Visually Impaired and Sighted Cyclists Begin Tandem Wari From Dadar

Five pairs of sighted and visually impaired cyclists set off from Samarth Vyayam Mandir at Shivaji Park in Dadar on Thursday morning, July 9, 2026, to begin the Mumbai-to-Pandharpur Tandem Cycle Wari. Organised by the Tandem Cyclist Club, the inclusive devotional-spiritual cycling pilgrimage is scheduled to run for four days, concluding on July 12, 2026.

The departure from the Dadar venue was marked by a celebratory atmosphere. Supporters gathered at Shivaji Park to offer their cheers and blessings as an auspicious coconut was broken, officially signalling the start of the long-distance event.

A total of ten cyclists, consisting of five pairs of sighted and visually impaired participants, are undertaking the journey together. Each pair is riding a tandem bicycle, which allows them to navigate the route collaboratively. Among the participants at the starting line on Thursday morning was Manoj Kataria, who prepared for the ride with his tandem cycle and an event poster at Shivaji Park.

The primary objective of the Tandem Cycle Wari is to foster inclusivity and community spirit within the region. By pairing visually impaired individuals with sighted partners, the Tandem Cyclist Club enables participants to experience a major cycling pilgrimage that might otherwise be difficult to access.

The journey from Mumbai to Pandharpur is designed as a devotional and spiritual pilgrimage. The participants will travel from the landmark Shivaji Park locality in Dadar, Mumbai, and ride through to their destination in Pandharpur, where the event will conclude on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

This collaborative ride serves as an example of community integration, ensuring that visually impaired individuals can actively engage in long-distance cycling pilgrimages alongside sighted peers. The Tandem Cyclist Club's initiative highlights the potential for adaptive sports and inclusive spiritual journeys.