19^th July – socially distanced group tandem ride!

This was our first group ride since the beginning of the New Year and with some restrictions lifted we decided to try out something new.

We would need to socially distance, only 6 people in a group, this meant putting cyclists into pods and sending them off at intervals – no catching up and chatting! A maximum of 12 tandem places were offered for our trial ride.

Maps were issued and leaders for each pod were sure they knew the route which took riders through nature reserves and moors on the Somerset levels.

It was a beautiful day and the reserves and moors looked their summer best. Some riders were pleased with the flat ride, there were wildlife photo opportunities and time to walk the bumpy bits and share news.

The pods worked well, thanks to our guides Malcolm, Isaac and Alex.

We used the Avalon Marshes Centre as our base where we could park, use the facilities and enjoy the café which was well set up with a one way system and tables spread out in the open air to accommodate our social distancing.

Though our group has been in contact on Zoom doing quizzes and Bingo it was refreshing to catch up in person finding out how we spent our time in lock down and speculate on the future. We had 9 tandems and three solos and welcomed new members Nic and Jane.

We enjoyed showing off our corner of Somerset – ‘the north levels’ recently featured on the One Show. There was plenty of information on the area available from the Avalon Marshes representative which may encourage some of us back for a spot of bird watching. In the mean time we were treated to a bee swarm at the information point!

As a trial ride the pods worked well, looking to the future we will need to brush up on our map reading skills as we set the pattern for further meetings.

Rex and Hannah Whitcombe

The Club is in the Daily Mail Online:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/escape/article-8581903/Tandem-cycling-never-popular-saddle-head-wilds-Yorkshire-Dales.html#socialLinks

Eighteen cyclists, on 8 tandems and 2 singles, met at Darts Farm, Topsham on Sunday 9th August. It was one of the hottest days of the year but we were off cycling in 3 groups before the heat built up and later there was time to relax and converse in the picnic area with plenty of space. It was impressive that people had travelled so far to be there, most folk from Somerset but special mention to Lisa and Ian who came across from Bournemouth, James who interrupted his holiday at Lydford and also Anita and Andy who cycled in from near Crediton. 

Two of the three groups went south, with staggered start times, to Exmouth on the East side of the Exe Estuary trail including boardwalks and views of the Estuary. The first group, kindly led by Andy and Anita, went straight onto Budleigh Salterton for a coffee stop, picking up the cycle track on the old railway route through farmland and woods. They then went over Woodbury Common, a renowned pebble bed heath, on quiet roads to make a circular route back to Darts Farm. 

The second group, led by Ruth  at the front and James as sweeper, stopped for coffee at the National Trust Farm on the edge of Exmouth. The foresight and generosity of a farmer leaving this farm to the National Trust stopped ribbon development along the East side of the Estuary. The group then cycled onto Budleigh using the same route as group one. After a pause at the seafront, they returned to Darts the same way with less hills than group one though in fact a longer route. 

The third group, led by Liz and Mark (who also planned the overall day), went north through Topsham to Countess Wear then across the Exe onto Exminster. After a short, steep hill to the Exminter golf course, extensive views opened up over the Estuary. Back roads through the countryside were taken down to Powderham Castle then along the Estuary to Starcross. There was welcome coffee and flapjacks at an enterprising coffee trailer in the carpark, then a return on the cycle path past Turf Hotel and under the motorway to Countess Wear. The route was then retraced back to Topsham and Darts.  

All three groups were miraculously back within half an hour of each other. As well as fulfilling social distancing, we reflected on the advantages of these smaller groups of six people. These included making it easier for cars to pass, creating a good social group and helping the role of the leaders with a smaller group to keep together. Thank you everyone for coming to the Exe Estuary on such a hot day, enabling us to share our local and wonderful Exe Estuary trail for the three routes.

Liz and Mark Nicholson

On July 26th 4 tandem crews had a 32 mile pootle through some Worcestershire lanes, lunch was taken at The Galton Arms in Himbleton. 

