Trekkers’ Talk

“It’s been a long, cold lonely winter.
Little darling,
It feels like years since it’s been here.
Here comes the sun.”

George Harrison (The Beatles – 1969)

Indeed, the sun did come out this morning (though it was a bit chilly) and dusted away any remaining cobwebs of the last three non-cycling months. Three months, that for some, had felt more like a few years.

22 Trekkers, including new pilots Steve and Jenny and stokers Kristiana and Ikra, were welcomed into the TT family. And it was lovely to see lots of familiar faces too.

Thanks to everyone who took part. Hope to see many of you over the weeks and months that lie ahead.

“Best Blind Drunk ever” said Martin.

“By far” concurred Jules.

And who could possibly disagree?

Which isn’t to say that any of our previous year’s wine tasting extravaganzas have been anything other than absolutely awesome.

But last night’s event, so wonderfully hosted by Steve and Jennifer, and more than ably assisted by son Jack and his lovely girlfriend Lily, was beyond brilliant.

And whilst the tasting tour of some of the world’s leading vineyards was clearly foundational to the evening’s enjoyment, the accompanying vintner’s quizzical exercise, brain-teasing cryptic challenge, live music and singing, canapés and other delightful delicacies all conspired to make this year’s Blind Drunk one to remember.

Well done Team Davies!

If further proof was ever needed of the fabulous family spirit that makes Trekkers the caring community it has become, it was in evidence by the bucket load at our Christmas party.

Thanks are due to so many. To Barney, for causing us to question why he’s never been invited to Master Chef; not to mention all the time and energy committed by Rachel, Izzy and himself, before and after, the evening’s event. To Brittany, who once more, worked so tirelessly behind the scenes, assisting with the logistics and for the warmth of her welcome. To Jules, whose saxophonic rendition of “White Christmas” is a sure fired chart-topper. To Judith, though absent, who had so loving wrapped and wax-sealed gifts for everyone. Gifts generously donated by her marketing contacts – Sian and Trevor at https://www.troteclaser.com/en-gb/ Teresa at https://www.weleda.co.uk/ and Kate at https://www.wagtail-designs.co.uk/ And to the stokers in attendance, who convincingly trashed the pilots in the trivia quiz.

But the biggest thanks of all must undoubtedly be reserved for two groups of people. Firstly to each of the 37 Trekkers and friends who came together in a clear demonstration that the relationships fostered on tandem saddles, go much further than the miles pedalled. And secondly to every other member of our charity; to the pilots without whose selfless commitments, Trekkers couldn’t function – and to the stokers whose personalities and charisma shine so brightly, as they daily demonstrate that sight loss might be a disability; but it certainly is no inability.

Merry Christmas everyone. And here’s looking forward to many more happy miles and smiles in 2022.

Seizing the opportunity of our pre-planned annual maintenance session, and despite a thoroughly miserable forecast, Keith and Martin (hereinafter our official “crash-test-dummy”) met new pilots David, Keith and Nicola to run through what riding a bicycle made for two feels like. Not that there were any spills. Indeed, the ability and cycling experience of all our recent pilots is, to say the least, very impressive.

Inductions done, the track crew joined the maintenance team up at storage to lend a hand cleaning, lubing, adjusting and check riding our fleet of 22 bikes before their annual hibernation.

Stevie graciously brought along his newly acquired Motorhome, the awning of which gave some shelter to team members. That was until Storm Arwen threatened to return.

And Judith provided an excellent opportunity to open up one of our first aid kits in, I’m glad to say, a successful attempt to prevent her from bleeding to death. Keith suggested that if the plaster didn’t stem the blood flow, duct (or duck) tape – choose your spelling – would work (and has other uses too!)

Finally, sincere thanks to our Chief Grease Monkey, Barney, for organising today’s event and for reminding us once again that you can be a dab hand with a multi-wrench and cooking utensils. His home-cooked mince pies and ginger bakes were truly scrumptious. Move over Gordon Ramsey.

The explanation is simple. The reason it’s referred to as the “Fairburn Loop” is that the original route used to start in the village of the same name, a few miles to the west of Birkin, our current assembly point. But the need to use and pay for the village hall suggested a new rendezvous spot.

