Thigh Master
03-05-10, 03:19 PM
Found out today we made the lottery selection for RtR, who else is in? And this is our first time, any teams have tips from past RtRs?
Tandem Cycling - Ride the Rockies 2x2, Who is In?!
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coloroadie
03-05-10, 06:14 PM
Have done RtR 3X and did it last year on tandem to celebrate our 30th anniversary - great ride!
Here are a couple of random tandem tips:
- If it's your first RtR, be sure to train so you can ride consecutive long days with climbing, preferably at altitude. Also be sure to eat while riding so you can find out what foods agree with you.
- Before starting the tour, a new set of tires, tubes, drive chain and brake pads are good insurance. Also check your shift & brake cables and replace if suspect.
- If your tandem has any unique parts (like Sweet-16 or Rolf wheels) may want to carry/pack extra spokes/tools in case the unexpected happens. There are repair tents along the way, but they likely won't have these unique bits.
- You will be surrounded by nearly 2000 other riders - so get comfortable riding in/around groups, but be wary about drafting strangers.
- Be predictable - ALWAYS clear to rear and signal before passing. If you don't have one already, may want to get a mirror and a bell so you can keep track of what's coming/ahead and save your voice.
- Also found that if i announced "passing on your left", a surprising number of riders would swerve to the left ... when i shortened it to "passing" that didn't happen as often.
- Camping is the default accommodation, but hotels/B&Bs make a BIG difference in sleep and recovery ... if you can, splurge and stay in a hotel sometime during the tour. If you want to do this, you need to make reservations NOW.
- Be prepared to stand in lines - for food, showers, porta potties, restaurants, etc. If you depart early each day, lines at rest stops are usually much shorter.
- In Colorado, it can snow at altitude any month of the year ... afternoon thunderstorms are also not uncommon, so be prepared.
- Remember the golden rule about keeping your stoker happy ... and be sure (s)he knows you're willing to stop and take break even when there's no rest stop in sight.
Enjoy the tour! Jim
Here are a couple of random tandem tips:
- If it's your first RtR, be sure to train so you can ride consecutive long days with climbing, preferably at altitude. Also be sure to eat while riding so you can find out what foods agree with you.
- Before starting the tour, a new set of tires, tubes, drive chain and brake pads are good insurance. Also check your shift & brake cables and replace if suspect.
- If your tandem has any unique parts (like Sweet-16 or Rolf wheels) may want to carry/pack extra spokes/tools in case the unexpected happens. There are repair tents along the way, but they likely won't have these unique bits.
- You will be surrounded by nearly 2000 other riders - so get comfortable riding in/around groups, but be wary about drafting strangers.
- Be predictable - ALWAYS clear to rear and signal before passing. If you don't have one already, may want to get a mirror and a bell so you can keep track of what's coming/ahead and save your voice.
- Also found that if i announced "passing on your left", a surprising number of riders would swerve to the left ... when i shortened it to "passing" that didn't happen as often.
- Camping is the default accommodation, but hotels/B&Bs make a BIG difference in sleep and recovery ... if you can, splurge and stay in a hotel sometime during the tour. If you want to do this, you need to make reservations NOW.
- Be prepared to stand in lines - for food, showers, porta potties, restaurants, etc. If you depart early each day, lines at rest stops are usually much shorter.
- In Colorado, it can snow at altitude any month of the year ... afternoon thunderstorms are also not uncommon, so be prepared.
- Remember the golden rule about keeping your stoker happy ... and be sure (s)he knows you're willing to stop and take break even when there's no rest stop in sight.
Enjoy the tour! Jim
colotandem
03-06-10, 11:10 AM
On our "to do" list, but not this year.
I've a date with my wife and our mountain bike in the middle of August again, so we'll be on playin in the dirt mostly. Let us know if you want to get together for a road ride, we'll likely do some of the canyons (Coal Creek, Golden Gate etc.). No Courage Classic for us either... :(
Dan
I've a date with my wife and our mountain bike in the middle of August again, so we'll be on playin in the dirt mostly. Let us know if you want to get together for a road ride, we'll likely do some of the canyons (Coal Creek, Golden Gate etc.). No Courage Classic for us either... :(
Dan
gracehowler
03-07-10, 05:48 PM
We think a ride of more than ten is large, so we have no interest in this sort of ride, however, J & I live in Montrose and as fellow tandemistas, we extend a bed & shower to you both when you pass through, though Montrose is not a planned overnite, if you want to adjust
R&J
R&J
Thigh Master
03-07-10, 07:42 PM
We think a ride of more than ten is large, so we have no interest in this sort of ride, however, J & I live in Montrose and as fellow tandemistas, we extend a bed & shower to you both when you pass through, though Montrose is not a planned overnite, if you want to adjust
R&J
That is an incredibly generous offer. Thank you.
R&J
That is an incredibly generous offer. Thank you.