Paul and Jeannette led us through the quiet lanes of South Cumbria and North Lancashire on today's (socially distant!) LA Group monthly ride. Great day out :-)

The TC website group along with our Journals editor have been busy modernising the style of the TC website. We hope you like the new style !  There is on-going work to improve this style and to improve the websites functionality. To login please use the "User/Login" top menu item of the "User" quick link icon at the top of the webpage. Some of the webpage content still needs editing, GPS files need adding and we need additional articles and content for the website, so we are looking for TC member volunteers to help out. If you can spare a bit of time to help the club, please contact us at: internetgroup@tandem-club.org.uk

Lovely sunny afternoon ride out to Matfen against the wind so flew home!

On Sunday 20th September a smaller than usual group of the Taunton Tandem Club met at the Bridge Bakery and Café in Langport. 

Ian and Lisa Warren, Andy and Anita Petherick, Rex and Hannah Whitcombe, Len and Gill Hampson, Nick and Rachel Warner were joined by new recruits Mike Dunning and his partner Helen Smith and Andy and Netty Sale.

Due to the Covid restrictions we were unable to ride in one group, so we split into three groups and set off to the all-important coffee stop at Frogmary Green Farm at South Petherton.

The ride took us out from Langport, across the Levels to Muchelney, then from Long Load we took some lanes less travelled to Stoke sub Hamden and then a back road which took us into South Petherton. Len, who designed the route, specialises in obscure, but interesting lanes!

We fuelled up well at Frogmary and enjoyed the lovely sunshine for a while before heading back to Langport via Hambridge and Curry Rivel, enjoying the long downhill stretch from Curry into Langport.  

It was a good, if uneventful day, made even better by the sun and great company of the other tandemers, we all had a good catch up and were met back at the Bridge by John and Judy Beveridge, who seem to be regulars there!

Len & Gill Hampson

The Department for Transport seek views on changes to the Highway Code to improve road safety, and so as a club we will make a submission on behalf of tandemists. If you wish to contribute to the Club’s response, which is set out in the latest TCJ, please send your comments to Eifion Francis and Jonathan Flower. Details below.

There are 3 main changes proposed:

1. Introducing a hierarchy of road users - those who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility
2. Clarifying rules for pedestrian priority
3. Guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists and priority at junction

1. Tandem riders need to exercise greater prudence and responsibility than ordinary bicycles.
2. Special mention should be made for tandems and other ‘non-standard’ forms of cycles, which may be longer, wider or less manoeuvrable than a conventional single bicycle. 
3. It should be made clear that people who cycle, especially on tandems and adapted cycles, may have impaired sight, hearing or mobility.
4. The proposals about cycle crossings could be strengthened.
5. The proposals advise cyclists to: “ ...leav(e) enough room (a door’s width or 0.5m) to avoid being hit if a door opens unexpectedly ..."  We think 0.5m is not enough when passing parked vehicles especially on a tandem which is less manoeuvrable
6. ‘bicycle’ should be replaced by the more inclusive ‘cycle’ which embraces trikes, hand cycles and other variants  
7. Clubs such as the Tandem Club could help promote and disseminate these changes.

Comments to be included in the Tandem Club response must be received by 20 October.  Please send comments to: eifandjill@aol.com or jonathan.flower@uwe.ac.uk

Lancashire and Cumbria Group : Just to let everyone know, we’ve cancelled our October Group ride on the 11th due to the addition Covid-19 measures in Lancashire. Hope we are able to get together soon. Stephen

Be off on a ride on Sunday 11 Oct 2020.Departing from the pub in Winteringhm (DN15 9NE) at 1030. heading up towards South ferriby, Turning right down through Horkstow, Saxby and Bronby to Elsham and in to Brigg for a coffee. before coming back via Broughton and Appleby, 26 miles. anyone wishingto join us is more than welcome. Pete and Lyn

August Ride. 4 tandem crews met up in Worcester Country Park on a day that had promised to be hot, so we were all quite glad about the cloud cover. Our ride leaders Martyn and Heather led us through a maze of cycle ways and out into the countryside towards the lovely town of Pershore, where we all had coffee in the garden of a café. We then headed north to Oddingley before turning south back towards Worcester just as the sun started to put in an appearance and things rapidly heated up. Back at the Country Park 3 couples had their lunch on a picnic bench and all agreed it had been a lovely ride.

