There are quite a lot of people out there riding bicycles. These range from recreational riders, to bicycle commuters, to
randonneurs, to credit card bicycle tourists, to full blown adventure cycle tourist. A smaller percentage of these cyclists are couples that ride tandems. Tandems are awesome; if both the captain and the stoker have the right personalities and temperament for the position they are riding. The captain should possess an appreciation of having near total control of the bike; where it goes (steering), how easy it is to pedal (shifting), and how fast you go (braking). The stoker needs to be willing and able to relinquish that control and really put full trust in the ability of the captain to get you both where you are going, safely. Both of you have to be responsible for pedaling. On a tandem, down hills are fast. The flats can also be fast if you get the pedaling up to a comfortable cadence. Up hill, now that is a very different story. Contrary to what you might think, two people on one bike pedaling together does not offset the effect of gravity. Communication is a must, which works out nicely because being on the same bike you can easily talk, as long as you remember to..."Bump! Sorry, should have said that earlier."
We are greatly inspired by those couples willing to head out and explore the world by tandem. Here is a list of those that have proven especially inspirational to us as we continue to plan our own future cycling adventures:
Chasing Mailboxes
https://chasingmailboxes.com
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| Ed and Mary |
Cycling About
http://www.cyclingabout.com
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| Kat and Alex |
The Touring Tandem
http://www.thetouringtandem.com/
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| Clayton and Katy |
She's Not Pedaling On The Back
http://shesnotpedallingontheback.com/
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| Kirsty and Marcus |
Tandem Turners
http://www.tandemturners.com/
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| Steve and Kat |
2 Londoners 1 Bike
https://2londoners1bike.com
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| Paddy and Annie |
Whale Bone On a Bike
https://whaleboneonabike.wordpress.com/
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| Will and Chloe |
