Our Team

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Laura was forced to sell her Trek bike when she no longer felt safe cycling due to her declining sight. It has never crossed her mind that the simple pleasure of riding a bike would become inaccessible, but she wasn’t yet aware of the resources and support available for the blind community. Then, a fellow attendee at a leadership program opened a whole new world to her, introducing her to an amazing community of blind cyclists and their allies. That led to an inclusive event that inspired her to stretch beyond what she thought was possible, while also allowing her to build new friendships. Fast forward to 2024, and Laura became a proud member of the EyeRide Executive and Organizing Committee, shaping a new chapter of pedaling with impact.

While what she sees is an out-of-focus picture, her vision is clear: creating a positive impact on the lives of others by raising awareness of vision loss, advocating for eye health, and promoting vibrant living in the blind and vision loss community. For her, EyeRide breaks down barriers while building up our community strength and purpose.

Email Mitchell Kamiel

Mitch’s passion for cycling is deeply ingrained, having represented Canada and clinched gold on international stages. Introduced to tandem cycling via the TRAILBLAZERS Tandem Cycling Club, he found solace in the sense of community and achievement it offered, forging enduring friendships along the way.

Following eight years of dedicated participation in Cycle For Sight, Mitch felt compelled to sustain the legacy, thus spearheading the evolution of the event into EyeRide. Mitch has the important role of matching Stokers and Captains, and ensures new Captains are onboarded. Riding alongside his closest companions, he perceives the fundraiser as a powerful tool for dismantling barriers and fostering inclusivity, allowing others to share in the joy of a sport he holds dear.

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Michael is a tandem cycling enthusiast, endurance junkie, and the co-founder of the original Cycle for Sight ride, supporting the event from 2009 to 2023, eight of those years as its co-chair. With a wealth of experience, Michael was chosen to co-lead the inaugural EyeRide in 2024 and is taking up the role once again in 2025.

His fever for EyeRide’s mission, which centres on supporting the TRAILBLAZERS Tandem Cycling Club and BALANCE for Blind Adults, reflects the profound impact these notable blind community charities have had on him. Thrilled to contribute to a team “composed of passionate individuals who are true movers and shakers” (his words), Michael embodies dedication and enthusiasm for fostering positive change.

With a background in the military, Aaron supports EyeRide by managing the RaceRoster platform used for event registrations and donations. He first got involved through his dad Mitchell, who is part of the organization. What started as a simple offer to help out has turned into a meaningful way to contribute behind the scenes and stay connected to a cause that’s making a real difference.

Though new to the team, Aaron has quickly found his footing, taking care of the technical side of things and making sure everything runs smoothly for participants and donors alike. He enjoys the clear purpose behind the work, the sense of collaboration among the team, and the chance to play a small role in making the event successful. For him, it’s about supporting something worthwhile with people he respects.

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Lynda’s lifelong passion for cycling took a challenging turn when she became legally blind at 16, retaining only 10% of her vision. In her mid-40s, a solitary ride ended abruptly when she collided with a parked car, seemingly closing the door on cycling forever. However, a suggestion from a co-worker led her to join the TRAILBLAZERS Tandem Cycling Club in 1999, altering the course of her story.

Finding camaraderie and a sense of belonging became the driving force behind Lynda’s deep involvement with TRAILBLAZERS. She attributes the club to a significant boost in her self-esteem, marking a transformative journey. For her, exercise stands as the key to maintaining vitality and youthful energy. Now well into her retirement years, Lynda intends to remain an active part of TRAILBLAZERS and the broader blind community for the foreseeable future.

Email Chris Spinney

Chris joined TRAILBLAZERS in 1999 as a captain where he met his wife, Lynda. As the club’s operations manager, he keeps the bikes and bike sheds in shape and also provides specialized training on how to optimally ride a tandem bike and, most importantly, makes sure the two riders—the blind adult, or “Stoker,” and sighted volunteer, or “Captain”—fit the bike together. He also oversees the setup of event sites, ensuring all logistics are in place and helps with the functioning of the fundraiser and the club. EyeRide is thrilled to have his continued support in 2025.

