Terrific tandem

By Scott Smith
2012 Bicycle Adventurer

Today we rode from Ft. Lauderdale to Homestead. Except for the afternoon heat, the Miami traffic and the 20-minute traffic lights, we enjoyed a fantastic ride. No rain, no head wind and no flat tires for me.

Hi, I am Scott Smith from Flagler Beach, Fla. My wife, Heidi, and I signed on to this great bike ride and fundraiser at the coaxing of my sister, Susie. After experiencing five flat tires the first day and one flat each of the following days, today was a real blessing with no punctures.

I have been riding tandem for 10 years with Heidi. Unfortunately, I lost my "stoker" today, the rider on the back of the tandem. Heidi developed saddle sores, which became too painful for her to ride. As I did not want to ride the tandem alone, I coerced Susie into taking the "stoker" seat. As you can imagine, this is a leap of faith for my sister. She has no control of the steering or brakes.

While cruising past the beautiful homes in Coconut Grove and Coral Gables with streets lined with flamboyant Royal Poinciana and shaded over with Banyan trees, Susie remarks, "You know, this is not so bad. I can look all around and not have to pay attention to where I am going."

Again, many thanks to all of our host churches for their generous hospitality.