My First Time Inside the Titan: A Rollercoaster Ride to a New World Record!

This year, I got the opportunity to ride in the back seat of the back-to-back tandem streamliner Titan, together with Calvin. I had previously spent a year racing competitively on a back-to-back tandem with Bas Breedveld,

but that was quite some time ago. Now it was time to find out what it was really like inside a streamliner!

Saturday – Getting Ready

On Saturday, I tried to see if I could fit into the back seat of Titan and turn the pedals comfortably. It was possible, but some adjustments were needed. To reach the pedals, we rolled up a fitness mat and placed it underneath me to fill the extra space.
With that sorted, I was ready for my first qualifying run on Sunday morning. We started the week with the crash panel fitted to the bike. Little did I know how important that panel would become!

Sunday – A Rough Start

On Sunday morning, Calvin and Ethan completed their run with Larry as their starter. Then it was my turn.
Getting two people into the bike and ready to go within four minutes is quite a challenge. Luckily, we were second on the starting line, so we had enough time to get everything sorted.
Calvin asked everyone if they were ready. Larry, who was starting us, and I both confirmed that we were.
“Start!”
We pushed hard on the pedals, and before I knew what was happening, we were lying on our side. There was nothing left to do but get out of the bike.Not quite the debut I had imagined!

Monday – Learning the Hard Way

On Monday morning, we tried again, with exactly the same result. This time, however, we made sure we had someone capable of getting us off the line. Having a good starter turned out to be essential.
We practiced in the parking lot, where I also had a go and managed a reasonable result.
This year, qualifying runs were also scheduled in the evening, giving us another opportunity to try. With Adam as our starter, we finally managed to get away! For the first time, I experienced the strange sensation of peddling backwards in the dark, tucked inside the streamliner.
My position still wasn't ideal, and by the end of the run, I was feeling a little uncomfortable. We came into the finish a bit too fast and got dropped in the catch-area, which meant another crawl out of the cockpit.
The boys didn't run because of the strong wind, so my debut at the start of Titan had to wait a little longer.

Tuesday – A Flat Tyre at 40 mph

Finally, on Tuesday, I got to start Titan.
Calvin and Ethan were riding at a good pace. After only about two kilometers, they were already traveling at around 40 mph when disaster struck: a rear tyre went flat at the six-kilometer marker.
The crash panel did its job and protected the shell. Thankfully, that was exactly what it was there for.
The wind was too strong for any more runs in the evening, so we had to wait again.

Wednesday – Speed, Smoke and a New World Record!

Wednesday morning at 7:30, Calvin and I were the first to run.
I had used the previous day to improve my seating position. I adjusted the seat and changed the shoulder pad so that I had contact with the shell. I still wasn't entirely comfortable during the ride, but I didn't dare move once we were underway!
We kept a steady pace without sprinting at the end and reached 52.11 mph.
In Calvin and Ethan's next run, they suffered another flat tyre at the six-kilometer marker. This time, the front tyre went flat, sending them off the road into the dirt. The rest of the day was spent changing the tyre and cleaning all the dirt out of the bike.
That evening, Calvin and I were scheduled to ride again, still with the crash panel fitted.
Adam gave us a good launch, and off we went! This time, I felt good inside the bike. I was comfortable and confident enough to push harder during the run-up. We didn't sprint at the end, but we had a solid ride.
After crossing the finish line, we braked until we were down to 30 mph. We stopped, then applied the brakes hard for the final stop.
Suddenly, just before reaching the catchers, I heard a loud CLUNK!
The bike stopped abruptly and tipped over. Smoke started coming in the bike, and I hurried to get out of the cockpit. Meanwhile, Calvin was shouting, “Let me out!”
As soon as the hatch opened, someone started using it like a fan to blow the smoke away. Quite a dramatic end to the run!
Later, we discovered that the brakes had overheated and deteriorated.
But there was good news, too. During the evening meeting, June informed us that we were the only team to finish a run that evening. With no wind to spoil the conditions, our speed was officially recorded at 65.06 mph — a new world record!
What a day: from a smoky finish to a new world record!

Thursday – The Calm Before the Storm

Thursday was extremely windy, so we didn't run in either the morning or the evening.
With only two days left, the nerves were starting to build. The crash panel was about to come off, and the pressure was on. It was time to see what Titan could really do.

Friday – The Pressure Is On

Friday morning, Calvin and Ethan were scheduled to ride. They were still looking for a good, legal  time.
As the start approached, the pressure was rising. I had some trouble getting the bike going, so we stopped and tried again. The second attempt went smoothly, and off they went!
There was a crosswind, which meant no sprint at the end. They completed a solid run at 68.80 mph, but unfortunately, the wind conditions meant the time wasn't legal.
In the evening, the wind was too strong again, and no runs were possible.
Just one day left!

Saturday – One Last Chance

Saturday morning, Calvin and I were scheduled to start in Heat 2. Adam gave us a good launch, and we were soon up to speed.
With two kilometer to go, the speedometer was showing 65 mph. We pushed a little harder, but the conditions weren’t favorable. We crossed the finish line at 64.13 mph, once again in non-legal wind conditions.
So, no improvement on the record.
Calvin and Ethan were scheduled for Heat 5, the final heat of the day. We were all nervous. On the start, I dropped the bike at the start line.
Not exactly what we needed at that moment!
Fortunately, the organizers created a sixth heat, giving Titan another chance to run. This time, the start went smoothly.
The conditions were better than during the earlier heats, but the bike just didn't seem to want to accelerate. They finished just short of 70 mph.
Close, but not quite enough to give Ethan a new hat!
Looking Back

What a week inside Titan!

From struggling to get the bike off the starting line to experiencing the strange feeling of pedaling backwards in the dark, from flat tyres and smoky brakes to setting a new speed world record, it was a week full of challenges, excitement, and unforgettable moments.
I learned a lot about riding in a tandem streamliner, especially how important the right seating position, a good launch, and confidence inside the cockpit are. It wasn't always comfortable, and things certainly didn't always go according to plan, but that's part of the experience.
And then there was that Wednesday evening run: a good launch, a comfortable ride, a smoky finish, and a new world record of 65.06 mph!
My first time riding in the back of Titan was certainly not a boring one. It left me with plenty of memories, a few lessons learned the hard way, and an even greater appreciation for everyone involved in getting these incredible machines up to speed.
What an adventure — and what a way to discover life inside a tandem streamliner!