The Blind Stokers Club (BSC) performs its mission enabling blind and visually impaired (BVI) cycling by pairing two cyclists on a tandem bike. The "stoker" or rear cyclist is blind or visually impaired, and is partnered with the "captain" or "pilot" on the front of the tandem. BSC tandem partnerships are formed anytime and anywhere - and most often convert strangers into friends. Founded in 2005 b
y Dave White, from a legacy movement he called VISTA (Visually Impaired Stoker Tandem Alliance), the BLIND STOKERS CLUB chose and continues on an unconventional path, compared to high-octane organizations serving the large and growing practice of enabling sporting activities for people with physical limitations. The BSC chose the purest path of philanthropy - capturing large amounts of in-kind contributions along with relatively small amounts of cash. The result is a lean-and-efficient unincorporated club, with a simple mission and a no-frills approach. For BVI athletes, many sports need a sighted companion athlete, to navigate the training activity or competitive course. In the BSC, guides serve as tandem pilots; also swim/run and hiking guides in these and other activities - like triathlon, rock climbing, sailing, kayaking, bowling, train+bike touring and more. What you may not know about the BSC:
BSC awarded Golden Gear Award and named Bike Club of the Year (2021) by the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition. BSC maintains about 140 active local (San Diego County) members;
Annual budget is about $15,000, to outfit and sponsor members and maintain equipment
BSC has $0 overhead, no paid staff, no facilities, no member fees or dues
BSC operates as a non-profit charity without the burden of incorporation:
Mission Statement + Policy & Guidelines for members to follow
Director and supporting Coordinators (all volunteer positions)
Website, social media, email, Calendar of Events, Roster
Annual Meeting and State of the Club
BSC has IRS 501(c3) partner - the San Diego Center for the Blind. BSC attracts high-achievers to its model of philanthropy through teamwork. Why you should join or donate to the BSC:
Since formation, the BSC has included and benefited thousands of individuals, using a true community service model, built into the organization and practiced by members. No comparable organization has done more with such austere financial resources. BSC Adventures program brings more cultural diverse experiences to members - especially those with limited means. BSC receives an average of 8 quality performance tandems per year, plus support equipment - to drive its Captain-in-Training and Tandem Cycling programs. To become a member of this unique and rewarding organization, click JOIN HERE at blindstokersclub.org
To donate tandem resources or dollars in support of the BSC, contact founder Dave White [email protected]
