Just what does a tandem captain do? What is expected of you by your stoker?

Are you the tandem captain? If so, read on so you can know just what is expected of you.

On a typical tandem setup where the captain is in the front, the captain steers, avoids all the various bumps and ever-present potholes, calls them and coasts over them when he can't, shifts, constantly tells the stoker how fast they are going, brakes, never scares the stoker for any reason, and does whatever the stoker asks him to do. Oh yes, he also pedals.

The captain inspires complete trust from his stoker. Without this trust there can be no team. The captain must demonstrate good judgement and good bike handling skills, so the stoker can relax and give-up direct control of the bike to the captain. The captain does not stop pedaling without first telling and receiving confirmation from the stoker otherwise the stoker could get hurt, the captain could get hurt (by the stoker), or both. This doesn't apply if you have an independent drive tandem

The captain NEVER pulls out in front of cars, crosses tracks at a badangle, runs lights, etc. He must think ahead at all times on how his actions will affect the other passenger on the tandem. He always lets the stoker know what's going on, when something unusual happens. He never says "UH OH" or "Oh Shit"without immediately explaining to the stoker just what the heck he meant.

With the long wheelbase, the bike will be more stable than a standardroad bike, although at first it may feel squirrely, with two peoplefighting each other. Any captain should get on, ride around the parking lot, or up and down the street a few times alone, just to get the feel. After a bit of this, the stoker can then get on and show the tandem captain the effects of leaning, stopping pedaling, and moving around

If you can't learn to ride with an experienced rider, have someone video your first ride together. You'll really enjoy watching this video later!!!

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