1. deliberate exertion of physical or mental power 2. a strenuous attempt 3. something done by exertion; achievement 4. the amount of exertion necessary to achieve a specified aim 5. the force or energy that is applied to a machine for the accomplishment of useful work

The effort of any stoker is the key to any tandem couple. It is the stoker that gives the last effort and the extra exertion climbing that last fateful hill on your return ride. If you go out for your tandem ride and you discover you forced your stoker to make the trip you might just find out that added ‘umpf’ just isn’t there (mental effort). The stoker is the main engine when it comes to the ‘varoom’ in the kick and the accomplishment that the 40-mile ride has now just turned into 82 miles with the added help and effort of the stoker. But then the stoker never goes out on a ride unless the TailWind is to their back. (02/04)

Fash.ion.able (fash’e ne bel), adj

1 prevailing custom or style of dress, etiquette 2 conventional usage in dress, manners, 3 fashionable people collectively 4 the make or form of anything 5 observant of or conforming to the fashion

I think each one of us can say we are all in fashion when we are out riding our tandem. We all have our individual style of clothing. The jersey colors are dynamically displayed in the rallies that you attend. You come out in your club colors and the vivid display of colors in a group is breathtaking. We wear your colors proud from red/white/blue, orange/yellow, grey/black, hot flamingo pink to shades of green. If you attend a large rally of more than 200 teams the sea of color goes for blocks once the rally begins. Many of you have more than one matching jersey as a team. Coordinate the matching jersey with your helmet, gloves and right down to the bike socks makes an impressive Tandem Team. Fashionable and in style on the road where the TailWind is your final accessory. (03/04)

Ge.o.graph.i.cal (jē΄ e graf΄i kel), adj.

1. pertaining to geography 2. pertaining to the natural features, population, industries 3. a real differentiation of the earth’s surface, character, arrangement, and interrelations over the world of element as climate, elevation, soil, vegetation, land use 4. topographical features of a region

One of the things I like best about tandem riding is there is always somewhere you can ride together. You pick the spot and you head for it. A lot of our riding is done through other outlets ~rallies, club rides, friends wanting us to join them on their stomping grounds, out of state rides, adventure rides, overnight weekend rides...the list goes on. So we are never given to the same old ride over and over which makes tandem riding so much more fun. Even with your children in tow you can always go somewhere to ride and make it enjoyable for all. Depending on the time of day you decide to ride it can be cool, hot or just right for riding. There could be rolling hills or just plain flat terrain. You might hit a day with a little rain or full sun. The roads might be smooth, bumpy, traffic laden or quiet. But try something new geographical once in a while so it makes it interesting for you (captain) and your stoker and your little ones. And always, take the TailWind with you. (04/04)

Half-truth (haf΄ trōōth΄), n., pl. – truths

1. a statement that is only partly true 2. one intended to deceive, evade blame, or the like

One of our members once said, “have you ever met a biker that told the truth”. Since you mentioned it, no. You’ve all been there. You are at a group tandem ride and your friends say they haven’t been on the bike for weeks maybe a good month. That they have been couch potatoes enjoying the beer, the bags of chips, candy bars and importantly the remote control. Why is it every time you come to a big hill they pass you like you are sitting still? Or the long stretch of flat road they pull endlessly wearing you out as you are breathing hard trying to hang on to their wheel. Or you go 20 miles and want to stop and they are still feeling frisky and mention they will stop at mile marker 48. So don’t believe a word (half-truth) of what your tandem friends say when it comes to their training secrets that they fail to tell you about. No doubt they had the TailWind with them on their entire secret training rides. (05/04)

Im.mac.u.late (i mak΄ue lit), adj.

1. free from spot or stain; spotless clean 2. free from moral blemish or impurity; pure; undefiled 3. free from fault or flaw; free from errors 4. having no spots or colored marks

It’s one of those evenings where the captain takes two hours to clean up your tandem and it takes two minutes to get it dirty the next day on your ride through the rain. It happens all the time. Or you are heading out for the weekend with the tandem on your bike carrier and you hit the worst thunderstorms possible – the chains are now getting rusty, hard telling how much water you have in places that water isn’t suppose to go. One of the interesting things I see happen is when you have these thunderstorms and while the pavement is still wet you run over the poor earthworms trying to find cover. Of course, the earthworms get crusted under the bike frame (hard to get off dried worms two days later). I even had one that flew up onto my helmet dangling there for two hours. My friends never once mentioned it was there...bugger friends. So when you get your new bike and you baby it for the first six months keeping it immaculate and spotless, just remember eventually the procedure gets old trying to keep it clean. So leave the rain behind and take the TailWind with you instead. (06/04)

Jus.ti.fi.ca.tion (jus΄ te fe kā΄ shen), n.

