[Sportsandrec] my first ten miles

[Lisamaria Martinez, NOMC]

Hello,

As some of you on this list know, my husband and I just purchased a super cool tandem bike. Our lovely red and black Da Vinci was delivered while I was at convention. So, last Friday evening, my husband (Joe), and I, went to the tandem bike shop to get fitted. We arrived at 7:15 PM and did not leave until 11:45 PM.

We browsed around for some new bike clothes, including some very comfy bike shorts. And, then we purchased all the necessary tools needed to fix our bike if we get stranded with a flat in the middle of no where. Best of all, we got fitted for our bike. The bike owner put our bike up on rollers and Joe and I got to pedal for 20 minutes in order to adjust our seat, handles, etc. It was fantastic. By the end of the four and a half hours I was totally exhausted.

Yesterday, Saturday, we went on our first ride. We are super fortunate to live near the Alameda Creek Trail. I am told that this trail goes around the entire Bay Area. We biked over to the trail and did an easy ten mile ride. So, after riding, I have a few questions for those tandem experts on this list.

When going around a pretty hefty curve, I've read you lean a certain way. You think after all Ron has written on this list, I'd know, but it never really applied until now. Do you lean into the curve?

Also, any pedaling tips for people with bad knees? I've got a bum knee and the last 3 miles were getting kind of tough on my knees. Any stretching before and after to help eliminate the strain?

Also, how about hand position? I've got a bum shoulder and keep changing my hand position to alliviate the ache I get in my clavical and shoulder. Should I keep my hands a certain way? 

Also, as a stoker, what should I say or do when the captan is shifting gears without really knowing what gear is best? I have to admit that my husband is newer to bike riding than I am, but I also never shifted a gear in my life. He keeps shifting the gears all around and it totally sucks for me in the back. I'm thinking I need to learn how to clip in soon because my feet go all wild on me when he shifts gears sometimes. But then, he doesn't always hold the bike steady, so I am afraid of clipping in and risking an ankle injury or something.

On a tandem, when is a good time to use the front derailer versus the rear derailer?

Also, how do you tandem enthusiasts clean your bikes?

I think those are all the questions for now.

Thanks to anyone who responds.

Peace out,
LM