On the 11th October 2020, Peter & Lyn Hobson met Derek & Wendy Perry had agreed to meet in the small village of South Ferriby. 3 miles from the Humber Bridge. This was the first meeting of the Humberside Tandem Club. Both teams greeted each other with enthusiasm. Following greetings and introductions, some friendly banter between the two veterans the cycling got under way. Down the leafy lanes of Horkstow to the historic Roman village of Horkstow. One of the 5 low villages on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds. South Ferriby, Horkstow. Saxby All saints, Bonby and Worlaby. The church in Hokstowe is a 12 Century church built by the Knights Templar. In 1797 a 4th century Roman mosaic, part of the Horkstow Roman villa, was first discovered three sections of a tessellated Roman mosaic pavement depicting Greek mythological figures were discovered by workmen in the grounds of Horkstow Hall. The pavement was taken to the British Museum in 1927 on permanent loan, but was transferred to the Hull and East Riding Museum in 1974. Historic folk associations with the Grange Inspired the Steeleye Span band name, and their album Horkstow Grange. Through Horkstow and on to Saxby All Saints. In 1897 a drinking fountain was erected at the centre of the village in to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, Next comes the village of Bonby. In Mid 18century Bonby had a priory of Benedictine Monks. Next village along the route was Worlaby, In1066 Earl Harold the Viking was lord of he manor. Following this tour through History some refreshment was sought in Elsham Hall. Alas from here the teams separated, Derek and Wendy turning right and heading up Elsham hill home to Goxhill. Peter & Lyn went left and into the historic market town of Brigg. The area of present-day Brigg has been used for thousands of years as both a crossing point of the Ancholme and for access to the river itself. Prehistoric boats of sewn–built and dugout[5] construction have been found in the town, both dating to around 900 BC. A causeway or jetty also stood on the riverside during the late Bronze Age, although its exact use is uncertain. From Brigg it was a 20km ride along the Roman road of Ermine street. Through a sleepy Hamlet of Appleby and home to Winteringham.

On the 11th October 2020, Peter & Lyn Hobson met Derek & Wendy Perry had agreed to meet in the small village of South Ferriby. 3 miles from the Humber Bridge. This was the first meeting of the Humberside Tandem Club. Both teams greeted each other with enthusiasm. Following greetings and introductions, some friendly banter between the two veterans the cycling got under way. Down the leafy lanes of Horkstow to the historic Roman village of Horkstow. One of the 5 low villages on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds. South Ferriby, Horkstow. Saxby All saints, Bonby and Worlaby. The church in Hokstowe is a 12 Century church built by the Knights Templar. In 1797 a 4th century Roman mosaic, part of the Horkstow Roman villa, was first discovered three sections of a tessellated Roman mosaic pavement depicting Greek mythological figures were discovered by workmen in the grounds of Horkstow Hall. The pavement was taken to the British Museum in 1927 on permanent loan, but was transferred to the Hull and East Riding Museum in 1974. Historic folk associations with the Grange Inspired the Steeleye Span band name, and their album Horkstow Grange. Through Horkstow and on to Saxby All Saints. In 1897 a drinking fountain was erected at the centre of the village in to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, Next comes the village of Bonby. In Mid 18century Bonby had a priory of Benedictine Monks. Next village along the route was Worlaby, In1066 Earl Harold the Viking was lord of he manor. Following this tour through History some refreshment was sought in Elsham Hall. Alas from here the teams separated, Derek and Wendy turning right and heading up Elsham hill home to Goxby Hill. Peter & Lyn went left and into the historic market town of Brigg. The area of present-day Brigg has been used for thousands of years as both a crossing point of the Ancholme and for access to the river itself. Prehistoric boats of sewn–built and dugout[5] construction have been found in the town, both dating to around 900 BC. A causeway or jetty also stood on the riverside during the late Bronze Age, although its exact use is uncertain. From Brigg it was a 20km ride along the Roman road of Ermine street. Through a sleepy Hamlet of Appleby and home to Winteringham.