1. a reason, fact, circumstance, or explanation that justifies or defends 2. the act or an instance of justifying 3. the state of being justified

“But honey, we really do need a new bike. The one we have is heavy, outdated and the paint is chipping”. In reality what I heard was “Honey, our friends each got a new bike this year and we are still riding the same old 1950s model. We keep getting dropped and laughed at I can see them all snickering behind our back because we are always the last in the pace line”.”  So is it about speed? Is it about the color of your bike? Could it be the thing does weigh a ton and getting a lighter bike will make you go faster? Or is it really the motor that runs the bike? Justification - you be the judge...I want a new bike! With the TailWind in my corner anything is possible. (07/04)

Kick-butt (kik but), v.t., n

1. to strike with a motion of the foot 2. to propel or force by or as by striking in such manner 3. to strike in recoiling, as a gun 4. to wallop, to attack unsuspected

Riding on your own with you (captain ) and your stoker there really isn’t any reason to kick-butt because you only have yourself to wallop on your ride. But when you get another tandem riding with you, that’s a total different story. It’s no longer a ride, it’s a RACE!

You all try to outsmart the next person by kicking-butt and seeing who is faster than the other. It’s a psychological game they all play with each other. The intention of most rides are to go out and have fun...this is our cool down ride today so we are all going slow. You hear it over and over again....cool down ride, suppose to be leisure. Ya right!

An innocent ride quickly turns into “hang on for your dear life” ride. It of course is all in fun among your friends when they kick-butt with the TailWind. (08/04)

li.ght.ning (līt΄ ning), n., v.

1. a luminous, electric discharge in the atmosphere caused by the electric-charge separation produced in cumulonimbus, or thunderstorm, clouds 2. to emit a flash or flashes of lightning 3. of, pertaining to, or resembling lightning, esp. in regard to speed of movement

One of the places you do not want to be while it’s lightning is on your tandem. I recall a ride we did from our house for a quick after work ride. On our return about three miles from the house the flashing started, clouds got black in a hurry and we were biking for our life. We had to head right into the storm to get home and the flashes were within housetops from us coming down every minute or so it seemed. A half a block from our house the sky opened up. We pulled into the garage just in time but it sure was a run those last few miles I would not want to do again. Not only is lightning dangerous as we all know, but the consequence of even a lightning bolt hitting a tree while riding under it could be deadly.

Stay safe on the road with the TailWind. (09/04)

Ma.neu.ver (me nōō΄ver), n., v.,  -vered, -vering

 1. a planned and regulated movement or evolution of troops, war vessels, etc. 2. a series of tactical exercises usually carried out in the field by large bodies of troops 3. an adroit move, skillful proceeding, as characterized by craftiness 4. to bring, put, drive, or make by maneuvers

 I have to give my captain a good hand (clap clap) at his maneuver ability. He plans his tandem skills well when we have a large downhill cresting to the top. Without these defined skills we could loose our speed and be climbing the hill from the bottom, but in most cases with his tactic we crest the hill with little or no effort. He is very crafty when if comes to outsmarting some of the single bike riders. A lot has to do with knowing the course you are riding. In most cases, if my captain knows there is a hill coming up, we jet-bullet by the singles on the fast long downhill and are cresting before they know what semi blew by them. I also have a lot of faith in my captain for the tight squeeze in between some of the other riders, be it other tandems or other single bikes. He maneuvers the tandem like a pro but it took some time as a beginner to learn some of the little secrets you learn along the way.

Continue to try out new maneuvers and your newfound skills in riding tandem and continue to strategize with the TailWind. (10/04)

Nav.i.gate (nav΄e gāte) v., n., -gated, -gating, -gator

 1.        to traverse (the sea, a river, country) in a vessel or aircraft 2. to direct or manage (a ship, aircraft, or missile) on its course 3. to pass over or along, to walk in or across safely 4. the art of plotting, or directing the course 5. a person who practices navigation

 The stoker is usually the person delegated to navigate from your cue sheet for directions on turns, stops, rail road tracks and merging traffic. It’s interesting to see how each stoker navigates for their captain on their tandem. I have seen cue sheets stuck down behind camelbacks, paperclips, clothespins or even office clips. When it rains some stokers even have their sheets in waterproof zip locks or clear plastic sheeting. Never get your captain lost while navigating. You have an important job keeping your captain on the right road. How embarrassing it is to turn left when the whole group behind you kept on going straight and you realize you’ve been reading your sheet upside down. Knowing when the sag stops are on the route is also a sign of a good navigator (stoker). Determining how many miles from point A to point B and having enough provisions to get you to each stop. Secure your cue sheet where you can see to navigate so the TailWind doesn’t snatch it away and you have to turn your semi around to retrieve it.

