We went to the annual Mt. Dora bike festival, which was held in central Florida this past October weekend to test out our ability to sleep on the ground in a tent and then get up and bike 50+ miles! After all - we are over 50. No problem - other than it was unseasonably warm in central Florida for October and it was sweltering in the tent at night.
We also did well with the 'hills' that we have here in Florida. When training in FL - you take what you can get. The rollers were nice, and while the hill work was a minuscule glimpse at what it will be like taking a tandem over a mountain - it gave us some indication of the work ahead. But we made it- and there were a few hills with some pretty good slopes, albeit short in length.
We also impressed some fellow riders - left a few chagrined, and perplexed others; but we attract a lot of attention. We are strong riders and with the mass of the tandem, we catch several riders on the downhills. We used that momentum to our advantage on the uphills, and were able to pass a few cyclists, as well as once we get going on the flats - 4 legs are hard to beat. Many riders don't think of this as we sail past.
We are also an unusual team - the female of the group is the captain, with the male, in the back, as the stoker. This draws a fair share of comments - most positive and complementary, but some that require a tough skin for the stoker. This is providing a peek into human psychology and couple dynamics that requires more study before we comment.
It was a satisfying trial run from all counts and we came home hot, tired and very happy.
Ride on!
3 comments:
hey guys!!!! I am very happy to be your FIRST follower and person to leave a comment :) guys, this site looks GREAT and I am soooo excited for you!!! the pictures and set up is wonderful. :) congratulations does not even begin to describe what I feel for you. I will be reading along on your journey :) ok, well...I go to sleep now. night to you, and
guten nacht der alten Frau flüstert 'hush'
Hey,
Your Site looks really good. Or in German "Die Seite ist echt Klasse". It is really cool what you are doing. I'm still searching for some one to cross the alps :-) Maybe after this trip you like to do some mountain bike.
Hello Newman:
Good luck to you and Jana as you take off on this amazing adventure. I am currently in Los Angeles in the sixth month of my friendship tour around the country. It's not as Spartan as your trip, I have my car and have managed to find the comfort of a bed every night but challenging just as well. I'll follow your progress through your journey & pray for your safe travels.
Sincerely,
Philip Thibeaux
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