There are pros and cons to owning a tandem
in London. First the pros; everyone loves a tandem. It beats dogs and babies as
a conversation starter. Lots of people point and shout ‘TANDEM’ like they’ve
just seen a unicorn. Old people especially love it. I think in the old days
tandems were everywhere so it makes them feel nostalgic. This one old man once
stopped us and said "I have a story about a tandem....I was with these two
Polish girls in 1943 and....." DUDE, that's a threesome, not a tandem.
The cons; you have to lie to potential
housemates. No matter how bike friendly a house is, a big shut up tandem takes
a whole new level of tolerance and corridor obstacle course skills.
1982 World Track
Championships
I watch this video from the year I was born
A LOT. I'm beyond impressed with the track stand at the start from the Czech
tandem. Check out how the Brits manage to control the bike even after the front
spokes have been ripped out.
The announcer says; "Man behind provides the power. The
rider at the front provides the skill and expertise and guides the tandem
around. It really takes a courageous man to sit at the back in a tandem
sprint."
I've been in both seats on my tandem and agree that it can be
pretty scary at the back. It takes a while to get used to the fact that you
have no control and I still try and reach for brakes sometimes. Also your view
is limited which can be a good thing sometimes, depending on your pilot.
When my friends and I go on long group rides, we usually appoint
whoever is on the back of the tandem to be head of communications. Their hands
are free to answer phones, take pictures, and they are able to look around
and see how everyone is doing or if anyone is missing.
Just before we nailed Ditchling Beacon |
I've been on the front with someone stronger than me on the back
and that is really scary. I can only compare it to the part in action films
when the bad guy puts their foot down on the accelerator while the hostage
steers.
Anyway, I better get back to practicing my
tandem track stands. I'll let you know how that works out for me.
Riding a tandem can indeed be most challenging, but oh how fun it is when you do! Especially when you're riding with someone you trust your life with. Ha ha. I loved your analogy though on when the stronger cyclist is at the back!
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