You read that right. 100 miles of cycling with someone else on a tandem bike. Think you could handle it? My first response is “depends on who it is!”
Allow me to introduce Andy and Rachel Chambers, a father and daughter cycling team, who ride a local race here in Connecticut called the V2V. So, the ‘Connecticut’ is misleading because the ride of which I speak is a 100 mile cycle from Vernon, Vermont to Vernon, Connecticut. Cute, right? The V2V is famous around these parts and for good reason.
This Fall classic started 15 years ago. I remember seeing signs for it all over town and thinking that anyone who rode 100 miles must be insane. I was, of course a few years away from my own insanity in the form of a marathon, so I really had no clue what endurance training and riding were all about.
It was around that same time however, that I started my first group fitness teaching job, and one of my fellow instructors just happened to be the woman who put on this amazing race – Deb Poudrier-Fafard. She is a strong, smart and talented force who has worked tirelessly in her role as Director at the March of Dimes in CT, which is what this ride is ultimately all about.
This is one of the best late season rides in New England. With breakfast served on the coach bus ride up to Vernon, VT, lunch on the course, post ride cook out, music, and best of all…post-ride carbs provided by our friends from the Boston Beer Company!
Ok, so it’s not all about The March of Dimes but hey, riders need fuel too, right?
Last week I was given the opportunity to talk with Andy and Rachel about their unique partnership and approach to this epic ride:
Andy is 55, married to Kate and they have two kids, Rachel, 18 and Trevor 17. When Andy and Rachel aren’t riding tandem, he’s at work for a high performance plastics manufacturer (sounds very serious) and Rachel is a sophomore at The University of Rhode Island where she studies Civil Engineering. Her summer job is eating serving pancakes at a local IHOP. She knows how to carb up!
When did you first start riding V2V and did you do the 100/80/50?
I rode the 100 mile route back in 2001, then not again until 2012, (which was Rachel’s first year riding it).
How long had you been cycling at that point?
I started mountain biking back in the mid 90’s and did not get a road bike until 1997, when I did my first Mount Washington Hillclimb. That was probably the 1st year I started riding seriously with a goal in mind.
Rachel started mountain biking in 2008 and got her first road bike the summer before she went into high school. The next summer we got a tandem and completed 3 centuries together. Since then we’ve been participating in centuries all over New England.

Loading up the bikes to get them to the start in VT! This is eerily familiar of when I had to ship my baby to Tucson and then Spain!
How do you prepare in the months/weeks leading up to the race?
My main event for many seasons was the Mount Washington Hillclimb and I had done several century rides that year to develop my training base. I had also signed up for the Vermont 50 mountain bike race which was 50 miles of trails around Mount Ascutney, 5-6 hours of riding. The V2V fit well as a training ride, back in 2001, and was 2 weeks before Mount Washington.
We had been training all summer for Mt. Washington and a century was always a distance we could do, we didn’t have to add extra training in but we usually take the day before the ride off or go on an easy ride.
What is the course like in terms of hills (up & down!), traffic, etc.?
Riding from Vermont to Connecticut sounds like it should be pretty hilly, but it is one of the flatter centuries in the area. There is one moderate climb about 40 miles in. Before and after it is pretty flat farm country and rollers. Traffic is light in most places as the route stays on rural roads. This year’s 100 mile route will change after about 65 miles and head toward Stafford and Ellington adding a few more hills and really nice countryside.
What was the best experience you have had on the ride and why?
Most of the centuries that I have done in recent years have been on a tandem with Rachel. Riding together for 5 hours is so much nicer than riding alone and we tend to ride pretty fast which makes it more exciting. The route scenery and watching people’s reactions seeing a fast tandem blow by with 2 people wearing matching kits is a good motivator. An added bonus is the V2V isn’t a loop ride. Being a point-to-point, you have a destination to reach. You are not just riding in a huge circle. This makes the route less predictable and you get to enjoy the changing scenery along the route.
What was your worst experience on the course?
That first ride I did back in 2001 was with a few friends. We signed up for the 100 and had a wet start with rainy weather. About ½ way through the route went over a metal bridge. I was at the front with the other 3 behind me. Metal bridges are treacherous on bikes and way worse in wet weather. We rounded a corner and were on the bridge before we could slow or stop. I was fortunate to keep my bike upright as I coasted over it, feeling my back wheel sliding on the wet metal grating. My friend who was next with the other 2 on his wheel, thinks he tapped his brakes just a little, and went down. The other two had no chance of not falling and all 3 of them hit the deck, kind of like falling on a giant cheese grater. All I heard were moans and groans behind me as I coasted to the end. All traffic stopped as there were bikes and bodies all over. I remember a police car driving across and his car skidded as he braked on the metal. All 3 of my friends broke wrists, fingers and one may have reinjured his collarbone. I ended up riding out the course to let spouses know what happened and the other 3 went to the hospital. None of us had phones at that time.
