The rapid increase in smart phone and GPS use has placed into the hands of millions of drivers small screened distractions that buzz, ring, and further invite drivers to lose their attention. Studies have shown that with more distractions inside the car drivers are less aware of what is going on around them (study).

Just yesterday while riding to our favorite trail-head we stopped at a traffic light and noticed 3 of the 4 drivers around us where fiddling with their smartphones. While it can be argued that they were not moving at that moment in time it can also be argued that they were not paying attention to their surroundings either. We are willing to bet that not one of those 3 motorists would have noticed if we had decided to make a change in our position on the road.

The implications of this shift in driver habits is significant towards tandem teams. Our safety, and that of all cyclists, resides in an unwritten belief that vehicle drivers are taking reasonable care and responsibility in operating their vehicles. As smaller and slower moving vehicles tandem teams are always at the mercy of drivers to, at a minimum, stay in their lane and follow basic vehicle traffic laws.

New laws outlining proper use of smart-phones while operating a vehicle are constantly being enacted.  Intended to codify proper behavior these laws only serve to force drivers to hold their phone down further in their lap to text or type on the screen. Tandem teams will in short order need to decide if their safety is worth the risk or if riding designated bike trails and routes is the only safe option available.

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During installation or the building process of a tandem frame the mechanic will apply grease between adjoining parts. Over time as a result of wear, grit, or water this grease will be removed allowing the parts to touch directly. This touching is the source of 99% of all strange noises from the tandem.

To eliminate strange noises it should be obvious that simply applying grease to the areas where it has washed away will solve the problem. Unfortunately finding that one source of missing grease can be quite trying. To help troubleshoot the potential sources we provide the following list of potential culprits in order of likeliness:

1. Noise While Pedaling
   1. Bottom Bracket
   2. Chain-rings
   3. Chain
   4. Derailleur Pulleys
   5. Pedals
   6. Shoes
   7. Seat Rails
   8. Seat Posts
   9. Handlebar or Stem
2. Noise while coasting
   1. Wheel bearings
   2. Spokes
   3. Rims (Cracked)
   4. Brake shoes (Rubbing)
   5. Bottom Bracket
   6. Pedals
   7. Shoes
   8. Seat Rails
   9. Seat Post
   10. Handlebar or Stem

The best method for identifying the source of the noise is to use the above list while the tandem is in a stationary position and listen for the noise emanating from the part. For example, place the tandem securely in a stand and pedal the cranks as you listen closely to the bottom bracket. If the noise is coming from there remove and grease the area. If the noise is not coming from there move on to the chain rings. Working your way down the list should eventually sort out the source and quiet that noise.

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Tip 1 – Pick a line

Whether the roadway has a bike lane, wide shoulder, or no shoulder at all while riding  the captain should pick and stick to a line. Vehicles approaching and passing will almost always assume that you are riding straight. By making jerky course movements or erratic turns tandem teams place themselves into danger. Riding a smooth course and making predictable corrections allows motorists to anticipate your position in a lane and adjust their course accordingly.

Tip 2 – Obey Traffic Laws

Stop signs and red lights are not suggestions… they mean stop. While the road may be clear and you may be safe the simple step of blowing through a red light or stop sign bodes ill will towards all cyclists. Should the worse happen and you are involved in an accident the law will always fall on the side of the person who broke the least amount of laws… break none and you have a better case.

Tip 3 – Say NO to headphones

Hearing is your first line of defense. On pavement cyclists are generally killed by rear-end accidents. While accidents can still occur allowing yourself to hear passing traffic can offer a split second extra reaction time. Also, by keeping hearing open you enable passing cyclists to warn you of their approach with an “On yer left”.

Tip 4 – Never Assume a Motorist has Spotted You – Eye Contact is Important

At intersections make eye contact with opposing motorists. Recognize that they probably don’t see you at all so never assume eye contact equals safety but the practice of making eye contact allows you to gauge potential risk. Do the same when approaching cross-streets… never assume a vehicle will indeed stop.

Tip 5 – Map your routes

Find roads that are less traveled or more bike friendly. When in unfamiliar territory check in with a local bike shop or email the local cycling club for route tips. Importantly also ask which roads to absolutely avoid. While planning out your routes also note any detours, short cuts, or parallel access roads. By having outs you increase your choices should bad things happen.

Riding a tandem is a fun way to experience cycling with another. These five tips can help make your experience a bit safer and your rides a little more enjoyable. Happy trails.

