The Tandem Club

Richard and Michelle organised the February ride for the Taunton Group. The route that was planned took into account that it would probably be cold and icy or wet and miserable. It was in fact a perfect spring like day. The skylarks were singing and there were snowdrops in abundance.
11 tandems left Hestercombe and set off on a route that circumnavigated part of Taunton. We were pleased to have Neil and Bridget from the West Country group join us although trying to keep up with them up the few hills was difficult! Trish and Paul left us near Trull and the remaining 10 tandems headed to the Cross Keys Pub for lunch. Finding a venue suitable for large numbers is becoming increasingly difficult but they put us in the Conservatory which we had to ourselves – perfect!
The ride back to Hestercombe was short - just as well after all the roast dinners that had been consumed!
It was good to see Grace back on the bike after an enforced rest from cycling and to catch up with tandem friends

Mark and Liz organised the September ride for the Taunton Group where 6 tandems and 2 singletons met at Yatton in slight drizzle which rapidly improved to a pleasant day. Quiet small lanes were taken to Clevedon where the tide was in and there were fine views over the Bristol Channel. After coffee on the seafront we tackled a hill out of Clevedon and then onward to Weston in Gordano before joining sustrans route 410 towards Nailsea. Suburban roads were taken around the edge of Nailsea and Backwell to take us to lunch at the Rising Sun.

Food was served promptly and portions were ample! Finally a rural route was taken to Claverham and back to Yatton.

Rob and Sally organised the January ride for the Taunton Group where a last minute surge in numbers saw eight tandems and one solo gather in the centre of Wiveliscombe on a chilly but dry morning. Fortified with coffee from the White Hart pub we set off on a circular route which we had described as ‘undulating’. We completed twenty miles on quiet roads and back lanes with approximately 500m of climb passing through Ford, Pitsford Hill, Ash Priors, Halse, Oake, Nynehead, Langford Budville and then back to Wiveliscombe. Ian and Lisa well and truly christened their clean shiny new tandem on the muddy lanes but at least no one accidentally went off route into the farmyard which has a mud and slurry lake about a foot deep, as Rob and I had done when planning the route a couple of weeks ago.
The views on this route are beautiful and the verges and hedgerows at this time of year festooned with snowdrops. We saw pheasants, free range chickens, the usual farm livestock and even alpacas. There were even moments when the clouds gave way to patches of blue sky although the sun remained elusive.
We returned to the White Hart for lunch where we were also joined by Rex and Hannah. The White Hart catered excellently for our large group although there was some haggling over dessert when there were only six portions of apple and blackberry crumble left and ten people wanted them (me included). I kept my head down and fortunately there were more gallant people than I who gracefully made other choices. I was glad because the crumble was superb!

Lisa and Ian organised the December ride and Christmas Meal for the Taunton Group where 15 tandems met at The Walnut Tree in North Petherton. We Started with Coffee in the Hotel which gave everyone a chance to change into their Fancy Dress. We then went for a short ride through Durleigh, Chilton Trinity and into the centre of Bridgwater where we stopped at the Bandstand for a group photo and an impromptu Carol Service.
A short ride back to the Walnut Tree saw another 4 tandem crews join us for an excellent Christmas Meal.
The annual award for the most Group rides attended went to John and Judy for the 3rd consecutive year! Fierce competition for this year’s Fancy Dress, which included a Christmas Tree with Fairy, Mary and Joseph (complete with a baby Jesus), went to the 2 Sugar Plum Fairies (with Christmas Music) – well done Nick and Rachel. This year’s Christmas Quiz was won by Andy and Anita and a special prize was awarded to Richard and Michelle for the ‘most bagged Trig Points’ (long story!). The meal finished with the usual singalong provided by James and Nick.
Lisa and Ian were presented with gifts and thanked for organising another successful year for the Taunton Group.