How do you fuel properly for all that mileage? Do you stop along the way to refuel and repack?
We eat mainly gels and Power Bars on the bike. Both are relatively easy to eat/chew and convert to energy fairly quickly without any stomach issues. Usually we will stop twice during a 100 mile ride, half way through and around 75 miles. It is nice to get off the bike to stretch for a few minutes and refuel. We are both very careful about what to and not to eat on rides. Typically, high carb foods with minimal fat and low protein work best for us.
What kinds of gear do you wear/carry?
Standard stuff: mini pump, 2 tubes, mini tool and tire levers.
Does the weather tend to change throughout the duration of the ride?
I have done a couple of centuries in the rain and it is not fun, so like many people, I will wait as long as I can before registering to see what the forecast is. Aside from that, the main weather change is going from cool or cold temperatures at the start (which usually is early morning), to moderate or warm temperatures around noon. So, to avoid overdressing and having too many clothes/layers to take off and stuff in rear pockets, we will start underdressed and cold for the 1st part of the ride. Then we look forward to the first climb to warm up on.
When did you first start cycling and when did it become “serious,” if it is?
Both Rachel and I started mountain bike racing in the Root 66 series. From that point forward, we trained and rode seriously to be competitive. I started racing that series in 2004, and Rachel in 2008. We are both very competitive so we were serious about the races and rides from the start.
What else do you enjoy doing – fitness or otherwise?
I used to do a lot of running and 5k/5 mile races, but had to stop a year and a half ago with lower disc issues. Rachel still runs often. Both of us ski and do strength training and some yoga. We are a very active family and try to spend a lot of time out on family adventures. One tradition we have is hiking up Mt. Washington a couple days after we bike up it.
What is the best advice you have for someone doing the ride for the first time?
If it is your 1st century, prepare well by eating the right foods before the event. Fuel up, but do not stuff yourselves. Don’t start the ride aggressively, 100 miles takes a long time and your energy needs to be metered. Eat foods easily digested and converted to energy during the rides. Foods with simple carbs and sugars are usually ideal.Do not overeat at food stops and do not stay off the bike more than a few minutes during the ride or restarting will really hurt.
As for training for the distance, it is ok if you can’t do a 100 mile before the V2V. Just make sure you have done a couple longer distance rides (60-75 miles) and know how to pace yourself for longer rides.
Any funny stories or tales of woe to add?
One of the pitfalls of our “ride this as fast as we can” attitude for long rides is focusing on average speed too much and not paying attention to the route markers. Many times we have missed turns and added miles (or skipped miles too). A couple of years ago we signed up for a metric century vs. the 100 mile route because we were not up for the longer distance that time. We missed a turn on a long, fast downhill (which we see how fast we can go) and went miles out of the way. So, instead of doubling back, we decided to make our own route back to the course. This did not work as planned and we diverted further off course and had many hills to cover to get back (and our legs were toast). We ended up doing 88 miles instead of the 62 that we were prepared for.
How is the after party?
The V2V after party is the best I have experienced. Al and Deb really put on a special finally with music, good food, and cold beverages (including beer!). After 5-6 or more hours on the bike, it is great to finally kick back, relax and treat yourself to some goodies.
Do you ride because of March of Dimes (any special connection?) or is it just an added bonus that it’s for such an amazing cause?
For us, it is an added bonus. I would do the ride anyway, but knowing the cause and the contributions people’s entry fees and donations cover makes it even more special.
[Tweet “What it takes to #ride 100 miles on a tandem #bike! @MarchofDimesCT #V2V”]
For the locals: This year the ride is on Sunday, September 28th and you can register NOW! All information is on the V2V web site or you can leave me a comment with any questions. Also, check out V2V on Facebook!
Have you ever done something special/traditional with your dad or mom?
Ever rode a tandem bike? If not, who would you ride one with?
Thoughts on riding a century?
5-6 hours on a bike?! That is so hardcore! I tip my hat to them, I didn’t even know biking 100 miles was called a century. I’m always learning every time I come here! That bridge metal grate situation sounds terrifying!!! I can’t even imagine not having control of the bike and hearing your friends fall behind you. Yikes! Great interview Allie, I enjoyed it!
I’m so glad you’re learning all the lingo here!
I couldn’t imagine that either. Of course I would never attempt a century in the rain!
I’ve never done a century but that sounds like fun! However, it does NOT sound like fun to ride with my mom or dad. 🙂 I’d for sure be fighting with my dad the whole way!
Sounds like we could do a really run reality show with parents and kids on tandem bikes for 5-6 hours! Imagine??
