Lazy Daisy

This past Saturday I had kind of a virtual reality experience of high quality cycling.  I got a Camelback's-eye-view of what it's like to ride a bike like Ace. 

I got to know what it feels like to pass ordinary cyclists like they're standing still. 

I got to see under what circumstances he brakes, when he shifts, when he coasts. 

I got to feel the wind in my hair rather than the flies buzzing around my face. 

I even got to experience taking both hands off the handlebars! 

How were all these vicarious thrills possible?

I haven't been on a tandem since I was about eight years old, when my family used to stay with my parents' friends, who had five kids and two tandems.  I have a vague recollection of being terrified as I clung to the back seat while some teenager in front went really fast and made the pedals smack my feet.   

This was entirely different and totally fun!  A little nervous-making, because we put different feet down at stops (I deferred, at least in part because I couldn't reach the ground anyway).  And there was frequent challenging of, "Hey, are you even trying back there?" and muffled laughter when I thought I was putting in a champion effort.

Nevertheless, Ace swears he got a solid workout in, and I...well, I enjoyed the view. 

  If you'd like to try this yourself, the Campus Bike Shop at Stanford has two tandems for rent.

Comments

[Kelli]

Can I rent an Ace too? That looks like so much fun!

[Beth C]

Great photos! You look like you are (both) having fun. :)

[tasterspoon]

Tell me about it, Kelli. The Ace component was pretty crucial to the enjoyment. Your comment inspired a conversation last night about how much I would rent him out for. Now I know how Woody Harrelson felt in Indecent Proposal.

Hey Mrs. C! Toying with the idea of a race up at Folsom this weekend, so we'll be thinking of you as we drive past.

[Beth C]

I would offer to serve as race support team, but I will be out of town. :( Next time?