Thanks to everyone for sharing their experience riding tandems in large groups. I was thinking of installing a bell as I can imagine riding in a group of 10,000 that it might be easier than calling out umpteen times a day or more, but I know that the sound of a bell irritates some people - so I am still toying with that decision.
I have been riding the tandem with my son and daughter on the bike paths here in Vienna the past few weeks. On weekends they tend to be crowded with lots of bell ringing and stops and starts at intersections. So I have been getting some experience on a tandem in crowds and maneuvering pretty well. Yesterday was a round trip of 25 miles to and from a Little League baseball game with my 8 year old daughter. We are both starting to get comfortable with the tandem and had a nice trip.
Here was the text in the RAGBRAI material that I was making reference to in my initial post:
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Tandems on RAGBRAI
--This guide is for those of you thinking about or planning to ride a tandem bicycle on RAGBRAI. Please read the following information carefully and be prepared to observe the safety and courtesy guidelines discussed.
Why do people ride tandems?
--The most common reason people ride tandems is that it allows couples of unequal ability to ride together and stay together. For some it is the thrill of going faster. Bikers of equal ability will go faster on a tandem than on individual bikes. Many enjoy the companionship of a friend or family member.
What problems can tandems cause in large group rides?
--The most common problems is excessive speed. Compare the tandem bike to the 18-wheeler on the road. You pass it going up a hill on the interstate, but then can't get out of the way going down the hill. A second problem with tandems is maneuverability. Like the large trucks, tandems need more space to corner and stop.
How do these concerns relate to RAGBRAI?
--Tandem bicycles have become more numerous in recent years. Resentment by other riders has risen disproportionately to the actual number of tandems due to the lack of courtesy shown by some tandem riders as they speed down the highway, passing everything in sight and demanding more room on the road. It may be an awe-inspiring sight to see a tandem couple in matching outfits fly down the road, leeading 15 sleek racers in a draft line, but it is not appropriate behavior while sharing the road with bicyclists of all ages and skill levels. It not only is dangerous, but it is also extremely discourteous to other riders.
How can these problems be eliminated?
--Tandem bicycle riders need to use the same approach as over-the-road truckers. They must ride safely, be courteous at all times, and give more than enough room to the other bicycles they share the road with. These simple measures would go a long way toward improving the image of tandem riders. Owners of tandems have made a large investment in their equipment, and it's time they become more concerned with their image, as well as with the safety issues involved in group riding.
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Perhaps I was simply too sensitive to some of the "tone" used in the above text, but I couldn't help miss the "improving the image of tandem riders" as if the writer of this text felt just because two people are on a tandem they automatically fall into a rogue rider category.
BB