If crisp autumn afternoons inspire you to dust off your old ten-speed, why not try a tandem ride? These bikes allow cyclists of different strengths and abilities to ride together without one of them always struggling to keep up. Because two riders share one set of wheels, wind and rolling resistance are cut in half. Tandems go farther and faster with less work, so the miles fly by.
Tandem excursions don't have to break the bank, either. You can rent one for little more than the price of a movie, then cruise with your co-pilot through some of Northern California's best scenery. Tandem bikes are available for rent on the mostly paved 15-mile Monterey Recreational Trail, which skirts the beautiful peninsula coastline and travels past Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In San Francisco, rent a tandem on Fisherman's Wharf and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge for an 8-mile spin to Sausalito, or take a ferry to Angel Island and pedal its perimeter on a 5-mile gently rolling loop. For a longer getaway, spend a weekend in the wine country and combine the joy of a tandem ride with wine tasting in Calistoga or visits to Sonoma's vineyards.
Getting two to ride as one
Rental tandems are basic models designed to be ridden by beginners. Still, understanding a few points will make your first cruise smoother.
Tandem cycling is not a democracy. The back rider, or "stoker," has no control over braking, steering, or shifting gears. The front rider, or "captain," calls the shots, and the stoker must put his or her faith in the captain's decisions.
Starting off is often the toughest part of tandem riding. In order to synchronize getting all four feet simultaneously off the ground and onto the pedals, the captain should use a verbal cue, such as "Three, two, one, go."
Communication is key. The captain must inform the stoker when he or she is braking, turning, or stopping, and the stoker must be ready to react to these cues.
Where to rent tandems
Helmets, bike locks, and maps of suggested rides are provided with all rentals. Expect to pay $8 to $20 per hour or $35 to $66 per day.
MONTEREY. Adventures by the Sea: 299 Cannery Row; (831) 372-1807 or www.adventuresbythesea.com
SAN FRANCISCO. Blazing Saddles: Pier 41 on Fisherman's Wharf; (415) 202-8888 or www.blazingsaddlessanfrancisco.com
CALISTOGA. Getaway Adventures: 1117 Lincoln Ave.; (707) 942-0332, (800) 859-2453, or www.getawayadventures.com/rentals
SONOMA. Sonoma Valley Cyclery: 20093 Broadway; (707) 935-3377 or www.sonomavalleycyclery.com
