Sticker shock!!!
Whoa Mark! Didn't realize we had that much of an investment to keep our good health!
On the positive side, instead of a Hummer, ski-boat, snowmobile, ATV or hang glider we have 'invested' in the tandem lifestyle many years ago. This lifestyle has gotten us better health, travel, loads of new friends and lots of healthy exercise!
Factoring in the cost of a possible a heart-bypass, overweight/diet problems, etc. our lifestyle is not that expensive and has kept us in pretty decent shape. Now at ages 71/69 we have cut back a bit; we only ride 5 days a week and no longer cover 10,000 miles a year on our 2-seater. But what the heck, at age 60 Rudy was tested at the Univ. of Az and after a 15 minute stress/treadmill test had a max heart rate of 183; 15 minutes later, a relaxed pulse of 54.
Kay suffered a major health setback 2 years ago, but 10 days after major surgery was back on the tandem. Doctors were 'amazed.' These are some of the hidden benefits of a healtheir lifestyle. And yes, our tandeming helped us achieve that.
Acquiring all the 'essentials' for tandeming is generally done over a period of time and there is no immediate huge ca$h layout, except for the bike.
While this lifestyle is not for everybody, it has suited and benefited us.
Our tandem has been an investment in our good health.
As you proclaim: cost is relative!
Pedal on TWOgether!
Rudy and Kay/Zona tandem