Or.ches.trate (ôr΄ ki strāt΄), v.t. v.i.,  – trated, -trating, -tration

1. to compose or arrange 2. to organize or arrange (elements of a plan or a situation, etc) so as to get the desired or best result 3. The arrangement of music for an orchestra; orchestral treatment of a composition

The first year we committed to a tandem rally (STR-Callaway) was the best orchestration that I had seen on a tandem. It was during a paceline dance. When I say dance it was watching all the tandems in a double paceline going in a formation down the road and circulating among the pairs. The front two in line would lead out with about 16 more tandems behind. Every pair was given the chance to pull as long as you wanted. When you rotated the outside tandem pulled to the left, while the tandem closer to the road ditch moved to their right, bringing the rest of the tandems up through the middle for the next two tandems to take a pull. The middle line would also make sure that the person rotating to the ditch had enough room to do so. It was dancing…two stepping, the fox trot, the waltz and the jitterbug all rolled into one smooth dance step. It worked like an orchestrated harmonized concert with everyone working together. We have used it on many other rallies since then. Caution: hold your line as the outside tandem (to the ditch) shuffling back doesn’t have a lot of room. We don’t want you in the ditch but with the TailWind on your side. (12/04)

Pe.dal (ped΄el) n., v., -alled, -aling, -aled 

1. a foot-operated lever or part used to control, activate, or supply power for certain mechanisms 2. to work or use a pedal or pedals 3. ride a bicycle 4. to use or work a pedal

“Do you know your stoker isn’t pedaling back there, she has her feet out of the pedals”. If you are like us you hear it all the time. Every one of us has a catchy comeback to that statement. One that I heard was told to a single bike rider was from friend Resa, “I heard you the first time, but when you said it again the second time, I took it as an insult”. True, some of us can be insulted by those mere words (depending on how our frame of mind is at the time it’s said). I hope all captains realize that their stoker is working with them just as hard and are in communication constantly. If you need added power try putting your pedals out of zinc with each other by 2-3 teeth. It works wonders when the captain has a more powerful pedal stroke. When he is going down you already are coming up on your stroke giving the strokes combined added power. Experiment and find something that will work for the two of you. When the train comes flying by you remember to yell out “she’s not pedaling”. And if I’m not pedaling its only because I have the TailWind to our back. (01/05)

Quar.rel (kwôr΄el) , n., v. –reled, -rel.ing, -relled, -rel.ling

1. an angry dispute or altercation 2. disagreement marked by a temporary or permanent break in friendly relations 3. a cause of dispute, complaint or hostile feeling 4. squabble, fall out

Some couples call their bike the “D” bike as in divorce bike. If you haven’t yet had a quarrel or disagreement on your tandem then hats off to you. However, I would say 85% of us have been there. Some of you might have overheard heated arguing on our tandem. It’s not that we don’t like each other, we just like to “sweet heart” quarrel. One of the very bad days that I recall was climbing up to Little Switzerland on Route 226A. John dropped his sunglasses and ran them over with our back tire breaking them into a zillion pieces. I had to listen to his ranting the next five miles and when we wear a tandem-talk it wasn’t the best of rides. The last two-mile climb shifting into grannie John dropped the chain. Of course, it was on the steepest part of the last section. Trying to get back on the bike and pedal at a standstill was rather difficult. At about this time, I was ready to kick someone including letting my captain ride it alone by himself, even the thought of selling the thing. Of course, the heated argument was cooled by some freezing weather at the top with rain combined. I think we had an appreciation of each other after we returned to our campsite. It was the making up part that is the fun part. So if you think you need to quarrel a little now and then, go at it…but keep the TailWind down to a minimal roar. (02/05)

Ral ly (ral΄ē), v., -lied, -lying, n., pl. –lies

1. to bring into order again; gather and organize anew. 2. to draw or call (persons) together for a common action 3. to concentrate or revive, as one’s strength or spirits 4. to come together for common action

If you have not yet attended a tandem rally you are in for a treat when you do get brave enough to venture to one. I have been to many but can’t say I’m an expert rally person. The concept is easy: 1) join with other tandem friends; 2) meet new tandem friends; 3) see amazing sites; 4) ride great roads for three days; 5) eat loads of good food; 6) ride hard or ride easy; 7) socialize with others who have the same fondness for tandem riding; 8) feel energized; 9) correspond with your new tandem friends long after the rally is over; 10) you never, ever, ever have to pull a single bike on these rallies. So take the plunge, sign up for a rally soon and remember to rally with the TailWind. (03/05)