Humberside Tandem group will be heading out from Baysgarth Leisure Centre at Barton Upon Humer on Sunday 18 Oct 20 at 1030. heading out over the Humber bridge, up to Skidby Mill for a brew andaround through Little Weighton to Rowley and on to North Ferriby back over the Bridge to the start. 44.7 KM roughly 3 hours.

18 Oct 20, HTC met at the Baysgarth Leisure Centre. Derek & Wendy Perry and Pete & Lyn Hobson. A planned route to the northern lands, tother side of the big bridge. A non storming or pillaging ride. A ride of hospitality, to sample the water of Yorkshire and feast upon the cakes they had to offer. Befriend the locals and foster good relations in the northern territories. After a ride through the town of Barton upon Humber, we crossed the Humber Bridge. In to the east riding of Yorkshire. Skirting the edge of Kingston upon Hull and heading for the mill at Skidby. The roads where quiet, but lots of cars and walkers had parked up and where taking in the local beauty walking spots. The first part up to the mill at Skidby was slightly uphill. A stop at the mill café was a welcome break after a short uphill section. However, what has been a real nice café in the past was not today. Having waited for 20 mins for a waitress to take our order 45 mins later we where still awaiting for our snack and drink. They never came we left. And went to another local café a few kms up the road. Who where more than happy to serve us . leaving the cafe took us up the hill to the high point of the route, if it was a nice clear day, we may well have been able to see Lincoln Cathedral. A nice longish down hill section followed where we could feel the wind in our hair. Before coming back to the bridge through North Ferriby and along the south bank of the Humber Estuary. A real nice ride with some real nice views.

Sun was out and the wind was blowing so we managed a cheeky 26 mile round robin ride around the hills of North Lincolnshire. Anybody who thinks this area is flat has never ridden up the 17.5% gradient at Bonby. The trusty Dawes managed it (just) and we live to fight another day.

Thanks to everyone in the Lancashire and Cumbria Group for keeping me up to date with their tandem activities and sending photos. If anyone in the group would like to join in next Sunday's Zoom session (November 1st, 7:30PM) then drop me an email for details.

Thanks, Stephen

Email stephen.webb001@gmail.com

Well. How do you organise a tandem ride with 12 tandems that can only cycle in groups of three?  Some of them want to be challenged; some of them want to have a leisurely social; some are very fit and young; others are…….less fit and young.

This is how we did it.  Four routes were sent out by email.  They included a printable map showing the routes highlighted on an OS map and a GPX file.  The routes were called the Aliens - dark matter in their legs and fit, the Proletariat - hard working class of cyclist, the Intellectuals - need time to discuss matters, and the Lone Ranger - for the off the wall individual who needs an extreme challenge.  We all met at the lovely Cafe 360 in Bovey and very quickly sorted ourselves out into like-minded groups.  We all cycled up to Moretonhampstead in groups, fastest first and then returned to Bovey by the different routes.

I’m very grateful for the fact that the Taunton Group have a high proportion of good map readers and competent mechanics.  Their navigation skills were called on and everyone rose to the occasion, but no-one could salvage Andy’s car which was sadly collected by the RAC at the end of the ride.  I also want to recommend the OS app. which makes this sort of planning much easier.

I think everyone enjoyed it; I think everyone returned but sadly we weren’t able to have a group hug at the end cos’ of……you know what.

James & Liz Goodwin