Wessex March ride Can anyone imagine better weather than we had today? Okay, maybe a bit less wind at times might have been good. Mark and Sarah had to pull out because of a bad cold, leaving 6 tandems and 2 solos to tackle the challenge. Cliff and Bridget also from Romsey with their powered steed. Jack & Nic along with Josh had ridden all the way from Highcliffe and further (wow!). Simon and his daughter Elm did that too but 'only' from nearby Braishfield. Simon & Anne and daughter Sarah (solo) did that too, from Chandler's Ford. Which meant that Doug and Shirley rolled up in the only vehicle. I think we were very green! Alison and I, however, can hardly claim to have ridden to the start: all we had to do was fall out of bed! We took the road to Braishfield, nearly back to where Simon and Elm had just come from. Then the road to Merdon, encountering the first proper climb, albeit short and sharp. Down briefly to the main road and up towards Sparsholt, turning left where there is a sad memorial to a cyclist, and up to Farley Mount. Then an enjoyable roller-coaster ride down to Kings Somborne. There Simon noticed his mum out walking the dog and we all gave a wave. A few yards on the main road then off towards Horsebridge and our coffee stop at the John O'Gaunt, spot-on the planned 11:30am. The promised chocolate cake was very good and we all took our cake and drinks out into the sun. After a quick group photo, and a decision that we could slightly lengthen the route, we headed for Houghton and down the Test Valley, soon turning west and climbing up and across the Broughton road and then south to East Tytherley. Then Lockerley, Dunbridge, Kimbridge, Michelmersh and Braishfield where Simon and Elm left us. 12 of us continued on the predictable route back to the house. 48km covered, 30 miles in old money. And 580m of ascent. 2pm back at the house and we enjoyed some of Alison's biscuits with our lunches and drinks, and the sun was still on full beam. Josh and Jack and Nic were the last to leave and we hear their total distance was just shy of 100 miles! We hope the easterly wind helped, but still - wow! David and Alison Martin
The TCE2022 Easter Rally routes and information have been sent out by email - if you have not received the email contact: tce2022@tandem-club.org.uk
Bookings are now open for the TC's 50th Birthday Party happening on the Wednesday at the National rally. The event includes a light, plated buffet meal with tea/coffee, and speakers. There is a small cost and you need to reserve a place.
Bookings are now open for the TC's 50th Birthday Party happening on the Wednesday at the National rally. The event includes a light, plated buffet meal with tea/coffee, and speakers. There is a small cost and you need to reserve a place.
For those going on the Easter Rally can I encourage you to look at the route you are going to do on the Rides section of the website for which the only prerequisite is that you need to log in to your account. Rides is in the dropdown menu on both info and events. The route is laid out and each icon is interactive so you can see what you will be passing and if you fancy stopping there. In the screen shot below I have illustrated one of the rides and by clicking on an icon you can see what's there. Further details and a picture is revealed if you click on the name from this link. There is also a website address for that place as well I have gone through each of the Easter routes and all have been done to this standard. If you are suitably inspired and you fancy adding places to your area, then please do consider it. I've added over 5000 places now as well as over 500 routes (all are a good quality)
Thanks Neil, but I’m getting an error saying that only members of the group TCE2022 can access it.
Hi David, you accidently had a second duff login account. I have deleted that so you should be able to access.
You have sent a message to David but I received it on "technical@tandem-club"
As I am standing down as Tech officer I will need a login under...c.peachey@tiscali.co.uk. I have requested this but it is not functionning yet, perhaps because I an still tech officer until Sunday.
There are 2 temporary road closures. Both are short and can be passed on the pavement if you don't have a trike or trailer.
The first is just outside Bicester on the way to Launton. The pavement isn't too narrow here.
The second is in Enstone. Best to follow the diversion signs when you reach Enstone, by turning left/south onto the B4022 instead of going straight on, then pick up the route on the A44 heading left/south-east. You would need to turn right/north-west on the A46 to reach the lunch stop.
Thanks to Malcolm Gammon.
We are now able to take a limited number of rally bookings for those wishing to stay off-site. Please use the booking form at the bottom of the page
Only a week to go until our next group ride from Great Eccleston on Sunday 8th May, calling in at Light Ash Farm for coffee before skirting the Forest of Bowland and dropping into Scorton at lunchtime. An easier afternoon ride on the Fylde back to the start. See the What's On for further details.
Quick reminder - tomorrow (Monday 2nd May) is the last day for booking onto the national rally at Corsham
Several couples from the Taunton group enjoyed the Tandem Club Easter rally and following on from this we held a local ride starting from the High Street in Taunton. There were 11 tandems and three solos and so we split into two groups. Michelle and Richard kindly lead the first group through Vivary Park followed by a second group that was joined by our latest new member James with his daughter Matilda on kiddycranks.
The route took us into North Curry via the infamous 13 bend hill and across the Somerset Levels to Burrowbridge and the river Parrett. We approached North Petherton and swiftly rode up and around the lanes to Thurloxton. The Maypole Inn was very busy but soon served all our meals. The return journey took us through Creech St Michael and across the busy A358 at Henlade to Stoke St Mary and back into the town centre once more. We welcomed new members once again and cycled a total of 32 miles. We are lucky that we have plenty of members agreeing to lead rides over a wide area and plan well ahead. Thank you everyone.
Lisa & Ian Warren / Nick & Rachel Warner
The closing date is approaching. Please remember to book if you are going to the rally or just comming for the day. There are still places available for both options.
What a brilliant day out today, new to the group were Ian and Joe Postlethwaite too
The Sprint finish!!
Richard and Jane
John and Tracey
New group addition Ian and Joe with Colin and Rosy
Rally bookings have closed - if you would like to come please email tcv2022@tandem-club.org.uk and we will help if possible.
OK, today I have problems with my fingers - the email is tcn2022@tandem-club.org.uk
Eight tandems met in Cocklemoor car park in Langport on Sunday 15th May, 8 couples but the numbers were increased by one with Anita and Andy's grandson George looking very comfortable in a rather stylish child seat. We were all set for a 30mile ride with a cafe stop followed by a pleasant post ride picnic by the River Parrett. Ah well the best laid plans and all that…
The weather was overcast as we set off through the town and along some quiet lanes to Burrowbridge. As we headed towards Westonzoyland the traffic was busier as there was a Steam Rally at the Pumping Station. It gave us a chance to admire some vintage vehicles and we were soon back on the quieter roads towards Aller. At this point the sun started to peep out and it was all looking good as we pulled into the Bere Cider Farm cafe.
Everyone enjoyed some lovely cakes and scones and some (no names) even enjoyed a glass of the local cider. A quick check of the weather app brought bad news though - heavy rain was forecast for the rest of the afternoon! It was decided to cut the ride short and head back to Langport - the first drops of rain appeared as we left the cafe. It was a damp 3 miles back to our vehicles but that was nothing compared to the storm that hit as we drove home - the decision to curtail the ride was certainly justified.
I think we can put this in the "unfinished business" tray and hopefully we can try again next year with better weather.
Len & Gill Hampson