Tandem Cycling - Tandem shops in NJ/Southern NY? First Timer...

I'm looking to get our first tandem. I'm reading and lurking all I can. We've rented old Burleys on vacation which is the extent my 'test' riding. We would be a 395lb team and would be riding in Bergen County/ Southern NY State to start. Also, we're in our 50's. I am an experienced road and mtn bike rider, so I have some single knowledge and build my own bikes from the frame up, so I have wrenching abilities. But the stoker will be a casual rider, at best. Also I plan on including my 14 year old daughter, who can benefit from riding with her slight physical disabilities (balance/strength).
At this weight I'm a bit concerned about getting the right braking system. While we don't have mountains per se in this area, there are enough long downhills that we certainly hit the upper 40's on road bikes. BTW, I'm usually on the brakes b/c I'm not comfortable with anything near that.
I would rather buy up b/c I know based on my single experience, that its just a matter of time before I'll want to upgrade/improve components.
I think I'd like to go with a more upright straight bar with a 26" wheel than a 700. I could then have a good range of tires to fit the terrain and length of ride. Or?
But anyway, back to the original question........any shops in this area? I see Mt Airy in Md but that is a drive for us. Any other suggestions? We need to ride a few.
Thanks!
Bob

http://www.tandemseast.com/

I'd Contact Mel at Tandems East. He's about two hours away from you but much closer than Mt Airy. He has an excellent selection of Tandems in stock and can fit you with your needs. The only concern some folks have is that he doesn't have a retail shop per se and has non-traditional business hours. We ended up getting our Burley Rivazza at his Tandem Expo a few yeas ago. Lots of bikes to test ride and excellent service!

Tandem dealers are a bit rare!
The only one in NJ would be Tandems East (Mel and Barb) in Pittsgrove, NJ.
Great people to deal with!

We're a 400 pound team in our mid fifties, so I hear you:)

Mel at Tandem's East is the closest to you.

But of course, I'm prejudiced, and would say the trip to the Southern Tier of New York to go to Gear-To-Go Tandems is worth the drive:)

Rich: Was gonna mention you folks in Elmira (G-2-G) but poster objected to driving as 'far' as Mt. Airy and seeing that he lives in NJ, Mel and Barb are the closest dealers.