Tandems.co.uk

You may have read my message a short while ago seeking advice on the merits of the Dawes Galaxy Twin v the Orbit Pegasus.  Well My Kate (my wife) and I furthered our research and visited JD last week (what a helpful outfit, nothing seems to be too much trouble) and having test ridden two Orbits we ordered a Landescape Tour!. 

The Landescape was much more stable and comfortable than either of the Orbit tandems.  Perhaps the frame geometry is slighlty different, but whatever it was, we noticed an immense difference as we returned the Pegasus and took the Landescape straight out.  We are now hoping for an early collection date in order that we can take advantage of what seems to be an Indian summer - long may it last!.

Incidentally, as we test rode along the road to Bolton Abbey, we came upon two chaps jogging.  My wife struck up a conversation and it transpired that the men were training for the Great North Run (an event which starts only a few miles from our home and which Kate is taking part in).  As I was working hard pedalling up an incline, and the two runners were obviously working hard as they ran alongside, it occurred to me that my wife seemed able to easily continue the conversation whilst the rest of us were understanably short of breath.  Now this makes me wonder if stoking is the easier option - or have I got a stoker who isn’t quite applying equal effort.  I will be watching out for this!!

By the way, we didn’t see any of those “ba’tats” in Ilkley although as we cycled through t’ town centre an old chap did sing “Daisy, Daisy” to us.  I would have thought that the folk of Ilkley would have been quite accustomed to tandems passing by

I have noticed that the lady riders in our club, have this amazing ability to ride up the hills around here and still be able to natter without pause for breath.
While us poor blokes are just gasping for air, and cannot even manage a reply.
However my stoker doesn’t seem to have that ability, She sounds like a steam train behind me, shes either working very hard or a good actress.
I hope its the former.

Let me tell you being stoker is not an easy option.  I find that other cyclists often assume that riding tandem is an easy option like you’re not really cycling you just sit there taking it easy, which is not the case and Pedlar you know it! 

Wow stokes that was a bit aggresive, you know my views on this subject.
Without the full effort that I know and feel you put in we wouldn’t get anywhere.
Without your effort we wouldn’t be the winning team we are!

I thank you! 

No, thank you, it is a team effort, those solo riders don’t know what they are missing!
I do. Happiness is riding a tandem fast and for a long way. With you in the engine room.