Tag-along Trauma

[Stig-OT-Dump]

Don't quite know which board would be best for this, but decided on cafe.

My son is recovering from a serious illness & uses a tag-along. We have done some long old trips on it touring, and have used it on MTB trails. He'll be reaching the upper limit for weight - but doesn't exceed any of the guidance I've seen. We are hoping that he will soon be able to go back to cycling under his own steam as his condition improves.

Yesterday we did a 13 mile route that took in some of General Wades military road, landrover tracks and rough paths. We were back on tarmac, and less than 50 yards from the end of our ride when the connecting bolt sheared, the tag-along separated from my bike, and he face-planted, cracking his helmet in two locations.

He was a bit shocked and upset, but otherwise unharmed. The car that was following us was able to stop in good time (probably helped by the fact that we had been signalling to turn right and were moving to the centre of the road).

I can't think of any maintenance or inspection regime that would have prevented this from happening, and have contacted Raleigh to see if they would like the sheared connection so that they can examine it.

If anyone else is towing a child that is heavier than a toddler, I'd advise a bit of caution.

Stig

 

[Wheeledweenie]

Ouch! Hope he's ok, what a shocker.

 

[ttcycle]

Not nice at all, hope it doesn't put him off. Would a tandem/trike work better maybe? However, I know they can be costly to get hold of.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Perhaps a Hardened Steel Bolt next time? Hope he's OK and puts it behind him quickly.

BTW - which bit of Gen Wade's Military were you on?

 

[Downward]

Good advice on steel bolts. I know for example with those bike carriers that connect to your roof rack they give you cheap bolts so now I always go to the local merchant and get some steel bolts. For pence it's well worth it.

 

[Stig-OT-Dump]

which bit of Gen Wade's Military were you on?

Was going from Etteridge to Ruthven Barracks (Kingussie) - apparently it was the main route after the Minigaig but before the A9, the trauma happened back in Newtonmore.

There is some brilliant cycling round there, NCN 7, Rothiemurchus, plenty of Glens, landrover tracks and ancient rights of way, Laggan Wolftrax not far away, the Corrieyairack, it's ace!

 

[dellzeqq]

crikey! Hope all is well with the Stiglet. And, yes, alloy bolts can shear....

 

[Crackle]

Gee whizz. Hope the little fella is OK, what a shock.

 

[Downward]

Anyone ever had problems with the kids on the Tags ?

I can just imagine my little one getting off and not getting back on and having to walk miles home !!

 

[Stig-OT-Dump]

One of my lads did 60 miles over two days, he had to wear mitts cos his hands got cold. The year after the two of them tag-teamed me for 225 miles over 4 days. Both loved it.
We used to do trails riding / mountain biking (up to red on single track, we onced strayed onto an amber run which was a laugh but I was worried about faster folk catching us). If you do that, I'd recommend some eye protection for them, and consider slowing down when you ford streams / go through big puddles.
Actually, looking back at some of the stuff we did, it's little wonder the bolt sheared.

 

[Downward]

One of my lads did 60 miles over two days, he had to wear mitts cos his hands got cold. The year after the two of them tag-teamed me for 225 miles over 4 days. Both loved it.
We used to do trails riding / mountain biking (up to red on single track, we onced strayed onto an amber run which was a laugh but I was worried about faster folk catching us). If you do that, I'd recommend some eye protection for them, and consider slowing down when you ford streams / go through big puddles.
Actually, looking back at some of the stuff we did, it's little wonder the bolt sheared.

cheers
I get the feeling now with the Rear Seat we have is that he is going to be too heavy.