April 2021 – Tandem Trekkers

Spen Valley Greenway – 24 Apr 21

Another “superb-for-cycling” weather day; lots of sun and virtually no wind. Eight tandems and an e-recumbent, no mechanicals, great socialising at an outdoor coffee stop and all mostly on our local traffic-free Greenway. What’s not to like?

Pre-ride discussions between John T and Joanne. James and Muz in the background.

Jennifer, looking like she’s about to throw a punch, and Chris F.

Drew and Catherine on part of the Calder Valley section.

Spen Valley Greenway – 17 Apr 21

Weather-wise, the nine tandems cruising the Greenway this morning couldn’t have had it any better. Cool and sunny, with virtually no breeze. Perfect conditions.

Andy W and Steve D on the Mirfield section of the ride.

Jennifer and Chris F ready to lead Group One.

Sean and Jade on Sean’s bike – the only non-Orbit tandem out today.

Jade, Brittany and Jennifer at our compulsory cafe stop. Apparently Jennifer’s sandwich was crab and avocado. Sounds scrumptious.

Blue and green should never be seen – unless, as shown here, worn by a Pilot and Stoker. Dave T and Martin at the cafe stop.

Guys if you’re planning on robbing a bank, the masks suit. But you might find a tandem getaway a bit on the slow side. Bandit James, and his partner-in-crime, Muzzled Muz.

And finally Cohort Two Leader Keith and Stoker Chris V astride the largest bike in our current fleet. Fittingly described as a “double large”.

Spen Valley Greenway – 10 Apr 21

Our second ride of the season and the maiden outing for three of our four brand new Orbit Velocities, acquired thanks to the generosity of British Cycling and West Yorkshire Freemasons.

And moreover, another superb turnout. 11 tandems and 2 solos convoying up Spen Valley in 3 spaced apart cohorts. Although careering up the Greenway in a concerted effort to break the sound barrier would more aptly describe the speed Drew and Lou flew through the cafe stop.

Charles and Aisha ready to ride one of our four new bikes.

Keith and Tariq with another of the latest additions to our fleet. Beverley on her solo looks on.

Damien and Joanne on yet another brand new Orbit tandem.

John T and Michelle about to ride to the top of the Greenway.

Andrew D and Martin sensing that their eagerly awaited Bacon Buttie can only now be a couple of minutes away.

Thank you – Thank you – Thank you – Thank you !!

1st April 2021

Four Orbit Velocity Tandems about to be collected from J D Tandems at Gargrave.
Left to Right: Jamie from JD, Trekkers Chair Brittany Stead and Trustee Paul Stark.
Completing the picture, Brittany’s Guide Dog, Honey.

Four, ever so richly deserved Thank You’s, to two extremely generous sponsors are most certainly in order today.

A fantastic award from British Cycling combined with a superb gift from West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd, has enabled us to add four brand new Orbit Tandems to our fleet.

Collected earlier today from J D Tandems in Gargrave, the timing couldn’t have been better. Our first post Lockdown 2 ride has just taken place, and with restrictions now set to ease further, there can be little doubt that these bikes will be made very good use of.

So, on behalf of everyone at Tandem Trekkers, if you are reading this and are connected in anyway with either of the two above-mentioned organisations, please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your donations. Such generosity goes a long way in enriching the lives of many members of our community who battle daily with visual impairment.

Thank you – Thank you – Thank you -Thank you !!