Athens experienced a show of alternative-to-alternative transportation Memorial Day weekend, as the 11th annual Georgia Tandem Rally rolled into town. Over 200 cyclists on 99 bicycles converged on the Foundry Park Inn, their headquarters for three days of long group rides and on-foot forays to Athens’ attractions.

Ben Mostyn

Two hundred riders on 99 bikes came to Athens for the Georgia Tandem Rally.

Thoughts of tandem bicycles typically evoke scenes of straw-hatted riders at genteel speeds, or a leisurely beach boardwalk rental. But as the rally assembled at the inn’s parking lot for the first long tour of the weekend, the participants and their rides quickly dispelled such quaint notions. Sleek cycling wear in vivid colors was the look, with many teams in matching gear. (A team consists of one bike—full of people, usually two, but not always, as four “triplets” this year boasted three people.) The bikes themselves were all clean-lined angles jewel-bright in the sun, made by names such as Santana, Trek, Cannondale and Co-Motion, among others. These machines aren’t cheap; most are between $3,000 and 6,000. Their riders came from 15 states: Surprisingly, the most-represented state was Florida, not Georgia. The oldest rider was Zeke Osgood, 82, who rode a triplet with his son Eric and Linda Wood. The youngest rider, Michael Garrison, age seven, took stoker position behind mom Nancy and older brother Ian.

The organizers of the event, Roger Strauss and Eve Kofsky, have set up each yearly rally since the first in 1999. They rotate the ride among several Georgia cites, and this was their first return to Athens since 2002. Why Athens? Strauss grinned and raised his voice over the B-52s music bouncing through their gathering on Saturday: “Lots to do, lots to eat, lots to see, and good local beer. We enjoy Athens.” That, they do. When they climbed off their bikes, the riders hit town. Excursions to the Terrapin brewery, restaurants and an evening of desserts at the Lyndon House were not only fun for participants, but when combined with lodging and other expenses made a nice contribution to our summer economy. Next year’s rally location isn’t confirmed yet, but Athens will be remembered—and, we can hope, revisited—for the good times experienced this year.

Deb Chasteen