Blind? Yes. Slow? No Way!

Local cyclist, Lori Miller may be blind, but it doesn’t mean she can’t ride a bike, and she’s certainly not slow, but she is looking for some help.

Diagnosed with cancer three times, Lori has battled and beaten the disease, unfortunately losing her sight in the process, but it hasn’t stopped this star Notre Dame and Western Michigan student from competing in National and World Championships and Paralympics in events such as Goalball, Alpine Skiing and Cycling.

Now back in the Warsaw area, Lori is looking for cycling volunteers to help her ride again. She recognizes she didn’t get to the competitive Paralympic level by herself .

” It would not have been possible for me to train for and compete in the Paralympics with out the volunteered hours of time given by cyclists in our community who  made it possible for me to ride six days a week and stick to a training regiment. Oh, do I miss those days and miles,” says Miller.

” I still have not lost my competitive edge; meaning that I have not ruled out racing again, but I know I have a long road ahead of me. I have the desire to ride and the bikes, but I need to connect with other cyclists who are willing to put some of their miles in while piloting a tandem,” added Lori.

She would like for cycling to remain a part of her active life for it’s benefits of fitness and camaraderie.

Furthermore, she would be glad to share the tandem experience with our community whether it be for fitness, recreation, or competition. The only requirement to piloting a tandem is that you know how to ride a bike.

Lori even has the bikes to accommodate just about anyone ranging from 5′ to 6′ 3″. Road and mountain biking are her favorite, but she wouldn’t mind riding a kilo or pursuit on the track (velodrome) either.

Miller concluded, ” I’m hoping that I can work with our community to reach my fitness, recreation and competition goals. In turn, I hope some of our community members will give tandem riding  a chance and discover it to be enjoyable and that it fits into their efforts of achieving their own cycling or volunteer goals.”

For more information about Blind Cycling, check out the U.S. Blind Tandem Cycling Connection.

If you would be willing to ride with Lori, even if it’s limited time, please contact her by email.