Sad.dle (sad΄el), n., v., -dled, -dling

1. a seat for a rider on the back of a horse or other animal 2. a similar seat on a bicycle, tractor, etc. 3. some thing resembling a saddle in shape or position

Most of us are particular about our saddle when we ride long distances. It’s not any different if you are on your single bike riding and the shorts start wedging up in places they aren’t suppose to go. I sometimes wonder if it’s the shorts or the saddle and how in the world would I know the difference in determining which one was causing the problem. I personally can tell from one saddle to the next. Take for instance riding with Eric and Linda when they were in Charlotte and I had the opportunity to ride triple with them. I had a choice of different saddles to try but I opted to take the one that was already on the bike. Switching to my Look pedals I figure would be good enough. The seat height was my biggest concern and getting that to “near close enough”. No wedgies but that sure was a hard seat. I think with another 20 miles added onto the route would have made for some interesting conversation. I see why now some people prefer switching out the comfort zone as well. So saddle up with the TailWind and may you ride in style. (04/05)

Tan.dem (tan΄dem), adv.

1. one following or behind the other: to drive horses tandem 2. in single file 3. having animals, seats, parts, etc., arranged tandem or one behind another 4. a bicycle for two or more persons, having seats and corresponding sets of pedals arranged in tandem 

Some of the teams might remember their first tandem, or you might just be getting your first tandem and are new to tandem riding. We all have our favorite stories regarding tandem riding and “why we like to tandem ride”. I prefer the tandem over the single bike only because I can team up with my Captain to go longer distances, I can go faster, converse as we ride but in the same breath have my own individual identity while riding behind my Captain. I can still point out pot holes (as I would on the single bike) but with both hands off the handlebar. I can still converse with my Captain (as I would on the single bike) but in more detailed manner and can talk with surrounding teams while taking my eyes off the road. I can still go fast down screaming descents (not like on the single bike) but with my Captain taking the control for me and faith in him that I will get down unscathed. I can still stop for pit stops (as I would on the single bike) but shorter stops, not as many stops but still being able to get off the saddle and stretch the behind. I can still ride in the rain (as I would on the single bike) but with less water from the roads with my Captain protecting me from most of the frontal assault. I can still get in the needed miles to keep in shape (as I would on the single bike) but greater distances, better strength in number with my Captain beside me. Enjoy the life of tandem riding, two by two, behind the other, keeping in sync as you enjoy the “TailWind sort of day. (05/05)

Un.com.fort.a.ble (un kumf΄te bel, -kum΄fertebel) adj.

1. causing discomfort or distress; painful; irritating 2. in a state of discomfort; uneasy; conscious of stress or strain

Individual teams can tell you all sort of situations that are “uncomfortable”. It could be something as simple as 1) not stopping to stretch your legs 2) not giving your stoker a few minutes to powder her nose after 30 miles of hard riding with another 30 yet to come 3) biking shorts riding up where they aren’t suppose to be 4) getting to a rest stop on an organized ride and finding out they are out of water and energy food 5) a scary pace line and the edge of the ditch getting closer and closer 6) downhill sharp curves 7) five dogs chasing you up a hill with no let up in sight 8) single bike riders in your group on a downhill when they fan out at the crest of the hill giving you no room as you speed by 9) a cold ride and runny nose 10) poison ivy 11) scoots hitting you on the ride when you least expect 12) wrong crank lengths and achy joints 13) getting old.

All uncomfortable situations can be improved on and TailWind is always there to help ~ “tailwind is your friend”. (06/05)

Ver.sa.tile (vûr΄setil) adj.

1. capable of or adapted for turning easily from one to another of various tasks, fields of endeavor. 2. having or capable of many uses or applications 3. turning either forward or backward

One of the joys of putting on the STR 2004 rally was the versatility I had in wearing plenty of “hats” in putting this magnitude of an event together. I was 1) boss lady or was that bossy lady? 2) registration hierarchy 3) gift selection queen 4) munchies associate 5) banker with banker hours 6) social butterfly for lunches and dinner hour 7) park ranger coordinating park facilities 8) mega horn conductor 9) conference room attendant 10) bar maid 11) pizza commander 12) dessert chef-ette 13) NASCAR official 14) craft person 15) route and map sub-ordinate 16) graffiti gang member (road markings) 17) all out team player. The list can go on for the endeavor it took to complete this 3-day rally event. When you look back at any of the rallies you participated in think of the versatile people that coordinate these events and you will appreciate each rally that much more. Hope to see you at an upcoming rally where the TailWind is versatile. (07/05)

Wind (wind) n.

