[Sportsandrec] my first ten miles

[Justin Williams]

Outstanding congradulation.  Keep it up.  
I have no practical advice for tandom use accept for ask ron.  

-----Original Message-----
From: sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:sportsandrec-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lisamaria Martinez,
NOMC
Sent: Sunday, July 12, 2009 11:40 AM
To: Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List
Subject: [Sportsandrec] my first ten miles

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
  
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