Tandem adventure in Biberach: A blind finds new freedom!

Tandem adventure in Biberach: A blind finds new freedom!

in Biberach has developed a touching friendship between Frank Reichel and Dieter Zell, which goes beyond cycling. Together they drive on a tandem and enjoy the feeling of freedom that offers them sporting activity. This extraordinary partnership shows how joy and a piece of normality can be recovered despite difficult circumstances.

Dieter Zell, a 55-year-old man from Memmingen, has severely lost his eyesight since the diagnosis of a green star in 2005. Truly a turning point in his life, because as a professional driver he had to give up his career. He has been living in a multi-party accommodation in Biberach for two years, where everyday tasks become a challenge.

The emergence of a special partnership

The idea for tandema driving happened by a regulars' table for the blind and visually impaired, where Zell came into conversation with the Catholic pastor Monika Schaufler. "I asked him what he used to have for hobbies, and when he told about cycling, I remembered that you could also drive tandem," recalls Schaufler. She researched and discovered Frank Reichel, the former chairman of the Biberach cycling club. He enjoyed an excellent cycling point because he had a high -quality tandem wheel that he hardly used.

After Reichel and Zell had made an appointment for their first trip, the step into tandema was not easy for both. Overcome of doubts as to whether the coordination and trust would work here, they dared to try. The tour around Oberessendorf was a complete success. "It was less complicated than I thought," said Zell.

Today, Reichel and Zell are a well-coordinated team. Together they talk about the route, warn of curves and steep climbs, and celebrate every trip. "I can really put pressure on," laughs Zell when he talks about the speed that you now reach. With tailwind they create up to 40 km/h. You have extended your tours to 50 to 70 kilometers and enjoy nature to the fullest.

remain active and find new opportunities

The regular journeys offer Zell a welcome change to its often monotonous everyday life and have developed into a real highlight. "I can switch off and work out," he says. The encounter with nature, the feeling of wind and other impressions give him quality of life. And Reichel also enjoys the time on the tandem, since he often shares his passion for cycling and is pleased that Zell also enjoys it.

With the cold season in sight, the two are preparing to switch on indoor activities and try out joint fitness training sessions. It turns out that this partnership is a registration of inspiration and joy.

Zells Weg also has challenges. He is actively looking for a small apartment that would offer him more peace. Despite the difficulties of finding something suitable, he does not give up. He also plans to take part in a program for mobility training so that he can develop his skills further.

For Monika Schaufler, Reichel and Zell are an example that shows how inclusion can succeed in everyday life. Their story is proof of how people with disabilities can be supported in order to stay active and to live a fulfilling life.

On the part of the blind pastoral care, there is the opportunity to get involved. Interested parties who can do something with visually impaired or blind people are cordially invited to report to Monika Schaufler. There is also a call for apartment offers for Dieter Zell. Contact options are available directly from the blind pastor.

This touching story of friendship and common ground could serve as inspiration for similar challenges in other people who are looking for paths to experience inclusion and support in their everyday life. For more information on this topic, the article by www.schwaebische.de referred.