Tandem Riding Report July 5

Tandem Riding Report July 5. 73 MILES. Top Speed 36 MPH. Today's goal was to give GrePedo a good long ride to work out the kinks. I learned from bike mechanic Steve that some of the cables need to be stretched and tightened . I interpreted that to be like stringing a guitar, stretching the strings as you start to tighten them up so that they will stay in tune better later. My biggest concern was the seat. I was pretty worried when I looked at it because it was not this padded wide cushy seat I was used to on the Big yellow mosquito eater. Turns out it was so much better than what I could have expected and the bike seat was a perfect match for my seat. GrePedo is a good 20lbs lighter than the BYME and has more gears to work with. Charlie was excited to try out the brakes...Always thinking we are going to be up and out early, we actually left the Safeway parking lot with our Bananas, fruit bowls and yogurt about 8:30. Today's route to Pendleton was Despain Gulch. At the end of that route is a long downhill. In the past he has not let us exceed 25 mph respecting my anxiety issues. Today we both tucked it in close to the bike and 36 mph seemed like nothing. It rode smooth and solid and I felt very safe. Charlie applied the disc brakes and the quiet fluttering sound brought us to the speed limit as we entered town. A salad and Gatorade later we headed towards Reith Road and followed the Umatilla River home.Those who have ridden that road know its reputation. The heat from the basalt cliffs and the black top (whats left of it) was pretty rough on me. We went through our water fast. But Charlie knows everyone so before long I was napping on someones living room floor in front of their air conditioner while he traded stories with the homeowners. After a good rest we pedaled another 20 miles and We made it home! YAY. Finally! A quick rinse off in the shower and I was asleep. I must have been ordering food in my sleep because Charlie woke me up saying "your egg flower soup and Pepsi are in the kitchen". I have not had either of these items in years but boy were they GOOD! GrePedo will go in for some adjustments but let me tell you...this is an awesome bike. And 73 miles later I am still walking and talking. SORT OF.