Conference noted::bicycle

1567.0. "UMCA - Tandem Division !!" by SHALOT::ELLIS (John Lee Ellis - assembly required) Thu May 31 1990 22:16

    
    Ever the innovators, the UMCA are trying out a Tandem Division
    for the National Points Challenge.  Here's how John Marino puts it:
    
    "...we will begin keeping informal totals from tandem partners,
    retroactive to December 16, 1989, and see how the interest pans out
    throughout 1990.  We will also see if the rules we divised (noted
    below) make sense and work.  If all goes well, 1991 could be the start
    of a formal tandem division.  Here are the rules, subject to change:
    
    "1) A tandem team must remain intact throughout the entire year. 
    Example:  If Bob and Sally begin as tandem partners on December 16th
    and they ride 1,000 miles by June 10th, then Sally runs off with a
    heavy metal guitarist and quits cycling altogether, Bob's chances of
    accumulating more tandem miles is caput (finished).  If Bob wants to
    continue accumulating points (provided he is not all bummed out and
    becomes a wino), he must start over from zero and ride with a new
    partner, however his mileage points with Sally will go on record.  In
    other words, a tandem team will be treated as one person/unit.  Team
    members may change off from stoker to pilot at any time, provided they
    both ride the tandem at all times.
    
    "2) Both partners on the tandem may submit their individual miles
    towards the other divisions in the NPC, e.g., Century, Standard, or
    Open.  The tandem miles will be counted separately.
    
    "3) A Century, Standard, or Open ride must be completed in the time
    stipulated by the event organizers or rules for mileage to count. 
    Example: If Alice and John are riding the Venture to Vegas (Standard
    Division) and John poops out prior to Vegas, Alice may either continue
    on a single bike or the tandem with another partner to the finish and
    accumulate Standard points in the N.P.C., however any tandem points for
    this ride are gone.  ALICE CANNOT RIDE THE TANDEM WITHOUT A PARTNER. 
    IT CAN BE DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE ILLEGAL ACCORDING TO THE VEHICLE CODE.
    
    "4) In 1990 tandem partners may think back to December 16, 1989 and
    submit their tandem miles to the UMCA office.  The next newsletter will
    publish the standings.  At this time, no awards or Who's Who distinction
    in the tandem division are planned.
    
    "5) When submitting tandem miles, use a separate verification form or
    sheet of paper (make one up). ... These forms are reviewed, verified,
    and computerized by Randy Evans, our crack statistician.
    
    "6) All the other rules pertinent to the N.P.C. apply ...."
    
                             - UMCA April, 1990 newsletter

    
    As you see, the UMCA is not without its light side... :-)
    
    But seriously, for those of you who thought the UMCA's NPC only
    meant lonely miles across the prairies, the Tandem Division may
    be a way to get a captive audience for those long miles ...
    
    -john

    	
    
    They will get a big kick out of what you said.  I ride with a tandem
    team with the above mentioned names.  In fact they are organizing a 
    tandem rally at the University of Mass. in Amherst.  I don't know
    the exact date but I could find out all of the details if anyone is
    interested.
    
    						Norm
    

    	Bob & Sally were the ride co-chairpersons for NEAR '85 at UMass,
    Amherst. They should have the rides all mapped out for the Tandem
    Rally. 
    	While I was laboring up a hill on the Lake Luzurne (sp?) ride at
    GEAR-Up in Saratoga Springs last year, they slowed for a chat. Nice
    people. - Chris