Easter 2007 UK Tandem Rally

Bath Youth Hostel,

Bath, Somerset, England

Friday, 6th April 2007 - Monday, 9th April 2007

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The Event

Eighty five people attended the 2007 Easter Rally which took place in the World heritage City of Bath. The city, renowned for its Roman Baths, Georgian Crescents and Abbey, has access to a variety of interesting destinations for a Tandem Club Event. The event was centred on the Youth Hostel with members also staying at Newton Mill Campsite, Bath Marina and various private establishments.

Each day a long and short ride was offered with both routes sharing a common section for the morning.

 Bath Youth Hostel

Bath Youth Hostel

Friday

On Friday we visited Castle Combe via Marshfield (everything in the village was shut for Good Friday). Luckily, the coffee shop in Castle Combe was open for business. The long route continued on to Lacock. The weather was superb.

Tandem on steep hill on the way to Castle Combe
Steep hill on the way to Castle Combe		 Early morning tandem climb to the Youth Hostel
Early morning climb to the Youth Hostel

Saturday

Saturday saw us visiting Chew Valley Lake with the long route circumnavigating the lake. On the return we used part of the Bristol-Bath cycle path and visited the centre of Bath.

Wessex Water Clock

Tandem riders peer at the Water Clock
in the offices of Wessex Water

 Tandems in Timsbury
In Timsbury - looking for the coffee stop		 Tandems at Chew Valley Lake
Lunch stop at Chew Valley Lake

Sunday

Easter Sunday dawned with more sunshine and several people attended Morning Service in Bath Abbey. The route included the Kennet and Avon Towpath towards Bradford-on-Avon and returned via Great Chalfield Manor. At the end we were faced with a steep climb up to the Landsdown Lawn Tennis and Squash Racquets Club at Landsdown where a Buffet meal had been laid on. This was an opportunity for everyone to socialise before attending the AGM or returning to their various accommodation.

Tandem at Bath Youth Hostel
                 Leaving the hostel at the start of Sunday's ride		 Tandem on the canal bridge on Bathwick Hill
Crossing the canal bridge on Bathwick Hill		 Tandem on the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath
Crossing the Dundas Aqueduct
on the Kennet Avon Canal towpath

Monday

Mist over the City greeted us on Monday morning but this soon cleared for our visit to Radstock via Wellow. Those with more time were able to explore a new section of cycle path which extends towards Frome with a return through Mells and Kilmersden. Mells is the village of the Little Jack Horner nursery rhyme, and Kilmersden is noted for the hill made famous by Jack and Jill who went up it.

Tandem on the way to Radstock via Colliers Way
On the way to Radstock via Colliers Way		 Pulteney Bridge, Bath
Pulteney Bridge, Bat
Thanks to everyone who attended and contributed towards making this an excellent rally. The Hostel staff were especially pleased to have such a friendly group staying and would be pleased to see us again.

Report by: Tony Prichard (Easter Egg eater for the Rally Organizer)