Team Up with Your Partner!

Two heads are better than one, and two riders on two wheels make for double the fun. Tandem Riding will add another dimension to your bike rides. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart. You go a lot faster, two of you pedaling one bike adds tremendous power. It’s also harder to control all that momentum on sharp turns and quick stops.  

Teamwork defines tandem riding. As you ride you learn about your partner in new and different ways. After awhile you can anticipate her wants by understanding subtle signals coming through the structure of the bike. It’s one of our favorite ways of seeing the countryside, and it makes an elegant way to slow down, and take advantage of some of our local beauty. 

In the beginning you need a very explicit set of instructions. We always mount on the right. We always dismount on the right. The captain mounts first, and the stoker mounts next. The captain steadies until the stoker says, “ready.” Double tap from the stoker means a car coming from behind. The best part is you get to make up your own rules. 

Tandem ridings makes for great couples therapy. You are tied together and you have to work with each other to go forward. It levels the playing field between strong and weak riders, and the natual competition in all of us gets equalized. Riding tandem is not as difficult as couples canoeing, or ballroom dancing, but it’s challenging in other ways. For example at fast speeds it’s hard for the captain to talk loud enough for the stoker to hear. You are both facing forward so it’s the stoker who gets to talk more. The captian uses more hand signals that have been worked out beforehand. Like most complicated skills, practice is required, and focused practice is a good discipline for couples learning anything. 

A bicycle built for two is a great way to see our world. Our beautiful countryside literally pops as you glide by, smiling and pointing out some of the more beautiful sights. On our hills you get to slow down, talk, work together, and encourage each other. On the flats you can easily pass most other riders, even the brightly colored roadies with their spandex and skinny tires. You also become part of the scenery. People are not used to seeing tandems, so you get asked lots of questions when you stop. 

A good place to practice your skills is on one of the four trails in our area. The Perkiomen Trail is a classic. Wide, flat, and easy it’s a premier place for a great ride.  We like to get on at Green Lane and ride to Oaks. We also like the Pottstown trail. We can ride to Reading for a good workout. In East Vincent, the new Schulykill River Trail from The Parker Ford Tavern to Cromby Station and back is an easy 12 miler. Finally, take the Valley Forge Trail from Valley Forge to Conchohocken for breakfast some time. It’s a terrific way to get energized on these chilly mornings - and so many good places to have a great breakfast! 

If you’d like to try tandem riding, head off to Bikesport in Trappe, They have some floor models that you can try. Ask if it’s possible to rent one for a ride on the Perkiomen Trail. Ginny, the owner, is one of the most personable people we’ve ever met. Her local knowledge about bikes and places to ride is legendary! The staff is one of the best in the business.  

Give tandem riding a try. You, like us, may find that it’s a great way to ride and stay connected.