Can't ride for a while

[Litespeed]

My husband has developed a back problem which is keeping him off his bike (and the tandem) for who knows how long. At this point it looks like he may not be able to ride for at least a couple of months. Of course now I'm without a Captain and really miss not riding our tandem. I still have my single to ride, but don't put in the amount of miles we did on the tandem. I'm just worried that by the time we do get back on the tandem, I will end up being scared again, like when we first started riding. It has taken me a long time to build up my confidence on the tandem. We have only been riding it a little over a year. Are my worries unfounded?

[TandemGeek]

Are my worries unfounded?

What's that they say? You never forget how to ride a bicycle?

Obviously, each person is different but, in general, I would think that you would be able to get back "in your groove" by the end of the first ride.

If you're really worried about it, is there any chance you could "guest stoke" for another captain to help keep your skills sharp?

[galen_52657]

I think you will be fine. If you keep riding your single while your captain recovers, you may end up asking him if he is peddaling upon his return...

Also, would it be possible to adjust the captain's possition so that he could ride a bit while recovering? maybe install some flat bars?

[SDS]

Yup, that's my advice. You might remember I suggested trying another captain back in the beginning. Well, now is your chance to see how somebody else does it and bring a broader range of experiences back to your husband. Nothing wrong with objective, experience-based, constructive criticism (not criticism! just better ideas on how to do it!). Get some stoker rides with other captains. Safe ones, mind you--if they don't have a stoker who will say they are safe, that's the wrong captain.

You've got a hunk of money buried in that Co-Motion, but that may not be the last tandem you ever own. The other thing that can happen now is that you can try some other tandems and look for features you like, and if you get to the point where you want a new tandem, you will be better prepared to ask for the features you will know you want.

If everything works out just right, tomorrow I might get to introduce a couple to the joys of tandeming. She's stoked for me, and he's ridden a single, and tomorrow they might be out together. This is going to be so cool......

[zonatandem]

Hey, think positive!
All will be well soon.
Ride your single or get to ride with another captain. You'll not loose your skills.
We have all dealt with health issues from major to minor to broken bones
Good luck!

[stapfam]

Hey, think positive!
All will be well soon.
Ride your single or get to ride with another captain. You'll not loose your skills.
We have all dealt with health issues from major to minor to broken bones
Good luck!

Why ride with another Captain? Providing you can ride up front, why not get another stoker so you can have the fun job for a while.

Just realised that litespeed only started a year ago, and if I do remember correctly, You were worried about riding the Tandem. Glad to see that you are still riding, but treat this as the next stage in your Tandem riding, and Find out what all the fuss is in the other seat. I was going to suggest a new tandem rider for you, but see if you can get an experienced Rider to go with you, even if that person normally rides a solo