NVLong4n1

Hello,

I just purchased a Tandem this weekend off of Craigslist. I washed it and made a few adjustments and went for a ride around the neighborhood. I'm looking forward to spending time with my wife riding. I started riding last summer and have really enjoyed riding with a local group, however I felt bad leaving her at home on Saturday mornings so I've purchased this tandem and hope we can now ride together with the group. I wanted to ask for advice as to how to make this as easy as possible on her.

Any suggestions as to how to make this as much fun as possible for her?

I'm sure we would like to ride with other tandem riders but I do not know of any in my area. How could we go about finding others near Nashville, NC. East of Raleigh.

Are there any tandem rides in or around Eastern, NC?

Any other advise on riding a tandem is very much appreciated.

Nelson
Eastern, NC

zonatandem

Welcome to the world of tandems!
Back in 1975 we bought our first tandem because we wanted to ride TWOgether.
Been at it ever since and are now on tandem #5.
Still riding regularly at ages 80 and 78.
Best advice for riding on a tandem: COMMUNICATE!
Enjoy!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandemn

Paul J

Here are a few links that you might enjoy reading. Do a search on the forum and you will find a few discussion too.

https://www.thetandemlink.com/LearningCenter.html

https://www.gtgtandems.com/tech/newriders.html

https://www.gtgtandems.com/tech/propmethod.html

As zonatandem said Communication is key.

Sprout97 

You didn't mention how much your wife has ridden. If she only rides a little, I'd start slow & keep the rides short. If she's a more seasoned rider, modify the speed & distance. And be prepared to compromise on the cadence (the stoker is always right). +2 on the communication. It really CANNOT be stressed enough. I think that the Tailwinds club is out of NC. The "Where to Start" thread also has good pointers.

mymojo

I'll echo what the others have said: communication is key.

I would also add that putting her needs first will go a long way to making a tandem tons of fun. Ignore her needs / concerns and the tandem will gather dust.

I heard it said once (possibly here), and it seems to be true, "Whatever direction your relationship is headed, a tandem will get you there faster."

Ritterview

Did you purchase any type of tandem in particular?

NVLong4n1

Yes I found a Cannondale on Craigslist and got it Saturday.

NVLong4n1

My wife has not ridden at all except a test ride at the bike shop a few months ago, however she said she would give it a try this summer.

tpy2010

Avoiding beans and cabbage the day before the ride would be appreciated also!

fasthair

As they like to say around here... pictures or it didn't happen Honestly though we just like to see pictures of bikes. You and the wife enjoy the new ride!

fasthair

Clarabelle

Keep her happy and you'll be happy. Remember, the stoker makes no mistakes.

Sprout97 

Unless she misses a turn on the cue sheet while she's navigating.

WillFam-Reno

I'm pretty sure that the quote is "...the stoker in never wrong". There is a large difference between the two statements, but it never hurts to keep the mouth closed about either.
My wife stated last week that she would like to ride a tandem again. Haven't ridden the two person tandem for at least 15 years - an old 80's Gitane. I've been riding a triplet/tag-a-long with my three boys and I think she is finally wishing to ride with us. I guess we will have the boys ride single bikes with us until my oldest (11 yo) is strong enough to captain my wife or his younger brothers, before we can ride one tandem and one triplet. My wife has no interest in being in the Captain position. She loves to be able to look at the scenery while we ride.

My suggestion is to ride to a few destinations that your wife really enjoys (lunch stop, etc.) and then return for a few rides to let her mind enjoy the experience and build on good memories. If she really like the riding group, then that is fine. My wife never like riding with people she did not know well.

Communicate and have fun.

CaptainHaddock

Nelson,

You must truly work to temper your ideas / ideals, to the reality of your wife's ability and desire. That is the cold simple fact. Otherwise as has been said, your tandem dreams will do nothing but gather dust. I love my wife, and want to spend time with her, so I accept the fact that I won't be able to do the things I want to do on the tandem, to be able to do the things I want to do with her.

Once a base has been established, then you can begin to up the anti (so to speak) and explore new avenues of tandeming. I have found that as my wife becomes more comfortable with tandeming with me, that she is the one who begins to suggest new things, to expand our adventures, and even talk about new and better tandems for the future!

Slow and steady wins this race my friend, slow and steady!

mje

+1