Tandem Cycling - Dropped my Stoker again...

I did it once on the Fuji, now again on the new Trek. We were riding the local rail-trail, and the designer (not a cyclist) designed these stupid gates. Very hard to get around with the tandem and trailer. The winter had washed some of the gravel away from the shoulder, so as the front tire slipped off the trail (I was talking and should have known better). Anyway, down she went. A sore rear and guilty husband and I think we are ok. The trailer was fine. I don't mind the rail trail, but those gates are the worse designed things I've ever seen. They make you swing out wide and then cut right back on the trail. Sorry to vent, I think we'll stick to the country roads.

John

Ride offroad as a stoker and I have more sense than to stay on the tandem at gates- I jump off before the gate and open it, let the Tandem get clear then close the gate and remount. Then if the Bike falls- it definitely is the pilots fault.

It will probably make you a better rider. You can never forget the times you drop your passengers (goes for motorcycles too). I am reminded everytime I look in the face of one in my family. It is barely noticeable but it stings like the tell tale heart to me :(. It sounds like you will keep riding and be a stronger team for the experience.

Thanks, it was sort of in slow motion, so no real harm done. I just need to be more careful. My wife is a trooper.

John

Feel for you (and HER). See http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=181066