Tandem Cycling - Tennessee Tandem Rally 2009 (TTR)

This year's Tennessee Tandem Rally was a great time. Four years ago, this was our first tandem rally. It was great to see our "old" friends and make new ones. It was misty / rainy for the first day ride causing many to at least delay their start. A couple of teams went off at 9:00. At 9:30 we went off with two other couples while it was still rainy to ride the wonderful Metcalf Bottoms which is still one of the most fun and beautiful rides. The reward for climbing is a 9 mile gradual descent along a winding stream. This was the first time we had done it in the rain but it was still great and we were riding with two teams who had not done it before. The couple from Maine thought it was plenty warm (at 60 degrees and rainy). The captain didn't wear a jacket at all and the stoker didn't wear hers for long but we had ours on.

The second and third days brought sun and the mood was festive. All in all it was three great days of riding and fellowship. Attached are a few photos.

Bloomington, IN

We also set out for Mecalf Bottoms at 9:30. I am sure glad we packed some rain gear! The ride from Metcalf to Townsend was cooooooold & wet. A great weekend!

:D OMG! You don't have a drum or disc brake on your tandem. How could you have descending without your rims melting down or tires exploding?

Seriously, it looks like you had some great scenery and companionship.

I only pick on the brakes since a buddy of mine insists that he needs to have disc brakes in Florida.

I am sure it was the rain cooling the rims that kept us from immanent disaster, otherwise we would be typing this from the hospital bed. The scenery was beautiful even in the fog.

I agree this year's TTR was a blast. The Thursday Challenge Ride was excellent up the Cherohala Skyway and a must-ride next time in the area. Nothing like a hilly century to warm up the legs for three days of spirited riding! Metcalf Bottoms and Cades Cove on Friday were fun too despite a little drizzle and we finally got to see bears in the woods, two different sets, as well as lots of wild turkeys and Bambis.

With all that riding, we had to stay focused and "eat till it hurts", easily accomodated with the dessert cakes, breakfasts and group dinner. My only regret was not cajoling Tom Cross into joining me for a sprint up to the Top of the World Saturday afternoon when we were right at the base. I bet Brenda LeBlanc would have jumped at the opportunity! (instead she opted for a spin class!)

TTR was our first multi-day ride. We have only had our tandem since February. It was a long drive from TX but we had an absolutely great time. Here are a few pictures.

We were the first team out at a little after 9AM in full rain kit, but BloomingC and company caught us pretty quick. We did the School House gap and the shorter rides each day.

Mrs. M. says this is her Diane Keaton picture...funny looking costume.



Here was one of my favorite pictures from day 2. Long route riders coming up the hill while we were enjoying the view.



Another view of day 2 riders.



Day 3 - Team Turtle saw this view a lot.



We had fun and we'll be back.