Kick-Off Event and Tandem 101 Workshop April 19, 2008

Despite winter-like weather the day before, we were able to hold our April 19th Kick-Off Event and Tandem 101 Workshop at Magnuson Park. Larry Gill and Marishka Pilch led the first group ride out to Redmond and back. About an hour later, Don and Carol Hayes led the second group to Bothell. With some intermittment rain along the routes, both groups shortened their distances to allow for a noon return.



With temperatures in the mid thirties, 7 teams attended the Tandem 101 Workshop. Assisted by Randall & Barb Angell, Spencer Beard & Sheila Hoffman, Rob Oikawa & Lorraine Josifek, Mike & Carol Widell and Nancy Snead, the new teams first listened to a 20 minute introduction inside the warm Cascade office lobby. Back outside, the group watched as Team Angell demonstrated how to start and stop on a tandem. Then, the trainers and new riders paired up for test rides to ease their transition of riding the long bikes. Our workshop must have been a pleasant experience as many riders were ready to go buy a tandem.



Our club had on hand 9 loaned tandems (including 2 recumbent tandems) representing 8 tandem builders. Having such a diverse mix of tandems gave the workshop attendees a wider perpective on how the various rides feel. We thank the following groups and teams for loaning their tandems (and thanks to Don Hayes for picking up and returning a loaned tandem):



Angle Lake Cyclery
Bob and Nancy Snead
Elliot Bay Cycles
Larry Gill and Marishka Pilch
Randall and Barb Angell
Rob Oikawa and Lorraine Josifek (2)
Spencer Beard and Sheila Hoffman
Steve and Karen Crawford



After the morning?s activiites, the group riders and new riders went to the upstairs meeting room for lunch and social. In addition to desserts brought by club members, a large assortment of food was on hand. Our thanks to Nancy Snead for coordinating the meal options. Following lunch, upcoming rides and events were highlighted and several available handouts were noted. Jason Goff and Erica Slauson capped a wonderful day with their entertaining RAGBRAI slide show. They had completed this ride across Iowa several times and assured us that Iowa is not flat!