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Making connections in tandem A tandem bicycle is built to connect cyclists, doubling their pedaling power. For tandem cyclist Dick Nenno, these connections represent so much more than sharing a bike. Each year, Dick connects with more than 1,000 cyclists at Bike MS: Bike to the Bay, a two-day cycling adventure through scenic southern Delaware. At this event, cyclists of various skill levels come together in support of a world free of MS. This year will mark Dick’s seventeenth Bike to the Bay ride. Dick’s connection to Bike MS traces back to 1982. That’s when he met Rob Collins, his friend, colleague, and cycling partner. Dick and Rob both live in Swarthmore, PA and work at Wilmington Trust Company. The two began riding home from work together and became fast friends. In 1995, Rob bought a tandem bicycle, and Dick suggested that they ride it together. Dick, who is blind, began collaborating with Rob to pedal and navigate. Rob rides in front as the “captain,” and Dick rides in back as the “stoker.” “We make sure to communicate when he’s starting to pedal, when we’re stopping, or when we’re turning,” he says.
MS connection: SUMMER 2014
Dick Nenno (left) and Rob Collins (right) celebrate after the ride in Dewey Beach By connecting with a sighted rider, Dick could do more than he ever thought possible as a cyclist. The two enjoyed riding together so much that they decided to register for Bike to the Bay. Dick’s mother had MS, and he wanted to help support MS research, programs, and services. By registering for this ride, Dick and Rob connected with other cyclists dedicated to the fight to end MS. Now, Dick’s year revolves around Bike to the Bay. He and Rob begin training each spring, typically at the end of March or the beginning of April. They start out riding short distances and gradually add to their route. Dick and Rob aim to ride one day each week over the summer and usually meet that goal. “One thing that Rob says is nice about [riding together] is that he always has company when it’s rainy or windy,” Dick explains. In addition to connecting with Rob and other cyclists, Dick has strong ties to his family, friends, and local community. He has been happily married for 36 years, has three grown children, and works as the Senior Managing Director and Trust Counsel at Wilmington Trust Company. He enjoys swimming at his local pool and singing in his church choir.