Tandem Cycling - Sebring, FL tandem rally

We are thinking of going to the Sebring, FL tandem rally in January. Has anyone ever been to this event? We have never been to a tandem rally and we are wondering what it will be like. Is it just a couple organized rides, or are there vendors, demos, etc? My wife and I are 30 years old, will we be the grandchildren of the event? I am interested in seeing everyone else's bikes, tandems seem to be few and far between here in Southwest Florida.

In the event you don't receive any first hand accounts, here is a link to a report posted to the Hobbes list following last year's event by a Sebring regular: http://search.bikelist.org/getmsg.asp?Filename=tandem.10501.0358.eml

Sebring is one of the smaller rallies and, to the best of my knowledge, doesn't usually have much in the way of vendor displays, etc. Although, as you'll read in Gary's write-up, Bill McCready from Santana made an appearance at last year's event. If the drive wasn't so long, we'd most likely give it a go as we have several tandem friends in Florida who do attend.

We are also looking forward to our first tandem event there. I've been a one seater club rider for about six years until the spousal unit decided to give it a try on a two seater since March. We would also be interested to hear more about this event and others planned for '06.

You'll find all of the information concerning last year's rally is at the Active.com Website:
http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1173620

While they say the banquet is limited to the first 200, I'm not sure they've ever had more than 65 teams in attendance, a few less in more recent years.

As for other tandem rallies, I try to keep my calendar up to date as rally information becomes available: http://www.thetandemlink.com/RallyInfo.html

Looks like I can make a few updates...

We did the Sebring Tandem Rally in 1999; held at the Kenilworth Lodge.
A small, but fun rally in the center of Florida. Sun, sand and fun and at a reasonable cost.
However, living in Arizona, we are used to sun, sand and fun . . . it just was a different place to do a winter event and visit with some friends while in Florida.
It would be a real good first tandem rally; you would not be intimidated by 500+ tandem couples like at some of the larger events. You really get to know some of the folks during that weekend.
As a matter of fact, we stood up for a couple who were renewing their vows for their 25th wedding anniversary at the rally.
We recommend the event!

Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem

Hi from Mark and Melody: We have been to the Sebring tandem ralley and would recommend it to any one. You need to reach kenilworthlodge.com The person in charge of the event is Linda Leeds. Have fun and maybe we will see you their. M&M