We were quite flattered last fall when Mike Dayton, editor of American Randonneur, asked MG and me to write a joint article on our tandem ride at the Paris-Brest-Paris 1200K randonnee last August.
The article came out this month (thanks Mike!) and we’re able to re-publish it here at TDR: MG & Felkerino’s Paris-Brest-Paris 2011 by Tandem.
On the road at Paris-Brest-Paris. Courtesy Michael Hansmann.
I had ridden PBP before on a single bike, but not on tandem. This was MG’s first PBP, so for both of us it was a new experience. Riding on tandem at PBP was an absolute blast, even during the difficult parts. We always had each other and lots of company along the way, and the French showered us with hospitality.
At one point on the last day my face hurt from laughing so much at the antics and jokes of our pals! The fun lasted all the way to the finish, offsetting our aches and sore spots.
We’ve enjoyed all the stories we have read about PBP. The course is the same but everyone’s experience is different, reflecting their own goals, challenges and circumstances. It was an honor to be part of the grande dame of randonneuring with our D.C. pals and riders from all over the world.
Thanks for reading and have a great week!
Here’s an excerpt:
4. You’re never alone!
First, we had each other to while away the hours together — the very best thing about tandem randonneuring. But we also “met” a lot of folks who figured the tandem would provide a good pull down the road. Our friend Jon Gardner was our constant companion throughout and protected our rear wheel, but that didn’t stop many others from settling in behind for a segment here and there.
We spent our second day with a French rider, Guy Soudiere, who spoke as little English as we spoke French, but despite the language issues we formed a solid foursome. We also scooped up fellow Americans Jeff Bauer, Rob Hawks and others we knew from past rides but don’t get to see very often. If you like company, ride a tandem.
Jon G. kept the mood light and the drafters back.
Guy Soudiere, our companion for most of Day 2. Courtesy MG.
