I’ve had the chance to try a lot of our different bikes in the past few weeks, we have so many different styles in our shop in Oldtown. I never tried a bike built for two – until last weekend. It was great sunny weather and the perfect time to try it with a friend.

After Evan gave us some advice about riding a tandem, we took it around the block to see how it works. Then, we started our ride down the West side River walk until we reached Willamette Park in the South West.

In the beginning it was a little shaky and it was a challenge to make 90 degree turns, so we decided to use the bike lane on Natio Parkway until the fountain on SW Salmon Street. We became rock-stars on the tandem very fast. We couldn’t imagine to ride so slow between people because it was so waggly, but we had no problem with finding our way through the people on the river-walk. After we passed the Waterfront Park, the River Place and the Portland Aerial Tram, we raced in the bike lane (well, as fast as the tandem let us ) towards Willamette Park.

I can say that riding a tandem is a great feeling! Most of the time it was flat terrain, so it was easy to ride – also the little hills we passed were no problem for us because we pedaled and worked together. As I was riding in the stokers seat (on the back part of the tandem), I developed a great deal of trust in my tandem-partner. You have to act as a team when you pass people, during turns, navigating hills, etc. I really enjoyed talking to my friend over such a short distance and riding a bike at the same time, because we were able to carry on a conversation.. Lastly, we got lots of attention, and many people screamed with excitement – seeing us riding in tandem.

We definitely want to go for another ride -and for a longer journey! We can’t wait!!