100 miles is pretty hardcore! I kind of figured you for the 100 miler! LOL! The March Of Dimes is an awesome cause. We have a few events around here to benefit that organization. Nothing like this. The only charity bike ride is the Ride For Roswell which I did. They offer a 100 mile route which you are only allowed to do if you have already done a long ride before.
That is an excellent rule!! And yes, I love the work March of Dimes does and I support it ALL!
Loved hearing about this today and could have possibly done this back in the day before I ended up with sciatica, but still sounds like a wonderful way for father and daughter to bond 🙂
Isn’t it so sweet? I mean, there are not a lot of parents and kids that could do this. They are too cute!!
John and I would kill each other on a tandem bike but I think you and I might do OK 🙂 I would like to one day ride a century! They sound like fun.
We would rock this Tara because it would be well thought out and completely planned from mile 1!! All we need is a transition to really kill it!
Thats awesome! Lots of quality time! I agree with Tara…..I am thinking more about how if you were arguing it would be hilarious……you would be yelling at one another, yet somehow you still have to work together to keep moving forward. I have never rode one, but would love to try it someday, when I am not running, as I would probably find some way to fall and hurt myself if I did it now!
I know, right?? I think it would take a lot of training rides to get on the same page!!
Haha, this is awesome! My husband’s fraternity had a tandem bike in college that we’d ride every once in a while. I couldn’t imagine going 100 miles on one; that takes a lot of trust and being in-tune with each other. But, this ride from Vermont to Connecticut has to be ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!
Well you’re the first to have actually ridden one before! I can’t imagine it!? And yes, I’m sure the ride is gorgeous!
Cool story! Not so sure my husband and I wouldn’t kill each other doing this…. ; )
My friend just got back from riding across Iowa on a tandem with her ex-husband. Yes, her ex. Not sure how they did it, but they had a great time!
What? That sounds like a disaster, yet obviously it works for them. My husband would probably coast the entire time and let me do all the work while he complained about how much it hurt his butt. He’s not a fan of bikes 🙂
Aww thats SO cool!! I love my parents, but I don’t think I could do that with either one of them. Not so much because I’d mind, but because they’re both so athletic they’d get annoyed at me for not pulling my weight. dont even get me started on the kayaking family vacation of ’99 🙂
Ha ha ha!! Oh you MUST tell that story now! I smell a blog post coming… 🙂
I’ve never been on a tandem bike…I’m not sure it would go well for me! haha. This is really interesting! I can’t wait until I can start cycling again. I would love to try a long ride. I think I’d start with the 50 though! Such a cool experience!
I really want to do it (the 80 at least) but don’t think I can manage it with all the half-marathons I have!! Plus, if it rained, I would be OUT!
How cool! My husband and I have a tandem from my days working at Cannondale. We’ve never raced on it and honestly, it probably needs some work now because we haven’t ridden it together in years. At one point when he was seriously training for triathlons, he would ride with a kid on the back to soccer games or do hill sprints with a kid on the back. The kids loved doing it with him and our youngest son loves cycling now because of it.
That is SO cool Michelle!!! I would need one for 3! Do they make those?? 🙂
What a scary story about the bridge and the broken bones! Yeesh. Glad that the stories are mostly positive and that you can eat during these long adventures too!
I’ve never been on a tandem bike, no. Sounds like an adventure!
I picture you and Cassidy being in perfect balance and pedal stroke together. I bet you can track moose really well on one of those puppies 🙂
Wow – great interview!! Love the party drinks!
Nope – never ridden on a tandem bike and don’t think it’s on the list. And, no, I’ve never done anything like that with my parents (also not on the list) but I’ve done a race with my son – even better!!!
I used to think I would do a 100 mile race (running) but since I can’t even finish 50 I don’t know if that will happen!
SO, so much better in my book too! And you WILL conquer that 50 miler…I just know it!
I have never ridden on a tandem bike, it looks like it would be fun. I actually have a friend in Colorado that just did the Leadville 100 on a tandem bike….hard core!
The Leadville 100 tandem? That is VERY hardcore. Wow!
I’ve never even ridden a tandem bike before but I want to do this! Now to convince my husband 🙂
I know, right? At least it would make for a good blog post! 🙂
This is great! I remember seeing a few couples on Tandems at last years Chico Wildflower Century and Metric. The teamwork seems great…maybe a future for Jack and me….but who would lead? Ha ha! Love this and love the fundraising!
I know!!! Better yet – you and I could do it and I would totally let you take the lead 🙂
That would be a blast Allie! Could you imagine? Think we need to now! xo
I’m a runner, not a biker and I’ve never ridden a tandem bike…but that seems INSANE! But what a special experience for a father & daughter to share together. That’s awesome.
They are just too much! And, I’m a runner AND a biker but this is even too much for me!!
Although I’ve never done a century but that sounds like fun! 100 miles is pretty hardcore! especially when you are riding a tandem bike. Keep sharing such positive story!