We decided to do a mini-tour while visiting family in the Netherlands. From time to time there are exuberant comments on here from tandem riders. We had never ridden a tandem before, but the flat high quality infra around here seemed like the perfect opportunity to give it a go, so we planned a route and rented a bike.
The first three times we tried to get going we fell. But, after the fourth we figured it out and had a blast! We are unequal riders (in terms of fitness etc.) and the tandem meant that (1) our power was additive no matter how we were feeling in the moment and (2) we didn't have to think about where the other one was because we were always together, which was great!
I don't think I would want to take this particular three speed (Sturmey-Archer) tandem equipped with roller brakes (so Dutch) on a longer tour outside of the Netherlands. However, it did handle the very narrow unpaved dyke path with busy oncoming traffic very well. And, I can imaging that with a few small upgrades a tandem could handle a more intense ride without a problem.
I don't think we're going to sell our bikes and get a tandem quite yet. Being able to take the train is essential for us! But it was definitely a positive experience and a lot easier and more fun than I expected.
by redjives
2 Comments
It was years before my wife and I could canoe together without contemplating divorce. I don’t think we’ll ever achieve this level of trust and communication.
Well done!
It was years before my wife and I could canoe together without contemplating divorce. I don’t think we’ll ever achieve this level of trust and communication.
Well done!