I admit it. I'm a control freak. When Jeff & I bought a tandem, people thought we were nuts (we already spend 23.5 hours a day within 10 feet or each other, did we really need a tandem too???), but we've had alot of fun on it. The most stressful thing for me is the out-of-control feeling on descents. I love riding fast descents on my single, but on the tandem, they freak me out unless they are long and straight. Twisty and steep descents on the tandem usually have me squealing in fear. So in compromise, he brakes more than he'd like to, and I close my eyes and try to trust more.

But other than that, I've managed to get over most of my control issues on the tandem. Jeff has learned to communicate bumps, turns, etc. I've learned to ask for gear changes if I'm uncomfortable, and ask for a coast-and-stand moment if I need a butt break.

Together we've learned that we can communicate through the pedals. We've been riding long enough that subtle changes in pressure on the pedals by one or the other usually transmits a desire to work harder or slow down/cease pedaling. Those of you who have been riding together with the same person for a long time probably know what I'm trying to express here.

Mimi, I do have a suggestion for training your captain. The captain you rode with initially? Have him take your husband out for a ride, with your husband as the stoker. Ask him (without your husband's knowledge) to do the things that you dislike. ie. abruptly ceasing to pedal, not calling out bumps, making unexpected turns, etc. Your husband needs to understand how it feels to be out of control, and out of communication, before he can empathize with your concerns. After the ride, clue him in to your evil plot. After being a stoker, he will be a much better captain.

Nonetheless, Jeff & I do bicker occasionally on the tandem. This is usually Jeff's cue to make sure I'm eating enough. I tend to get grumpy (and take it out on him) when I don't manage my ride nutiition well.

Susan