1. air in natural motion, as along the earth’s surface 2. a gale; storm; hurricane 3. stream of air, as that produced by a bellows, fan 4. any influential force or trend 5. to expel gas from the stomach

Remember back when? Nov. 2001 the TailWind Tandem Club was formed? I recall some of the names that were top running to vote on: 1) Double Trouble 2) Piedmont Power Pedalers 3) Charlotte Tandem Club 4) TailWind Tandem Club. I hope we are all proud of the name for our “windy” tandem club and its existence…gosh four years this fall. Do you remember the tailwind we had on a lot of our group rides? Do you remember the challenging head “wind”? Do you remember all the windy discussions we had regarding speed, hills, butt stops, distance and miles? Do you remember the comrade after the rides when we stopped for lunch and maybe the “gassy wind” after you ate? I believe TailWind is an influential force and trend and I hope it continues to be part of your tandem life. May TailWind be your force of wind. (08/05)

Xe.roph.thal.mi.a (zēŕ of thaľ mē  ) n.

 1. abnormal dryness of the eyeball characterized by conjunctivitis, 2. condition caused by a deficiency of tears and attributed to a lack of Vitamin A

 I think I have a mild case of this. It all came about six years ago when I started riding tandem in year 1999 with my partner John. I now wear reading glasses (could be old age setting in) and it’s most difficult when reading a cue sheet that is in a size font of 10 point or less. Another factor one might log to the medical field for xerophthalmia is the dryness in my eyeballs while racing down a hill at 45 miles an hour while not wearing any form of sun glasses. I wonder if this would improve with a slower descent or by wearing a shield over my eyes?

I can’t claim not knowing Vitamin A is a family of fat-soluble vitamins and is found in animal foods such as liver, eggs and in some fortified food products such as cereals which in my case I love all these foods. And Provitamin A carotenoids are abundant in darkly colored fruits and vegetables (another downfall for me…I eat what I see).

Vitamin A also helps us to see in dim light (I hate driving at night as I can’t see) and is necessary for proper bone growth (no problem here---I just keep getting bigger and bigger), tooth development (dentures anyone?), and reproduction (grandma, wha me is done in that department!).

Maybe I need a second opinion. Let me call on Dr. TailWind Tandem to see what his prognosis for me might be in regard to xerophthalmia. Dr. TailWind to the rescue. (09/05)

Young (yung), adj. young.er, young.est, youth.ful

1. being in the first or early stage of life or growth, 2. having the appearance, freshness, vigor, or other qualities of youth,  3. of or pertaining to youth, 4. not far advanced in years or experience in comparison with another or others,  5. young persons collectively

The saying goes “you are as young as you feel” and I am sure most times we all feel darn OLD. Let’s give us all credit and a good pat on the back for getting out on our tandems during this year of beautiful weather. We could be all sitting around not exercising, feeling sorry for the age we are. Celebrate the age we want to be…young, frisky, energetic, and romping, vigor, fresh feeling and ageless. I don’t care how many wrinkles you got this year or the gray in your hair, or the one or two pounds you put on during the summer, your hitch in your walk or your bi-focals. Knowing you and your partner are enjoying life to its fullest on your tandem is joy in itself. So stop and smell those roses along the way in your youthful age and remember you get to smell them 2 by 2 on a tandem with or without the TailWind beside you. (10/05)

Zig.zag (zig΄zag΄), n., adj. –zagged, -zagging, -zig.zagger

1. a line, course, or progression characterized by sharp turns first to one side and then to the other 2. a pair of such turns, as in a line or path 3. proceeding or formed in a zigzag 4. a person or thing that zig-zags

Some of us stokers who can’t see over or around our captain sometimes wonder what they are doing up front. I get pushed this way, slung that way, veer to the right, veer to the left, swerve to the middle, bend to the far right, wind along, meander, swirling to center, crisscross sideways and on occasion a zigzag and zigging. It’s that feeling of where is the bike going. Especially if you do any mountain riding coming down some of those long winding curves and a constant, banking left, banking right, banking left, and banking right. On one such ride I asked that John tell me when he was banking to the left or right that way I didn’t feel so unconnected to the bike. It worked. My anxiety wasn’t as fierce, I felt calmer and secure. However, it was so much talking and telling me where we were going that John was more breathless from talking than riding. I felt more comfortable knowing which way the bike was going…he’s never done it since. Men….maybe the zigzag got to him and he got dizzy. So do some zigzagging of your own with TailWind. (11/05)

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Thank you for stopping by often to read

"A to Z for Tandem Riding ".

This concludes the A-Z articles.