The home of shared cycling adventures for couples, families and friends

Taunton Regional Group

Organisers Contact: Jackie and Stuart Hibberd, Tel: 0117 9695159, Email: westcountry@tandem-club.org.uk

 

Monthly rides usually held on the third weekend of the month - either on a Saturday or a Sunday.

 

Tony Prichard2026-05-29 14:17:15tci2026

Can someone help us with a 25mm hose clip? Need to secure campervan waste hose.

Tony Prichard2026-05-29 19:27:00tci2026

Has someone picked up a Salviac plastic glass by mistake?

Kevin Hughes2026-05-30 17:22:41tci2026
Couple with faulty bike electrics

A TCI couple approached me last night about loss of electrics on their Shimano powered Orbit tandem, can't remember their names, they were going to cycle to Roscoff
Just had a thought, did they check if the little magnet on a spoke on the rear wheel is aligned with the sensor on the rear chainstay, it tells your bike computer your wheel speed. Once on my Hase Pino the magnet had twisted on the spoke and out of alignment and I lost power

Kevin Hughes2026-05-30 17:22:41tci2026
Couple with faulty bike electrics

A TCI couple approached me last night about loss of electrics on their Shimano powered Orbit tandem, can't remember their names, they were going to cycle to Roscoff
Just had a thought, did they check if the little magnet on a spoke on the rear wheel is aligned with the sensor on the rear chainstay, it tells your bike computer your wheel speed. Once on my Hase Pino the magnet had twisted on the spoke and out of alignment and I lost power

Stephen Adams2026-05-30 19:55:27SouthEastWales

Hi Kevin - thanks for the suggestion - it's one of the things I checked last night, but no joy. We're now sorted with a ride to Roscoff on Monday for Amy, me and the tandem. Now we get to enjoy 2 extra days in Gouarec and will probably ride the flat route to Bon Repos for a coffee tomorrow. Thanks again, Stephen

Stephen Adams2026-05-30 19:58:59tci2026

Hi Kevin - thanks for the suggestion - it's one of the things I checked last night, but no joy. We're now sorted with a ride to Roscoff on Monday for Amy, me and the tandem. Now we get to enjoy 2 extra days in Gouarec and will probably ride the flat route to Bon Repos for a coffee tomorrow. Thanks again, Stephen

Kevin Hughes2026-05-30 21:49:22tci2026

Hi Stephen, great to hear you Amy and the tandem are sorted. Be interesting to hear what the solution to you problem was. Many other Shimano powered tandems in the Tsndem club might benefit in the future.

Bernard Norton2026-05-31 16:58:55tci2026

Yes please we e-Orbit tandemers need to know what the solution is//was? But we are pleased thou found it!

Stephen Adams2026-05-31 17:13:46tci2026

I'll keep you posted...

Terry Barnaby2026-06-05 09:16:00tci2026
Cycling shoes left at rally
Cycling shoes left at rally

These cycling shoes were found after cleaning up after the rally.

Hans Uittenboogaard2026-06-06 00:19:18tci2026

Oops. These are ours. Swapped for more comfortable shoes after the tandem games. And left early wednesday morning. Please be in touch via uittenboog@hotmail.com to see how we can get them repatriated. Apologies for the inconvenience. Hans&Angelique Uittenboogaard

Tim Hall2026-06-09 14:03:57SurreyAndSussex

The next Surrey and Sussex ride is this coming Sunday, 14 June starting at Old Basing RG24 7JY at 1000

William Sherlock 2026-06-10 20:03:35tcn2026

Hi, We're new to tandem riding but have been club members for a while. We live in North Devon. Would we be able to join the rally just for a day or two, and stay overnight, either Friday 7/Saturday 8, or Saturday and Sunday. Thanks, Will

Neil Wheadon2026-06-10 20:21:04tcn2026

Hi Will yes a few nights are fine, non electric. Hope you can join us

Philip Ingram2026-06-20 21:14:35tci2026

attendees

Philip Ingram2026-06-20 21:14:39tci2026

attendees

Neil Wheadon2026-06-22 20:48:14tcn2026

The hog roast will be on the Friday night (7th) All confirmed. If you would like this but haven't said so on the booking form, there is still time, just Email me

Lai-Fun Russell2026-06-22 21:08:33tcn2026

Hi Neil, how do we know if we have booked for the hog roast or not? Lai Fun Russell

Neil Wheadon2026-06-22 21:11:33tcn2026

It will be on your booking confirmation. In your case, you have

Ian and Lisa Warren2026-06-23 21:05:16Taunton
June 2026
June 2026

It’s flaming June and holiday season so five members of Taunton Tandem group set off from Gillingham to the airport.

The weather was perfect for cycling, warm but not too warm and no wind.

Clive and Emma’s carefully planned route took them along shady, leafy and quiet lanes and through charming villages. The Bennet Arms at Semley, (a village with an old worldly feel and large green), was just about to open but the ride was going so well no one felt the need of a break. They pressed on, through Donhead St Mary to the longest climb of the route. Unfazed they then continued to Compton Abbas Airfield to lunch at The Lore of the Sky.

While dining on the patio, they were able to watch the small planes taking off, circling and landing. There was even a Tiger Moth. Clive and Emma had managed to arrange an airshow!

After the leisurely lunch the group then set off for home, dropping down to Fontmell Magna and then on through rolling lanes back. There was a pub in East Stour where they could have stopped for a drink but yet again they were happy to press on. Another 5 miles from East Stour brought them back to Gillingham. The whole ride was 28 very enjoyable miles.

