Do you ever feel like you’re seeing double? It can seem like it when you see a tandem!

I’ve never tried to ride a bicycle built for two; but it does look like fun. I’ll bet it takes a lot of adjustment, though, when you’re used to riding solo. 

Which position on a tandem is more difficult — captain or stoker? Check here for advice for beginning riders.

The mounting technique for the captain is definitely different from that used when starting a solo ride; but it makes sense. If the “cap” tried to get on by swinging the leg to the rear, the handlebars for the stoker would cause complications — possibly including a fall!

The stoker climbs on in the usual mounting manner. After that, things might get tricky.

The captain decides which foot will be the starting foot. I’m very accustomed to starting off right-footed; and if I were paired with a left-footed captain, it might be awkward. It also seems weird to me that the stoker has both feet on the pedals; and the captain is still holding up the tandem. 

At stops, e.g. stop signs, the stoker stays on the saddle; and keeps the feet on the pedals; and then it’s easier for the riders to get started again.

A very important job of the captain is to warn the stoker of any road hazards that lie ahead: potholes; bumps; debris in the road; and so on. For the stoker, especially, reflective gear is an excellent idea.

As I said, have no experience at all with “seeing double”; but if I wanted to try, is it better to start as the stoker; or the captain? I’m sure of this much — the stoker has no right to expect the captain to do all the work.