In Tandem

Pedaling Through Midlife on A Bicycle Built for Two

By: Jay Livingston, Szifra Birke

Narrated by: Jay Livingston

In this "amusing, insightful, and nuanced memoir about building a new relationship in middle age, a tandem bike is both character and metaphor". The bike offers the new couple an ongoing physical challenge and an arena that requires cooperation and negotiation to assemble a new marriage on the detritus of multiple divorces, breakups, and a death.

An entertaining meditation on coupling and the mechanics of bikes. It captures the complexity of creating a durable twosome while maintaining individuality, the convoluted art of integrating personal responsibility and shared accountability, and the need to not just negotiate but welcome differences when established adult lives are merged.

All this occurs as two people suffer to push themselves and 35 pounds of bike up long hills, avoid encounters with a bike’s most dangerous predators (cars), and learn to lean together into the curves life throws at them.

©2022 Jay Livingston (P)2022 Jay Livingston

Critic reviews

"...a wonderful, enlightening read that correlates tandem cycling to relationships and more. Not just a must-read for cyclists, everyone will benefit from this introspective view of our interaction with our significant others, ourselves, and some of the best strategies to create a successful team of two." (Andy Applegate, senior cycling coach)

“I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful, moving, and funny tale of a resilient, dynamic duo…so tenderly and delicately handcrafted.” (Louise Baribeau, retired mental health professional)

Amazing journey!

As a fellow tandem enthusiast, I found In Tandem to be an absolute joy to listen to. The audiobook felt like a personal conversation — heartfelt, honest, and deeply relatable. The reflections and stories shared throughout the book resonated with me in so many ways, from the challenges of partnership to the quiet triumphs found in sync and shared momentum.

Thank you for sharing your journey so openly — it was inspiring and affirming. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this ride.

— Karen Etchells

The best book I have ever read.

This book opened my intrinsic self and uncovered the shadows in my next relationship