So we then moved to Carlton and rode from the lovely cafe at the garden centre. And then the cafe and nursery closed.

So Birkin Fisheries, popular with many cyclists, was found to tick the essentials. It has free parking, loos and a cafe. An ideal location from where to start tandeming around the flatlands of this part of Yorkshire.

History lesson over.

Geography lesson begins…..

Traditionally the route we now do from Birkin is either 18 or 21 miles. But today we offered a 24 mile option which 8 bikes chose, leaving a further 2 bikes and 2 solos to navigate the normal 18 miles.

And, as the saying goes, all’s well that ends well and apart from a couple of very minor niggles (including encountering a pack of roaming dogs on the drive home …. ask Drew for details) a most splendid time was enjoyed by all.

There’s a definite knack to riding a recumbent….

If today’s fantastic ride on the Transpennine Trail, starting at Penistone, could be expressed in numbers, the results would be:

14 was the number of tandems forecast, 09 was the final tally.

02 was the number of solos, but if recumbents are included, that would make 03.

07 was the number of new riders and what a tremendous encouragement it was to be joined today by pilots Marc, Nick, Neil, Stephen and Tim as well as new stokers Graham and Katie. Guys (and Katie) you were all absolutely magnificent.

02 was the number of Guide Dogs, but if King Charles Spaniel Harry is added, that makes 03 canine friends. And many thanks to Alison and Rebecca for helping a rather hapless Paul take good care of our four legged companions.

11 was the degrees centigrade, but in the sun in seemed so much warmer.

01 was the number of royalty gracing our presence today. It was super to be rejoined by Queen Jennifer of Lower Cumberworth after an absence that was far too long.

And finally, if you sum all the above figures the result must be 100% for the sheer satisfaction enjoyed today.

Might we have just seen the beginning of the end? The end of having to turn stokers away for not having enough pilots.

Trekker veterans will know only too well that each year there are a number of rides where we often have to resort to arm twisting, bribing and otherwise cajoling pilots to volunteer. And even then there are a few occasions when stokers are stood down

But today’s magnificent turn out of seven signed up new pilots (plus two new stokers) and a further three potential recruits was nothing short of absolutely amazing.

So sincere thanks to everyone who answered the call- newbies and oldies alike- and who made today’s attendance of 28 Trekkers a session like no other.

Let’s hope the weather holds and allows us to finish our season in memorable style.

We really ought to be lobbying our local council.

Calderdale benefits from the Brooksbank circuit; Wakefield enjoys BCKAT; and Leeds is home to the fantastic Brownlee track. All three are widely used. Alas, all Kirklees has to offer are circular running tracks.

If only our own track sessions could take place on a purpose built cycling track, and Trekkers could get the same satisfaction that the six tandems derived from this morning’s session at the Brownlee circuit. And to have access to such a resource without having to load our trailers and drive. Bliss.

Here’s hoping.

“Let’s speed things up a bit” and “We need to make this superb ride longer”. Taken together, these two comments really sum up another delightful day, navigating the quiet country lanes around the flatlands of Yorkshire. Seven tandems, camaraderie by the bucket load and lots of laughter all conspired together to make this a fabulouastic ride.

Today’s Spen Valley ride was different. Very different. And that’s because the 13 tandems and solo were joined by Journalist Lisa and Cameraman Simon from ITV. Having seen the UK Cycling article that Judith recently wrote, they asked if they might come and film Trekkers. Well, we didn’t need asking twice. And having already seen some of the footage and witnessed Jules, Judith, Martin and Keith being interviewed, (not to mention Guide Dog Tessa), I’m confident the actual broadcast will be nothing short of mega-brilliant. So, providing nothing bumps our screening, please tune into ITV Calendar on Monday evening to see Trekkers on TV.

Trekker’s Track and Trail.

Today we welcomed two new stokers and one new pilot to Trekkers. Welcome Diana and Colin to Stoke and Louise to Captain. As part of our new policy adopted for this day forwards a track induction was followed by a ride down the Greenway. Both stokers more than happy to carry on, and new pilot Louise rode solo as we didn’t have a spare stoker but she’s raring to go now!

