Cyclists who are blind and visually impaired who race on tandem bikes with a sighted partner, along with cyclists with cerebral palsy or head injury  who use both standard bikes and tricycles, and amputee cyclists who ride single bikes, ages 16 and older are invited to apply for the camp.  Cyclists will learn bike handling skills, safe riding techniques, road racing strategies and instruction on how to ride and race on a velodrome (track).

"We're looking for riders who want to get to the next level," said Pam Fernandes, Camp Coordinator and former Paralympic cyclist. "We also hope to identify athletes to compete for the United States in future U.S. Cycling races and for our committed talented athletes, the Paralympic Games."

Camp staff members will include certified cycling coaches, a U.S. Cycling Federation-certified mechanic and guest speakers from a variety of sports-related fields.

Riders attending camp can expect to be on their bikes once or twice per day, participating in skill drills and race simulations.  There will also be evening lectures. "We will help network interested riders into their local racing communities and provide a schedule of future race opportunities," Fernandes said.

"In the past, some camp attendees have gone on to become Paralympic and World Champion medalists, as well as set National, World and Paralympic Records," said Mark Lucas, Executive Director of The U.S. Association of Blind Athletes.

Room and board will be provided at the U.S. Olympic Training Center as part of the camp.  Athletes will be responsible for their own travel arrangements.  Riders are asked to bring their own bikes and gear to the camp.  Tandem riders are encouraged to bring their own pilots (riding partners), but if needed, USABA will assist in finding partners for visually impaired riders.

For more information or to request an application, contact Pam Fernandes at pamala@quik.com or call (781) 449-9563.  Information about the camp and applications can be downloaded from the USABA web site at www.usaba.org.

The United States Association of Blind Athletes, Disabled Sports USA and The National Disability Sports Alliance are 501 (c)(3) non-profit member organizations of the U.S. Olympic Committee. The role of these community based organizations is to provide recreational and sports opportunities for people with physical and sensory disabilities.  You can visit their web sites at www.usaba.org, www.dsusa.org or www.ndsaonline.org.