But it took John Loesh, an optometrist and society member, to turn the request into a reality. Loesh organized two NEDSRA tandem rides in 1998, making sure that an appropriate number of Chicago Area Tandem Society members captained their bikes and provided biking gloves and helmets for those who needed them. This year, Loesh has led two NEDSRA bike rides, with plans for at least one more this fall.