Seasonal Smorgasbord

If you ever thought that when Trekkers weren’t riding, they weren’t up to much, it’s time to think again.

We’ve already blogged about our Maintenance Day and our Christmas Social. But recent days have seen Trekkers learning to mend and tend to our tandems, receiving an award, getting blind drunk and preparing to pedal.

From our own correspondents (warning this is quite a long post):

Mending and Tending – Barney (Chief Grease Monkey)

10th February 24 – A first for Trekkers, a tandem specific maintenance course, based loosely on the Level 2 course you can take for upright bikes, delivered in house by a bloke who spends most of his cycling life lying down.

Seven participants plus Barney as tutor took part in the course which was hands on based on our Orbit Tandems and their specific parts and anatomy.

Everybody got dirty hands and had a chance to open up and play with the tools from inside the ride leader packs. Judith even stripped and refitted a mechanical disk brake!

As ever Trekkers made the most of the lunch stop with much raucous chatter.

All participants arrived home safe and sound after a proper session of grease monkey experience (and cold feet).

We’ll hopefully get some appreciation from British Cycling as part of their Limitless programme. But irrespective of outside recognition, we’ll probably run another session in the Autumn.

Award – Drew (Trekker’s Treasurer and part-time Clothing Model)

23rd February 24 – Celebrating the first anniversary of their Limitless Programme, British Cycling invited Trekkers to the Manchester Velodrome to receive a plaque, in recognition of having achieved Focus Club status. A buffet lunch, and the ability to watch some of the National Track Championships, 0nly served to make the invitation more appealing.

Representing Trekkers, our four attendees were Aisha, Judith, Barney and myself.

Arriving in sunny Manchester there seemed to be an inordinate number of policemen about the place and, upon enquiring if they were expecting riots from aggrieved track cyclists, we were informed that Royal personages were expected for the event!

This was news; I hadn’t even bothered to shave! But luckily I was modelling our new club jersey design which had co-incidentally just arrived the day before, so was at least properly attired to meet Royalty…. that being Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

Along with representatives of ICE Trikes and Stockton Wheelers, Aisha and I were introduced to both the Duke and Duchess and had ‘a bit of a chat’ before the Duchess presented the award.

Following the ceremony, Barney and Judith also met the Duchess. Maybe we should ask HRH to become OUR patron…..just a thought.

Blind Drunk – Brittany (ex- Chair and Trustee)

23rd February – We just wrapped up another unforgettable edition of Blind Drunk, the annual wine tasting event hosted by Jennifer, Steve, and their incredible family. This year’s gathering was nothing short of amazing, leaving everyone buzzing with excitement and fond memories to cherish.

Our chairperson, Steve, summed it up perfectly when he called it an “absolute blast.” And boy, was he right! From the moment the event kicked off, there was an electric atmosphere of joy and camaraderie that enveloped everyone in attendance.

One of the most delightful aspects of Blind Drunk is witnessing the tight-knit community of tandem trekkers coming together. While the event celebrates the love for wine, it’s also a beautiful showcase of the strong bonds forged among these adventurous souls. Even away from the tandem bikes, the spirit of togetherness and support shines through, creating an atmosphere that is truly magical.

Of course, we must extend a massive thank you to Michael, Lily, and Katlyn for their exceptional hosting skills. Their warm welcome, attention to detail, and impeccable hospitality made Blind Drunk an experience to remember. We raise our glasses to you! We don’t ask where Jack was… 😂

To all the amazing individuals who joined us this year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your presence added an extra sparkle to the event, and we couldn’t have asked for a better group to share this experience with.

As the echoes of laughter and clinking glasses fade, we eagerly look ahead to our next adventure as the Tandem Trekkers is soon upon us.

Thank you once again to everyone who came along and to Jennifer and Steve. Cheers, and see you on the tandems next weekend! 🚲🍷

Preparing to Pedal – Paul

24th February 24 – After standing undisturbed for three months, it was time to get our trailers and tandems all set for the season ahead. Barney and Keith, ably hindered by Paul, checked the lights and tyres on both trailers applying Grease and GT85 as required, and tightening the odd bolt or two. Attention then turned bike-wards. A reported issue on one tandem required all headsets to be checked (and stripped down were required) before every tyre – and that’s without exception – was pumped up to the recommended 80 psi.

We’re now officially ready to roll.