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With over 30 tandem teams in attendance including guest star Sherwood Gibson, of Ventana Mountain Bikes fame, the large group made a real impression on the locals. Covering a combined estimated total of over 1000 trail miles the teams enjoyed comfortable weather and tacky trails. Bent Creek Trails combines excellent singletrack and gravel road connectors to challenge the assembled teams with technical descents and aggressive climbs.

Alex brought along several demo tandems from Ventana and Fandango including some new 29′er models. Riders that test rode these new rigs dismounted them very impressed and often with a new excuse to upgrade the old ride. With Mr Gibson on hand to provide insights into the design process and technical characteristics of the various tandems available, no questions went unanswered.

Official rides kicked off Saturday morning with a group ascent up the Rice Pinnacle fire road where the teams eventually split up for various routes. Lunch was provided at the NC Arboretum in a designated room with magnificent views of the lush hills; the clean facilities were a definite contrast to the dirt and sweat covered tandem teams. After lunch rides were muted versions of earlier loops with the teams fending off fatigue to enjoy a few more miles of singletrack.

Following quick showers and lite naps the teams re-assembled for a catered backyard BBQ at the offices of Carolina Farm Credit. The friendly atmosphere and jovial mood made for a wonderful evening with newly found friends and old acquaintances alike. TandemBicycling.com used the occasion to introduce newly released tandem jerseys (see them here) by presenting them as raffle items in association with a number of excellent door prizes provided by Alex of MTBTandems.

Sunday morning opened with beautiful blue skies and comfortable temperatures. The tandem teams were treated to drier trails and excellent conditions to close out the weekend of riding. A weekend with AORTA really touched the heart, if you will excuse the pun. As we reflect back, the entire event reminisces of the early years of mountain biking; back when NORBA was independent and events were about fun. A weekend in Asheville on the Bent Creek Trails was a magical experience for all in attendance.

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Parking at the dirt lot immediately upon entering the area riders can access the loop single-track trails that traverse the heavily wooded and undulating terrain. For tandem teams these trails are the perfect combination of fun and challenge with small climbs, fast rolling descents, and meandering trails through the trees.

Trail maps are available at the parking kiosk and all trails are visibly marked. A large volume of locals utilize these trails so getting lost is a non-option.

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Passing along quiet neighborhoods the trail offers tandem teams a secluded alterantive to the heavily trafficked roads around the route.

The Pinellas Trails is another example of how a rail to trail can transform the communities around the path. A local artist commemorated the trail with railroad inspired works marking the city centers along the route.

A trail map can be found here. Parking is available at multiple locations along the route.

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There are those few die-hards out there who will wear multiple layers and tough out the cold but for the vast majority cold this severe does not illicit the need to ride. So to rub it in a little bit our editors loaded the tandem up and headed down to St Petersburg Florida to ride in the relatively warm climate along the Gulf coast.

This ride report covers a 22 mile out and back from St Petersburg proper to Fort Desoto State Park. The park located on the southernmost barrier island is connected to the mainland by a lightly trafficked causeway with well striped shoulder and bike lanes. Prevailing winds provide a strong cross-wind and occasional headwind on the way out with a slight tail-wind on the return trek.

Parking at the CVS Convenience store lot near the intersection of 54th St and I275 ride West on 54th to State Highway 679 and turn left. Follow the state highway to the end inside the park and enjoy the bike trails off the highway.

Located within the park are white sand beaches including the North Beach rated #1 in the nation, historic forts, lighthouses, and fishing piers. A real treat to visit, this ride, while not long, is a joy.

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When a tandem team throws their legs over the top tube they do it to have fun and enjoy riding. For this we are thankful to the past-time itself. Riding a two seater liberates riders from having to “be fast” or “be first”. Simply riding a tandem down the street or on the trail is cool enough for them.

Here is to the tandem teams out there who do it for the love of tandem riding. Keep those wheels turning and don’t forget why we do it… because we enjoy it.

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The route offers tandem teams a smooth and relatively safe alternative in the New Orleans area for cycling. Almost perfectly flat and bordered by heavy foliage the trail is a popular spot for local riders. With multiple access points along the route combined with multiple “trailheads” housing restrooms and town center type buildings the Tammany Trace is a welcoming option for cyclists looking for a bike route in the New Orleans area.

More information is available on the official website here.

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This bike only route travels atop of the Mississippi Levy between St Charles Parish and New Orleans. The surface is smooth pavement with lane striping and regularly intervalled exit and entrance ramps.

Riding the bike trail is a unique experience allowing tandem teams the opportunity to admire the hidden homes (both new and old) along the river while at the same time being entertained by the ship traffic along the river itself.

Nearly flat for the entire length the Bill Keller Memorial Path offers visitors to the area a peaceful alternative to city street riding.

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