Clitheroe – 08 Nov 25

The Tandem Trekkers headed to Clitheroe this weekend for what turned out to be a classic day out — full of laughter, teamwork, autumn colour, and the usual share of adventure.

Tandems heading under the arch of Whalley Abbey Gate House. A tall stone structure with bridge-like arches spanning to the left and right. A substantial stone building where the road goes through the middle.

The day began warm for November , with Pendle Hill providing a stunning backdrop and the trees showing off their autumn golds and reds.

Ahead of the camera is a line of tandems being ridden along a quiet road with a range of green, orange, and brown tones being provided by the trees and foliage on either side.

Spirits were high as the group of tandems rolled out, despite several road closures delaying the arrival of members, to our start point at Whalley.

The ride began merrily enough, though progress was memorably halted by a large fence and a set of bright yellow signs blocking the route. Cue plenty of photos, laughter, and good-natured conspiracy theories about engineered diversion.

A group of tandems slowing down infront of a road closed barricade, with large orange and yellow barriers and a tall chain link fence blocking the route.
Paul posing in front of the road closed signs with a big grin on his face.


Despite this unexpected detour, the Trekkers carried on in fine form.

The mood was summed up perfectly — “an epic TT ride around Clitheroe in the shadow of Pendle Hill.” It was great to see everyone back out on the tandems, and stoker duties were met with usual good humour and effort.

A trio of smiling faces taking a selfie- Aisha, Judith and Louise. All 3 women are wearing cycle helmets and looking directly into the camera.

We had a welcome break for lunch outdoors in the sunshine at Bowland Bikes in Clitheroe, where the staff did really well to serve everyone promptly. As another rain shower passed over we started the final five miles, mostly on pretty country lanes through Pendleton and Wiswell.

Trekkers sat on a long picnic bench enjoying chatter and food at Bowland Bikes. Tandem bikes are propped up against the buildings on either side of the bench, in an alley style yard.

Back at base, everyone agreed it had been a memorable outing— smooth pedalling, great company, and plenty of laughs along the way. Special thanks go to all the organisers, pilots, stokers, and drivers who made the day possible.

A pair of riders facing away from the camera, both in red rain coats, examine the tandem with Barney. This is at the end of the ride while all the bikes get ready for loading and their return to HQ. The surroundings are of a carpark  edged by young trees.

Until next time — may the roads be open, the gears behave, and the fences stay well out of our way!

Write up by Andy (assisted by someone called ChatGPT)

4 thoughts on “Clitheroe – 08 Nov 25”

  1. Sounds like it was a typical Tandem Trekkers ride, with lots of laughs, more hills than advertised but a good cafe stop.
    Looking forward to joining you all very soon

    Reply

  2. Fabulous ride, did wonder if the ride would eventually go ahead
    Two hours late on starting the ride, having diverted from two accidents blocking our way was very thankful on managing to complete the ride
    Big shame at the end about the mechanical though
    Wel done everyone

    Reply

  3. A really enjoyable ride. I can confirm that there was definitely more than the 1 hill as advertised…!!! Still remains one of my favourite rides though…

    Reply

  4. What a great ride. As Paul told us several times, “There is only one hill on this ride!”
    hmmmm… from comments at the end I am not sure that all riders agreed with him.

    Reply

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