Eastern Tandem Rally, as its name implies, was originally organized to provide continuity to its namesake annual tandem bicycle rally. Since that time, we have expanded our mission to seek opportunities to provide and promote recreational, social and educational opportunities for tandem cyclists in the New England and mid-Atlantic states. The ETR is composed entirely of volunteers.

ETR does not aspire to be the largest gathering of tandems in the US, but seeks to provide a rich opportunity for primarily regional tandemists to ride and communicate with each other. ETR seeks to balance rally costs with a safe, social and high quality cycling experiences. For example, our event history includes rallies with college dorm hosting as well as hotels. We also seek communication and cross-pollination with other tandem organizations in order to keep new ideas flowing and enrich the organization. If you are an experienced touring cyclist, the ETR would also like to tap your skills to organize smaller pre- and post-rally tours, shoulder events that round out a rally weekend, and help justify a long trip by our further-flung attendees. Or come to us with an entirely new idea!

The current ETR Bylaws, in Adobe PDF format, are available here.

Paying Forward – Volunteers for future rallies needed!

The ETR organization is constantly seeking tandem teams and local regional tandem clubs interested in promoting rallies each year. Promotors are encouraged to locate suitable venues for rallies and make a presentation to the ETR Board and Officers at the Annual Meeting held during the ETR rally. Presentations typically detail a host hotel or college for accommodations and meals; propose dates; outline a rally itinerary; and estimate attendee expenses against a budget. Unlike some tandem rallies that are held the same weekend each year, the annual ETR rally date varies. ETRs have been as early as July and as late as October, to accommodate a variety of venues. The Board and officers provide preliminary approvals, and start promoting the event. A rally checking account and event insurance is provided by the ETR organization. As a token of appreciation, the promoting tandem team for ETR and MATES rallies is invited to the following year’s rally at no cost to themselves – registration and accomodation fees are waived! Consider organizing a rally – its not that difficult, and it’s a personally rewarding experience that also benefits the sport! Thank you!