A Lesson in Communication

Otto and I joined our friends, Cindy, Jesse and Tim for a bike ride Sunday morning.  Nothing really unusual in that, we ride often with this group.  But one thing about this ride was different, Otto and I rode a tandem for the first time.

Jesse and Cindy offered a few tips, but stressed it was important for us to figure out how to work together on the bike.  Now, some may say, 'no big deal', right?  Wrong!  It really was a lesson in communication for both of us.

When you ride a tandem, both pedals work together at the same time, which means if I stop pedaling, Otto must stop and when he starts, I have to start.  Otherwise, in each of these instances, starting and stopping without advising the other can lead to injury and frustration.  The same goes for turning a corner, hitting a bump and braking!

The key is to communicate what you are doing and then for the other, reacting appropriately.  For example, if you are cruising along and the light is turning yellow we both know we need to stop, but when, now or in a few more rotations.  I just can't stop pedaling unless Otto communicates to me he is stopping.  The same goes for the restart, we both have to make sure that we are in the pedal before taking off, so we have to talk to each other through the process.  Which foot are we leading with, etc.

Our ride was successful, and I think we may give it another go thanks to Jesse and Cindy!  The important thing I realized yesterday was that it is not only imperative to communicate but also to listen and be ready to react.  Otto has to be aware of my comfort level and I have to trust him to make the right choices.  For me, losing control as a rider was difficult but I enjoyed the challenge of learning to work together for the common goal - keeping us from killing each other - not really, but keeping the bike upright with us on it!

Communicating  is not just for the tandem riders though, it's important for the entire group of riders whether sharing a bike or going solo.  Communicating with each other as you ride helps prevent accidents and ensures a pleasant, safe ride.  Yesterday as we rode behind the Ortega's they signaled us of debris in road, bumps ahead, when to slow down and which way we were turning.  We had to pass that along to Tim, who rode behind us.  Concern for your fellow rider is a definite 'rule of the road'.  So, communication is key not only for tandem riders, but for all bikers!

You can also use this as a tip in every day life - the more we communicate and listen to what others are saying the better we will understand their position!