Tandem Bike Rides

Pre-Ride Safety Checklist

  1. Air
    The tires on tandems should be inflated to the maximum PSI written on the tire’s sidewalls. Skinnier road tires should generally be inflated to 100 PSI, wider tires may have a lower PSI limit. If the tube isn’t holding air, then the tube needs to be replaced or patched.
  2. Handlebars and seat adjustments
    Adjust the captain and stoker seats to be at a comfortable height. The stoker handlebars/stem (and some captain stems) may also be adjustable. Then make sure that the seat posts, handlebars, and wheels are tight. Any quick release skewers should be closed.
  3. Brakes
    Check that the front and rear brakes grip and release the tires. If the brakes are loose, the brake cables may need to be tightened. The brake pads must also be periodically adjusted and replaced. If the brakes are too tight, the brake cables may need to be loosened. If the brakes are rubbing on one side, the wheel may not be seated evenly, or the brakes may need to be adjusted. The wheel may also be out of true (in which case the spokes need to be adjusted).
  4. Chain
    If the chain appears stiff, it may need to be cleaned and lubricated. If the captain and stoker pedals aren’t in the same position (i.e. both left pedals pointing downward), then the timing chain needs to be adjusted. You can check that the gears change smoothly if a captain rides the bike before the ride, or if someone holds the back wheel off the ground and rotates the pedals while another person shifts through the gears. If the chain appears loose or slips off the gears, or you are unable to shift into certain gears, then the chain (and/or cassettes) may need to be replaced, or the cables or derailleurs may need to be adjusted or replaced.

If the bike is unsafe to ride, you can bring the bike to Terrapin or Griffin Bikes in Bethesda; or Contes in Navy Yard or the Daily Rider on H Street if you’re in Eastern Market; or you can call or text Shira (847-217-9505), Chris (480-276-3256), or Kevin (248-508-8569) if you’re unsure. Please email mwaba.inc@gmail.com or reach out to Shira, Chris, or Kevin after a ride if you think any bikes need maintenance.

Routes

Weeknight Eastern Market route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42389287

Variations include taking the 11th Street Bridge in both directions, doing a shorter ride by turning around sooner, doing a longer ride by riding to Hyattsville or Lake Artemesia (generally only on weekends), or taking the Frederick Douglass bridge.

Alternative weeknight routes include biking to Hains Point or the Metropolitan Branch Trail.

Weeknight Bethesda route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43617951

Weekend ride from Bethesda: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43568612
This is 32 miles, down the Capital Crescent Trail, to Hains Point, to Rock Creek Park.

Directions to Bethesda locker

If you’re taking the metro, after going up the long escalator, turn to your left, walk past the buses, and the tandem locker is in a taxi parking area. If you’re taking a rideshare, we recommend using the address: 7500 Woodmont Avenue (the Chase condo building), you can cross Woodmont and walk up North Lane, or someone can meet you at the Chase. If you’re driving and parking, we recommend parking at the public parking garage, which is on your left if you’re driving south on Woodmont between Old Georgetown and Edgemoor Lane.

Directions to Eastern Market locker

The tandem locker is located at the corner of 7th and Pennsylvania SE, near the metro elevator. You can use the address 701 Pennsylvania SE. If you’re exiting the metro on the escalator, make a U turn and walk toward 7th Street.
We often keep a tandem locker key at Simon’s house, which is 514 Constitution Ave NE.