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Sanjana’s journey into the cycling world began when she joined as the PR and Social Media Manager of the TRAILBLAZERS Tandem Cycling Club in July 2023. Shortly after, she was onboarded onto the executive board. With a penchant for pro bono work and advocacy for causes close to her heart, Sanjana finds joy in championing meaningful endeavors.

Her rewarding experience at TRAILBLAZERS fueled her eagerness to collaborate with the EyeRide team for their annual fundraiser. Leveraging her expertise, she eagerly lends support to the team’s social media and communication initiatives, driven by a shared commitment to their cause.

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Ginny is a dedicated psychiatrist practicing at Unity Health Toronto, where she also serves as a Lecturer at the University of Toronto. In her psychiatric practice, she specializes in supporting individuals navigating vision loss, drawing from her own experiences with visual impairment.

Alongside her professional endeavors, Ginny holds the position of Board Secretary at BALANCE for Blind Adults, further demonstrating her commitment to empowering those with visual challenges. Beyond her professional roles, Ginny leads an active lifestyle, indulging her passions for downhill skiing, sailing, and cycling. Her multifaceted interests reflect a vibrant spirit and a determination to live life to the fullest despite any obstacles she may face.

Email John Tomasino

John’s journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. A former actor, teacher, and triathlete helping to shape his multifaceted identity, his deep-seated love for tandem cycling propelled him to join the EyeRide Committee, a decision rooted in his unwavering passion for the sport.

Driven by a profound sense of purpose, John recognizes the significance of planning and organizing rides that empower the blind community. He sees it as a means to demonstrate the formidable strength and invaluable contributions of the blind community within society. Moreover, he finds fulfillment in knowing that the fundraiser channels support towards two esteemed organizations, the TRAILBLAZERS Tandem Cycling Club and the BALANCE for Blind Adults, amplifying their impact and fostering inclusivity.

In 2019 I attended an information evening with fellow EyeRide Committee member and friend Dr. Ginny Duff. Ginny had been tandem riding to fundraise for years with her longtime captain Paul. I had gladly sponsored her but never participated. Mitch Kamiel, another Committee member and persuasive advocate for tandem teams, asked for volunteer captains that evening and I raised my hand. It’s been quite the ride ever since (pun intended).

I’ve always enjoyed cycling. As a child my bike brought freedom, fun and a means of transportation. Captaining a tandem with partially sighted para athletes has figuratively and literally opened my eyes to the beautiful, resilient and inspirational vision loss community. The friendships, laughs, and fun we’ve had on and off the bike are enormously rewarding and demonstrate how much better we are when helping one another.

I’m excited to be back rolling on the Summer Solstice 2025 with my friend and EyeRide Committee member par excellence Laura Feltz.

As a medical student and avid cyclist, Tasha was drawn to EyeRide because of what it represents: a community rooted in movement, connection, and a shared commitment to advocating for eye health. She values the energy and inclusivity of EyeRide, where people of all abilities come together, pedal in sync, and support one another while raising awareness for the vision loss community. Now serving as Volunteer Coordinator, Tasha is excited to help bring the 2025 ride to life and is grateful to be part of such a passionate and inspiring team.

Fuelled by a passion of making the world a more equitable place for individuals with disabilities, Jackie, a former broadcast journalist, began working with the vision loss community in 2019. From that point forward, she was inspired by the tireless advocacy of blind and partially-sighted youth toward a brighter future. Alongside a few of these individuals, Jackie began a podcast series highlighting the lives of individuals with visible and invisible disabilities, calling for greater activism and understanding from able-bodied folks.

Living with a complex invisible physical disability herself, Jackie is eager for EyeRide 2025 succeed and soar past its goal of raising $100,000. She no longer remembers how to ride a bike, so she is excited to live vicariously through all participants on EyeRide day and contribute her efforts via written word, instead.