range of weekly activities to people with disabilities, all aimed at getting people into the countryside.
The charity’s popular tandem clubs meet in Harrogate, Ripon, Wetherby, Selby, York, Wakefield and Teesside, during the summer months, so the 35-tandem event seemed an obvious choice for members and volunteers to celebrate the major milestone.
With a volunteer on the front of the bike, and a person with a disability on the back, the tandems set off from various locations, before all meeting at Spofforth Village Hall for drinks and celebration cake.
Chief Officer David Shaftoe said:
“Our activities are specifically chosen to help people with different abilities to improve their health and wellbeing, promote an active lifestyle and to build confidence and self-esteem.
“What better example of this, than our tandem clubs which allow people with disabilities the chance to travel under their own steam, enjoying the freedom and fun of a cycle ride in a supportive, social atmosphere.
“It’s no mean feat to get 35 tandems together in one place but we had an absolute blast riding to Spofforth on such a beautiful summer’s evening!
“Thank you to our amazing volunteers for their help and support in making this event happen.”
Ripon Tandem Club member Jamie said:
“It was brilliant fun and great to be part of. I love coming out with Open Country, Happy Birthday!”
Open Country started as a pilot scheme and has now grown into a thriving charity with hubs in Harrogate, Wakefield, and Teesside.
Today, Open Country delivers more than 1,000 outdoor activity sessions each year – from tandem cycling to abseiling – reaching over 500 people with disabilities across Yorkshire.
With its motto “Out There Together,” Open Country is also a strong advocate for countryside conservation and access.
Over the years, members have planted thousands of trees, cleared and opened up hundreds of miles of footpaths, and played a crucial role in protecting Yorkshire’s natural spaces.
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