The ride to the Flowerpot and back went swimmingly with the rain at least waiting until we were there before starting so we only got wet on the return trip.

We even passed another tandem on the way back!

Reminder that next week we will be attended by a film crew so please come looking at your stunning best!!

Drew.

It might have been the first time Trekkers had ridden this delightful 25 mile circular route, starting and finishing at the North Yorkshire market town of Boroughbridge. But if the day’s feedback is anything to go by, it most certainly won’t be the last.

The weather was tailor-made for the day. Warm (but not too warm) and virtually no wind. Perfect conditions.

The final tally was seven tandems and a solo. And would have been more, save for a shortage of pilots. Never heard that before, have you?

Nevertheless a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a September Saturday.

Despite the ride being punctuated by a couple of punctures, the forecasted rain failed to make an appearance meaning the eleven tandems and a solo were able to enjoy yet another superb ride on this very popular traffic free route.

Encouraging to see Tim and John stepping up to the plate and answering our plea for enough pilots to ensure we just managed to cater for every stoker.

Kudos to John and Chris who did the whole 22 miles and to Judith who decided to solo cycle back to base.

And thanks to our stalwart pilots and stokers who made the day so enjoyable.

Thankfully, the forecasted rain didn’t arrive until two hours later than scheduled. Which resulted in today’s ensemble of six pilots and eight stokers making the most of a rewarding track session.

Great to be joined by new stokers Anis, Kathryn and Richard; and nice to welcome back Matthew.

Following an hour of general warm up and inductions it was time for Trekker’s competitive spirit to emerge from a pandemic enforced period of hibernation. Following Olympic nomenclature, Gold in the slow race went to June and Joanne with a superb time of 33.11 seconds. Silver went to Sean and Anis with 32.68 seconds. Remember, the longer the time, the better the handling capability. But the truly amazing thing was the number of tandem pairs who were in the 28-33 second band. So, breaking with tradition, Bronze is duly awarded to everyone else who took part.

Next up, it was time for tightest turn skills to be tested. And this time, following his Silver in the slow race, Sean again excelled – more than ably assisted by Michelle – who ran off with Gold and Silver. And would have got away with a Bronze too if the track judge had allowed three attempts instead of capping the event at two turns per pair.

Finally, special thanks to Joanne who’s photographic and administrative skills haven’t gone unnoticed.

One of the advantages of our local Greenway is the distance flexibility it provides. Four tandems sped off to complete the whole route up to Low Moor. That left three tandems and two solos to indulge in a leisurely coffee and accompanying bacon or flapjack item of sustenance. Surprisingly, Drew was one of the pilots who elected to rest at the cafe – but then again he had already solo-cycled his tandem down from Bradford.

And it’s not often we’re thankful for cloudy skies, but after the nigh on 30 degree days of the last week, today’s overcast weather was more than welcome.

It was hot; and compared with other Trekker’s rides it was hilly. But it was also a superb day, cycling through some of the prettiest Ribble Valley villages Lancashire is blessed with. Numbers wise, 15 Trekkers, 20 miles, 1200 ft ascent and 28 degrees. And it would have been 21 Trekkers, but the vehicle gremlins paid an unauthorised visit to Drew’s car necessitating some late logistical changes. But if there’s one thing Brittany excels at it’s last minute logistical updates.

Most impressive was how everyone rode – especially mastering Grindleton bank. No mean feet in baking heat. And wow – our newer 2021 pilots June, Judith and Colin were all fantastic.

Lunch was more of a picnic than a cafe stop. Big shout out to Rumbletums of Clitheroe who came in specially on their normal day off to serve up some truly spectacular sandwiches. They were ace !!!!!!

And finally nice to have Simon ride with us again; and last but not least special thanks to Joolz for looking after Guide Dog, Tessa.

It rained. And it rained. We got wet. And we got very wet. And then we asked why are we getting so wet. And someone said it was possibly because it was raining. And then we decided that to stop getting even wetter, one of two things was going to have to happen. It would either have to stop raining or we would have to end the session early and go home and drink some hot tea. It didn’t stop raining. So we ended the session early. We went home and we drank hot tea. (Though I think Brittany said she was going to have some hot chocolate instead.)

