Tandems banned!!

[zap]

Gran Fondo bans tandems due to safety concerns.

My wife and I have ridden/raced tandems for over 20 years and this is a first. I'm not aware of any possible safety concerns that would not also apply to singles.

Some in the tandem community are asking the organizers what's up. Anyone here have any possible explanation.

http://www.granfondoaxelmerckx.com/e...nd-regulations

[Bruce K]

Makes no sense to me
BK

[Fixed]

Originally Posted by zap

Gran Fondo bans tandems due to safety concerns.

My wife and I have ridden/raced tandems for over 20 years and this is a first. I'm not aware of any possible safety concerns that would not also apply to singles.

Some in the tandem community are asking the organizers what's up. Anyone here have any possible explanation.

http://www.granfondoaxelmerckx.com/e...nd-regulations

I can't think of a better wheel to be on except when a tan. Wants a single to take a pull ouch
Cheers

[alexstar]

maybe they think tandems are too "Fred" for a gran fondo where everybody is trying to act as "PRO" as possible... too bad.

[nooneline]

Tandem?

Banned 'em.

[KidWok]

No tandems banned at my event! I work for the Arthritis Foundation and direct The Amgen People's Coast Classic. C'mon down south of the border and ride the Oregon coast!

Tai

[JohnHemlock]

Once in awhile I will see a hot stoker and I will want to slug her husband or boyfriend with a tire pump and ride away with her to Mexico where we will eat ceviche and drink ice cold Coronas and laugh about what a dud he was.

But that's the only risk I see, and that's more to the pilot or captain or whatever they call themselves.

[Tom]

I don't get it. Some of the most accomplished riding I've ever been along with was tandem partners that knew their s--t. Not just 'hey, how'd they overcome being on a tandem to do that' but 'holy crap, that was impressive!' accomplished.

[jamesutiopia]

What are the "issues of rider safety", specific to tandems?

This event seems to have a pretty low bar otherwise, with categories billed as "a terrific challenge for recreational and advanced riders alike" and "a perfect starter distance for those who are new to cycling or returning to the sport after several years off the saddle"

[smead]

That is one of the dumbest things I've seen in a while.

Most tandems hold their lines and speed a helluva lot steadier compared to many of the gumby singles flying around ..

[Fixed]

Originally Posted by JohnHemlock

Once in awhile I will see a hot stoker and I will want to slug her husband or boyfriend with a tire pump and ride away with her to Mexico where we will eat ceviche and drink ice cold Coronas and laugh about what a dud he was.

But that's the only risk I see, and that's more to the pilot or captain or whatever they call themselves.

That reminds me ...I think I look like Magnium but the mirror says Higgins

Cheers

[zmudshark]

Paging TMB. He may have some knowledge of why they put the rule in.

[hokoman]

that's pretty lame. i spend a lot more time on my tandem than i do on all my other bikes combined.

[saab2000]

Mr. and Mrs. Zap are quality tandem riders. I have seen it in person and this is indeed mystifying. Variety is the spice of life and tandems are a legit part of cycling.

[William]

Tandems are scary....fast that is. They are great to draft as well.

But, like beam bikes, hybrids, and mountain bikes, hard core roadies disdain them. Ban them all!!!







William