From a new stoker pov, it was a very interesting experience to do a century with a new tandem owner who had lost his stoker after the first 350mi. We had done a trial 48mi ride a few weeks before when this relatively flat ad hoc century popped up 3weeks ago. I find DF bikes wearing on the neck after 50-60mi
and my Rotator Pursuit bent is supremely comfortable but a little slow up hills, (not as slow as a tandem
though) so I mix and match according to the ride. My impression after the century was positive with the main problem being the seat. You can't shift around at will so some coordination is needed with the captain and standing is still a potential adventure, but a 100yds standing goes a long way toward easing the crotch burning. Because the stoker position on the tandem is more upright, there has been zero neck
problem. Another 'benefit' is we go 2-4mph faster than we can on singles, as long as the hills are not such as to give a 20+sec advantage to the singlets, and we just barely missed 20mph moving average on the century, a time I haven't seen on singlets since '00. We are still scoping out courtesies, one of which is how to deal with an excited phone call from the captain two days ago suggesting we do a
double century this coming Sat as part of the RAAM qualifier (qualifiers have to do 500!! miles over 60+
hour weekend. The 200miler is a sop for the less dedicated and has 10-12kft of climbing. Randonneuring stuff. [There is NO way!] But I am looking forward to a rolling century in 2.5weeks, got to find a decent saddle... and a cyclometer. The team weighs about #375 with clothes and supplies. If we keep this
up I may sound out the captain about a Comotion speedster, or better.