Following on from a touring thread on here, a week ago, on my way home from dropping EpicJnr in Leeds, I took a detour on the M62 across to Cheshire. And in doing so, for my first time, was able to meet two STW forumites, In.The.Flesh. they do exist in the real world. @nbt and @bunnyhop made me very much at home with a brew, and a couple of short laps on the tandem, first as stoker, then as captain. Not too scary (I hope).
Amazingly the tandem fitted in the back of an iX3, wheels off, and she set off for her new life in Sussex.Â
Now she's here, she has been christened The Elephant, as MrsEpic is currently less enamoured of my great idea then I am, and she has been feeling rejected in the kitchen while I remodel the shed options. But today, with her new home in the shed ready, I persuaded SWMBO onto the Stoker's seat for a short lap of the village .... we'll win MrsEpic round yet ....
(Lawn looking dodge as were trying to do no mow may, but rather unsuccessfully)
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How does it wheelie?
Mrs_oab and I decided to call it quits on any future doubles riding after a hire day on an off-road tandem.....
That right there is a thing of beauty.
Just remind MrsEpic that while on the back she gets to look around and enjoy the view while letting you do all the work. If she needs further proof, let her have a go as captain....
Whether your relationship will thrive or fail, a tandem will speed the process
My partner objected to me trackstanding the tandem with her on the back.
My partner objected to me trackstanding the tandem with her on the back.
I think she's worried I'll break wind....
I think she's worried I'll break wind....
Oh my word, I really did laugh out loud. Yes this unfortunately has been known to happen. Can't deny it's not a pleasant experience for any stoker, especially if the Capt is 6' tall and over and the stoker a little under 5' 5". :O)
Indeed our trip on the tandem had both screams of fear and fun, and a realisation that 6'1" matt_oab means that 5' mrs_oab was nose to the crack....
Indeed our trip on the tandem had both screams of fear and fun, and a realisation that 6'1" matt_oab means that 5' mrs_oab was nose to the crack....
4"10 MrsMCTD flatly refused to entertain the idea of a tandem.
Enjoy the Elephant.
We have an Orbit Pegasus Tour (700c wheels). Picture below.
We thoroughly enjoy cycling pootling around the quieter Cheshire lanes and last year we were even bold enough to go to the National Tandem Rally in Kent and the International Tandem Rally in Barchem, Netherlands and had a great time.
I really enjoy cycling (mtb, gravel, road, .. ..) whereas my wife is very much a social rider, the tandem is a great solution to these different interests, riding fitness and confidence levels.
We have also developed a good knowledge of where the better cafes are to be found 😊
