This Friday I am picking up a hire tandem from a place in Auckland City, and chucking it on the bike rack (will have to take wheels off!) and I will also have my single in the boot. I am then picking up my girlfriend, and we are heading North to join her family at their holiday home. We are going to try out tandem riding over the weekend while we are away, but I am also taking the single so I can get my serious sunday mileage in. I am thinking of putting my SPD-SL pedals on the tandem (I am captaining), but I put the question to you - should I try platforms first, and should the first ride be a solo spin just to get used to the gearing and any little quirks it might have, or just get on and go. I do want to end up riding clipless by the end of the weekend, as that is how I like it.

If all goes well, we are hoping to hire a touring tandem (if we can get one) over the christmas holidays and hitting the road. All this has come up just today but we both love the idea, as during the school terms we often go for 2 weeks or more without seeing each other.

Cheers,
Brendon