It's clear that tandems demand a different riding style than riding solo. There a lots of posts here describing the differences.

But now that we've got quite a few rides and several hundred tandem miles under our belts, we're seeing patterns that highlight the different approaches tandeming brings to biking. Not just riding style, but altogether different approaches to biking.

For background purposes, I've got tens of thousands of miles of biking background -- some 20,000+ miles commuting alone, lots of centuries, etc. My super domestique stoker is no rookie herself but is not exactly in the 1000 mile club.

I think the most surprising aspect of this new way to bike has been the new things I've seen and done now that the Missus is in tow. Where for years I've followed the same routes to the same places, hammering all the way, I'm finding now that I'm going to different places, trying different things and immensely enjoying the new experiences as a result. Today we started on my normal loop but ended up on a alternate path and discovered an entirely new area to explore and, best yet, stumbled upon a really cool restaurant that will serve as an awesome ride-ending joint.

Each ride has been much the same. Every single one so far. It's been an invigorating experience. Sure I miss some of the mountain goat climbs but I can do that on my own time. Better still has been the refreshingly new approach tandeming has brought to my cycling enjoyment.

Andy

I found the same thing with riding with my daughter in tow on the trailer. Being forced to take breaks to keep her happy, as well as extra consideration for the stress of riding in traffic has made me plan my routes entirely differently.

Riding with my wife on the tandem (most often with our daughter in the trailer) has been a lot of fun. Very different pace. Instead of riding with a destination/goal in mind, I find more often that we head out the door to 'ride' and make up our route/plan as we go along.

I think the most surprising aspect of this new way to bike has been the new things I've seen and done now that the Missus is in tow.

I found the same thing with riding with my daughter in tow on the trailer.

I've ridden with more than half a dozen stokers, but never towed one before. ;)

Back when we had the Piccolo trailer cycle, my lead bike's chain broke, so my daughter pedaled the whole rig to the bike shop. Is it still called towing when the stoker is pushing the captain?? If so, then my stoker once towed me. :)


-Greg

Yeah, I better watch this "tow" thing. It'll get me in trouble.

Andy