Tandem Tour - UK to Portugal

[Stuart 123]

Hi guys,

Myself and a friend are going to be attempting to get ourselves to near Porto this summer, travelling from Dover on a Dawes galaxy twin touring tandem. In terms of background, I cycle (20 mile round trip to work) but have done no long tours, whilst my friend is a novice cyclist but an truly prolific runner.

The trip is roughly 1300 miles, which we hope to do in about 16 days. We're pretty aware of how challenging it's going to be - but hopefully should raise some money for charity!

I've had a quick look round the site and already found some useful stuff. However, if anyone has any specific pearls of wisdom on tandems; long tours; equipment; training or anything that you think might be useful, I'd really appreciate it!!

Cheers,
Stuart

 

[steveindenmark]

There is a UK tandem club if you Google it. I am sure they can give you some good tips.

 

[Stuart 123]

Thanks Steve, I'll look into that now.

 

[srw]

Follow the first link in my sig line. You'll be following a similar route as far as Bordeaux unless you cut south of Paris.

Key hints - pack light, train first, pick your route carefully, train first, know your bike and have spares, train first - oh, and did I mention train first?

On a tandem with a friend rather than a partner you'll both need to be more than usually tolerant. There's no way that you can spend a day apart from each other to let resentments simmer down.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

[On a tandem with a friend rather than a partner you'll both need to be more than usually tolerant. There's no way that you can spend a day apart from each other to let resentments simmer down. /QUOTE]

This.

 

[srw]

To be fair, BoaB, it also applies when you go tandemming with a partner. It's just that there's rather more long-term emotion and other stuff invested in a proper relationship than in a friendship.

 

[stephenjubb]

This eBook by the well respected Travelling Two website for 5 euros will tell you almost all you will need to know. You can download a preview before you buy.

http://travellingtwo.com/shop/ebooks/biketouringguide