attention stokers: question here

[SadieKate]

SadieKate "so I take it, Mimi and Pam, that you don't want to hear about the time we went airborne at 62 mph over a steel decked bridge?"

:::Surfs over, sits in front of the fire "oh auntie SK tell us about the time you and DH flew! And are we're still waiting for the tale of AV jersey sale to total stranger?? Or did I miss that? ahem"::::

Sheesh, you nag a lot.

Years ago, in our really dumb and dumber days, we rode the Napa Century (or something in that area). The course came down a straight long hill so we went the same speed as traffic (and other reasons which have been lost to history). Anyway, at the bottom was a stop sign and that steel decked draw bridge (is it still there). Anyway, no way were we going to be able to stop at the sign and then there was a small lip onto the steel deck. At that speed, it was flight. We were very stable as no one panicked. We just pretended we were on our mountain bikes.

Yep, mimi is right. Speed can be your friend but that is true on a single bike also.

The jersey story. Eh, I'm taking the 5th or drinking one, whichever is necessary. It was Kim's fault. She was the Chief Exective Decider that day. Those at the top must take all the risk and responsibility (don't go there, Trek, I can see the gears at work already.)

[Trek420]

I like to think of it as reminding bu thanks for reminding me ;-)

Years ago I think it was on the Lost Coast Century a tandem past me up a hill with a woman captain and her male stoker. He was an above-the-knee amputee.

So he's doing one-leg-drills with this massively muscled leg, she's captain. If your lurking here, hi!

I thought it was a wonderful way for them both to enjoy cycling 8-)

For those wondering if a tandem will make or break your relationship, Santana Tandems has a test:

http://www.santanatandem.com/tandemtest.html

[DebW]

Sheesh, you nag a lot.

Years ago, in our really dumb and dumber days, we rode the Napa Century (or something in that area). The course came down a straight long hill so we went the same speed as traffic (and other reasons which have been lost to history). Anyway, at the bottom was a stop sign and that steel decked draw bridge (is it still there). Anyway, no way were we going to be able to stop at the sign and then there was a small lip onto the steel deck. At that speed, it was flight. We were very stable as no one panicked. We just pretended we were on our mountain bikes.

Was the drawbridge up or down? Are we picturing a little hop back onto the bridge or sailing over open water and taking a bath clipped to your bike?

[SadieKate]

Since we survived you can assume the "little hop." But at 62 mph, we were airborne for several feet, probably the length of the tandem.

[bikerz]

I would like to know what you guys said when you landed!

[mimitabby]

at least in a situation like this one, the stoker has time to "collect" herself.

[SadieKate]

I did? When? I did not know that bridge and the lip were there. At 62 mph I have my head tucked against his back and am "listening" to the feel of his body weight. I try to shut out other input so I don't risk leaning the wrong way.

[mimitabby]

I did? When? I did not know that bridge and the lip were there. At 62 mph I have my head tucked against his back and am "listening" to the feel of his body weight. I try to shut out other input so I don't risk leaning the wrong way.

oh! well at least i did the right thing when WE were going 49mph.. i did exactly that. tried to make myself small and not move right behind him.

[SadieKate]

I would like to know what you guys said when you landed!

Who knows? Just pleased to report the shorts stayed clean.