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Double Forte is an international subscription based electronic mailing list established to promote interest in and to facilitate the exchange of information regarding the sport of tandem mountain biking. The group's members are cycling enthusiasts who have discovered the enjoyment, excitement, and camaraderie of riding mountain bikes built for two. The group provides its members with a forum where they can share technical information, riding tips, trail reviews and event information related to tandem biking. Membership is moderated but granted to anyone interested in tandem mountain biking to ensure discussions remain non-commercial, topical and free from objectionable language.
Double Forte is not a cycling club:
- It does not collect dues,
- It does not publish a newsletter
- It does not have by-laws
- It does not have a leadership structure
- It does not host events
- It does not endorse or certify ride leaders
Since Double Forte isn't a club any group tandem rides that may come as a result of forum discussions will always be no-host events. Individuals who volunteer to identify dates, times and ride routes do so as a courtesy to others who are interested in participating and are otherwise just another participant on the group ride. The rides may or may not be held in conjunction with a social event arranged by the same individuals who organized the ride.
Everyone who participates in a ride has a responsibility to follow the rules of the road and extend care and consideration to the other ride participants as they do to all other road users. Ride "organizers" may elect to offer suggested ride routes of varying length and point out challenging aspects of the various routes; however, are not expected nor encouraged to take on a role as ride leaders. Again, each participant is responsible for their own actions during a group ride, including knowing their limits with regard to bike handling skills, knowing the rules of the road, ensuring their tandems are in proper working order and is expected to be self-sufficient during the ride. Social events held in conjunction with group rides are looked upon as separate and distinct events that are defined by their hosts.
This group is intended to be a quiet companion to the Tandem@Hobbes list which is THE LIST for tandem enthusiasts. Tandem@Hobbes is an international subscription based electronic mailing list for all forms of tandem bicycle enthusiasts, whereas Double Forte is targeted to the much smaller community of tandem mountain bike enthusiasts. Suitable topics for Tandem@Hobbes include questions and answers related to tandem components, riding technique, brands and equipment selection, repairs and upgrades, prices, clubs, tandem anecdotes, rides, rallies and other activities, cooperating on FAQ (frequently asked questions) material etc.
We strongly encourage members to post road, touring & other general tandem related topics or questions to the Tandem@Hobbes list. This guideline is intended to ensure the DF list does not in anyway detract from the purpose of the Tandem@Hobbes listing while, at the same time, keeping the DF list focused on tandem mountain biking topics. Additionally, this list is not intended to replace the various other rec.bicycles newsgroups. Items of general interest to the broader audience of bicycle enthusiasts should be posted to the rec.bicycles newsgroups (if you have access to them). Links to these other resources are available on the "links page" at the Double Forte Website which can be reached through: http://www.TheTandemLink.com
The expected benefits of this list are to provide members with:
YahooGroups is a free service that allows you to easily create and join email groups. Email groups offer a convenient way to connect with others who share the same interests and ideas
Message Preferences can be set so that you:
- receive individual messages.
- receive a daily digest that consolidates all emails into one full-text message.
- receive no message but can, instead, view messages on the YahooGroups web site.
- set a "No-Mail" option to halt message delivery while you are out of town.
Group Features & Benefits
- Message Archive: The Message Archive stores all the messages your group has ever sent. It's a great tool for browsing past information.
- Files: Every group you belong to will receive 20 megabytes of private storage space for saving files, photos, MP3's, and any other group documents.
- Calendar: You can easily schedule meetings, events, and even set up automatic email reminders to keep your group informed.
- Polls: You can learn more about your members by polling them quickly and easily.
The list is generally unmoderated, however if topics stray too wildly moderation may occasionally be activated. List archives, including previous messages, are available electronically. There is a digest mode.
- The Group's Name: The complete name of this group is 'Forum for Off-Road Tandem Enthusiasts'.
- The Group's Nickname: The nickname for this list is DOUBLE FORTE and it is derived from the group name's acronym, 'FFORTE' or 'Double-F ORTE'. In music, Double forte (or fortissimo) means, "to play loudly, strongly and with great force". Somehow, this just seemed appropriate for those of us who enjoy the sport of tandem mountain biking.
- The Group's Icon: The Icon for Double Forte is it's musical notation, 'ff' overlaid by the group's name. The double f is symbolic of the group's name and, coincidentally, the tight bond that exists between the two members of a tandem mountain bike team.
Direct questions concerning Double Forte to: Mark Livingood, List Owner & Moderator E-mail: Webmaster
Copyright
1998 by David Morgan