Clive & Emma Bowyer

Neil Wheadon2026-06-26 14:27:07tcn2026

Hog Roast - Thankyou for the updates. One from this end. I have upgraded it a little, so it now includes a green leaf salad with French Dressing and Coleslaw. In addition a pesto pasta sald. The hog roast has pork stuffing and cracking served in a soft white bap. The vegetarian is a vegetarian burger with lettuce, tomatoes and onions with ketchup and mustard. Please can everyone bring there own plate and cutlery please as trying to reduce waste. If anyone else is tempted let me know and I'll add you to the numbers.

Brian Fox2026-06-26 15:46:59GreaterManchester

Hi, re hog roast, we've signed up to that, but one of us is gluten intolerant, and I see stuffing is included.

Brian Fox2026-06-26 15:47:03GreaterManchester

Hi, re hog roast, we've signed up to that, but one of us is gluten intolerant, and I see stuffing is included.

Brian Fox2026-06-26 15:47:08GreaterManchester

Hi, re hog roast, we've signed up to that, but one of us is gluten intolerant, and I see stuffing is included.

Brian Fox2026-06-26 15:47:12GreaterManchester

Hi, re hog roast, we've signed up to that, but one of us is gluten intolerant, and I see stuffing is included.

Brian Fox2026-06-26 15:47:17GreaterManchester

Hi, re hog roast, we've signed up to that, but one of us is gluten intolerant, and I see stuffing is included.

Brian Fox2026-06-26 15:48:34GreaterManchester

Err, no idea what happened there, sorry. Anyway, can you please confirm if the hog itself is gluten free? Thanks!

Greg Hughes2026-06-26 16:11:19GreaterManchester

Hog Roast? That sounds good, we haven't seen the details for that?

Neil Wheadon2026-06-28 20:27:26tcn2026

I am away in Mongolia, for 2 weeks from Monday. It’s an area of no WIFI/signal, so I cannot respond to any queries. Best Wishes Neil

joanne saunders2026-06-30 06:47:13Herts

We are planning to join the rally for a few days first time experience but hear good things from the Herts group. We will sign up for the friday night hog roast also Neil did we need to email independently to confirm?

12/07/2026 Lancashire & Cumbria
Andy and Christine's ride.  

The July ride visits the lovely Eden valley, with one ford, two castles, a few short stretches of gravel and “couple” of hills. The ride is a total of 39 lumpy miles, but the biggest hill is within the first 1½ miles so just make sure your battery is charged and you’ll be fine. The start is in the centre of Orton just north of J38 of the M6 (9:15 for a 9:30 start) with coffee at Bojangles in Appleby after 12 miles and lunch at Lowther Castle after 25 miles (although we will be taking a picnic).

There are toilets at the start.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53512793
Contact: Andrew Acklam Email: aacklam1@gmail.com

12/07/2026 Wessex
This was the ride which had to be cancelled in 2025 due to excess heat!
David writes:
The route contains bits of which we've ridden with the TC before but hopefully still a different and varied route for most.
10am start from Green Acre, Halterworth Lane, Romsey SO51 9AD; coffee at the Wellow fishery after 16km and then via small lanes to Stockbridge for lunch (at about 37km, bring sandwiches) and then a loop back home for a total of 54km.
There are obvious ways to shorten or lengthen the route as required.
My planner says 500m of ascent and descent, most of that clustered around 4 locations on the route, two before the coffee stop and then one before and after lunch.  The majority of the distance is reasonably easy going.
I expect Alison will provide some nibbles at home when we get back, for those who are able to hang around.
 

Contact: David Martin(Login to see contact details)
12/07/2026 North East
Meet at Haltwhistle, NE49 9DZ. Park in places either side of the entrance to Sainsbury's car park. Lunch at Jill's Catering and Tea Room. 1936 ft ascent.  
Contact: Russell and Christine Blackburn(Login to see contact details)
Marquee is full at rallySelection of photos submitted for the photo competition during the 2026 International Tandem Rally in Gouarec
16/04/2026
15/10/2026
Id: 1941
Location: Halton, Lancaster
Postcode: LA2 6PD
Map Reference: 54.0764, -2.73272
Ride length: 65 km
Lancashire and Cumbria Group - October ride from the Crook O Lune to the Lancashire coast. 9 tandems and 3 solos set off on a misty autumnal day, on David and Caroline's ride, exploring the Lancashire Coast and Lune Estuary. Superbly led, great company and perfect refreshment stops at The Quayside a ...
10/08/2026
Id: 1916
Location: BA3 5LS
Postcode: BA3 5LS
Map Reference: 51.0056, -2.81533
Ride length: 64 km
Ride ease: Average
09/08/2026
Id: 1920
Location: BA3 5LS
Postcode: BA3 5LS
Map Reference: 51.0056, -2.81533
Ride length: 64 km
Ride ease: Average
Heading right out of the campsite, you'll pass to the east of Langport to be greeted by the highest climb of the day as you ascend 84 metres to High Ham, giving lovely views of the Somerset levels. Descending to the levels takes you to the Shapwick nature reserve which is a series of large ponds wit ...
09/08/2026
Id: 1921
Location: Thorney Lakes, Langport
Postcode: TA10 0DW
Map Reference: 51.0052, -2.81576
Ride length: 85 km
Ride ease: Average
Heading right out of the campsite, you'll pass to the east of Langport to be greeted by the highest climb of the day as you ascend 84 metres to High Ham, giving lovely views of the Somerset levels. Descending to the levels takes you to the Shapwick nature reserve which is a series of large ponds wit ...

The ability to download all the rides, by a member, in a zip file will be available once the rides have been published here.

April Ride Report and phots.html

March Ride Report.html

February Ride Report.html

YouTube Video - February

November 2013 Ride Report.html
December Ride Report.html
October Ride Report.html
Ride Report - February 2014.html