Originally Posted by
Thalia
My nine-year-old and I rented a tandem bike and rode the Santa Monica beach path on Saturday. OMG, is that fun! Once we figured out how to start and stop and she got into the rhythm of peddling, it was nearly effortless for both of us. We went 7.5 miles and wanted to keep going, and at home she can barely make 2.5, verrrry slow, miles.
Is tandem riding generally easier than riding solo, because you have two people pushing one bike? Of is it just that at home we're always going either up grades or down, and the beach path is mostly pretty flat?
Either way, we will definitely rent another tandem -- that is a blast!
Warning: the first taste is free, then you're hooked!
The answer to both of your questions is "yes": Tandems are a great equalizer and will allow you both to explore farther, and sometimes faster. Hills will always be a challenge and more so on a tandem. No worries! Just begin your tandem experience with the easy stuff, let the addiction build your motivation and the practice build your skills, then add in a few hills, longer rides and enjoy where the tandem takes you!