March 2019 – Tandem Trekkers

Fairburn – 30 March 19

As the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Oklahoma, put it, “Oh what a beautiful morning, Oh what a beautiful day…. ” And indeed it was.
Trekkers and Beech Holme’s combined tally of 12 Tandems and 4 Solos really did enjoy a beautiful 21 mile ride leisurely meandering around the quiet country lanes to the east of Fairburn on a superb Spring Saturday. Special thanks to Martin C and girlfriend Tracey for helping us out and also to Robin at Beech Holme for loaning us one of their pilots. And apologies once again to the 6 Trekker’s stokers who put their names down for this ride but were unable to come due to our perennial pilot shortage problem. So if you’re reading this and would like to help us out in future – do please get in touch. We need you; we really do!

Brittany keeping guard of her tandem, Oscar — “Come on Paul – stop messing with the photos – let’s ride….”

Charles and Aisha — Charles piloting Aisha on her first on-road Trekker’s outing. Well done both.

Keith and Elisa — Elisa appreciating the views and Keith looking as cool and confident as ever….

Group shot of tandems — … you don’t often see as many tandems strung out like this…

Standing group shot — 24 of the 28 Trekkers and Beech Holme riders posing for a pre-departure photo …..

BCKAT Circuit – 23 March 19

Today, the Trekkers were in Wakefield with fellow tandem club, Open Country, riding on the BKCAT 1100 meter circuit

The track was brilliant, with some sweeping bends, long speedy straights and even a small bending climb to negotiate. Having said all that, the cafe stop was even better!

The ride that didn’t ride, ride – 09 March 19

With due apologies to comedian, Peter Kay, Trekkers broke two records today. (Keith thought this one up!) Firstly, we had the best turnout ever for a non-track session. 10 Pilots and 11 Stokers – the answer’s in Drew’s Triplet in case you’re wondering.

The second record we broke was the most people attending a ride that didn’t ride. The weather was always going to be marginal, but the forecast held sufficient optimism to give it a go. And in true Trekker’s spirit, all 21 riders turned out.

Whether it was the warmth and alluring aroma of coffee and breakfast in Julie’s Café, whilst we waited for all to turn up that finally crystallised the decision not to proceed, or the stubborn blustery squalls that failed to abate, caution was not thrown to the wind, and we decided to stay warm and dry (and more importantly safe!)

Take 2 next week…..

Will we or won't we ride today; Barney and Damian mull over options as other seated trekkers sup their brews. — Will we or won’t we ride today; Barney and Damian mull over options as other seated trekkers sup their brews.

"We don't mind paying, even if we don't ride". Aisha and Elisa donating to Trekker's funds, courtesy of Martin. — “We don’t mind paying, even if we don’t ride”. Aisha and Elisa donating to Trekker’s funds, courtesy of Martin.

This picture deserves a caption. If you are VI, get someone to describe what Drew is saying to Keith. Richard certainly seems suitably shocked.

"… and I told my wife I was going tandeming as well!" Saj and Muz tucking into a Julie's Veggie Breakfast Special. (Or was it their second breakfast?) — “… and I told my wife I was going tandeming as well!” Saj and Muz tucking into a Julie’s Veggie Breakfast Special. (Or was it their second breakfast?)

Leeds Road Track – 02 March 19

What an amazing start to our 2019 season !

A record breaking 26 Trekkers, (12 Pilots and 14 Stokers) enjoyed a superb session with several new faces. Indeed, a very special welcome to Ahmed, Akbar, Hajra, Ian, Jean, Kaukub and Nicola on your maiden Tandem Trip. Lovely to meet you all and we hope to see you again real soon.

And attendance wasn’t the only record broken! Under the very close supervision of Barney, several Stokers had a go at cycling solo! It can be done. But you really need a trike (and a recumbent one helps too!)

Posted pictures show the everyone posing for a group shot and a few images of folk engaged in off-track communication. Enjoy!

25 Trekkers and 3 Guide Dogs clustered around the bench at Leeds Road Track — 25 Trekkers and 3 Guide Dogs. Paul took the picture so doesn’t count!

deep in conversation with Damian and Diane — Jennifer with Damian and Diane

Barney watching Hilary on his recumbent trike — Hilary trying Barney’s recumbent trike

Carlie on recumbent trike - her hands are behind her head. She's smiling and looks very relaxed — No handlebars – no problem

Toseef's dog Poppy looking at Toseef. If she could talk she'd be asking "Why can't I have a go?" — Does that Tandem make me redundant?

Nicola with a lovely smile piloting Jean. First time for both ladies who both rode brilliantly. — New Pilot Nicola with new Stoker Jean. Riding like true professionals ….