Despite a rain-enforced shortened session, it was superb to be joined by new pilot Judith and new stokers Celia and Lucy. It was also lovely to see Diarmuid and Elisa back with us. We’ve missed you.

Undeterred by the Tesco van driver’s assurances that even bikes wouldn’t be able to get through the “Road Ahead Closed” blockage, seven tandems rode on. Whether it was stubbornness, curiosity or simply rising to the challenge, Drew had rightly worked out that if the road was open to pedestrians it wouldn’t pose a hindrance to cyclists. The problem was, there was nothing to suggest foot traffic could get past the sink hole on one side and the rain filled gully on the other. But it wasn’t within Trekkers remit to give up and go back. And we didn’t.

It was yet another superb Saturday sauntering around Fairburn’s quiet lanes – all capped off with the customary cafe stop back at Birkin Fisheries.

And fantastic to be joined by Richard on his maiden away from base ride. L-plates decidedly not required, Richard.

Only a shortage of pilots restricted today’s trek to just seven bikes and a solo. So if you’re one of our regular front-riders – you were missed. But for those fortunate enough to be part of this morning’s meander, you won’t need reminding of what a great time was had by all. Rumour has it, next week’s outing will be a little different. Watch this space.

All the photos in today’s post were taken at the cafe stop.

Brilliant sunshine saw 8 tandems, a recumbent and a solo sauntering up the Greenway this morning. Lovely to see Colin and Collette on their maiden “away from track” outing and great to welcome back Mostafa .

Our first track session in over a year. Nice to be out in some warm sunshine – and great to welcome new pilots, Colin, Richard and Kath. Hope to see lots more of you throughout the season.

I spoke too soon! Last week’s ride benefited from more Pilots than Stokers. Alas, today’s outing saw a return to the more normal state of affairs. We were, sadly, unable to offer places to every Stoker. Hopefully, a situation we’ll remedy as we aim to welcome new front-riders in the next month or two.

All that said, for the Magnificent Seven tandems that ventured out – ably shepherded across the junctions by solo rider David J, it was, apart from the odd spot of rain, a very enjoyable morning.

Aisha and John T

It doesn’t happen very often. But when it does, it’s a bonus. And today was one of those rare occasions when pilots outnumbered stokers. That meant a solo ride for Paul and a lie in for Drew.

So 12 tandems and a solo on our most popular away from base ride. Penistone. And thankfully the rain held off until we were all back at Julie’s cafe tucking into our bacon butties and the like.

Great to see Pilots Charles K and Peter, and Stoker Colin, back in the saddle.

And finally, today’s quote of the day award goes to Barney. Speaking to Brittany in encouraging tones “Shut your gob or I’ll throw you into that muddy pool, pull you out backwards and feed you to those pigs.”

It was a cold and windy start this morning but once the pedals started turning we all soon warmed up. 10 Tandems and our super soloist, David conquered the Greenway in true Trekkers style. Some Trekkers even made a little friend, we called him Robin! And… thank you to our dog sitters, Ann and Robert who will certainly get a good nights sleep after chasing 3 dogs all morning.

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?

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.

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.

1st April 2021

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 !!

If ever a season merited the Beatles’ lyrics … “it’s been a long cold lonely winter …” then for many, the last few months would be prime candidates.

Of course, in normal times, our 2021 Ride Calendar would have started 3 weeks ago. But, you’ll need no reminding, these times are anything but normal.

Nevertheless, taking advantage of COVID concessions, available to outdoor disability sports, we got back on our bikes today, and in true Trekkers style 11 tandems and a solo breezed up our local Greenway. Breezed being more than appropriate terminology, given wind speeds in the mid to high teens.

Yes – we had to comply with our pandemic policy. Face masks at base, hands and bikes suitably gelled and disinfected and  riders split into three spaced apart cohorts. 

But despite the logistical adversities, including several  late adjustments, it really was great to be back in the saddle.

Special recognition to Brittany for putting it all together. Never tell this girl something can’t be done. To Barney, for prepping all the bikes after their winter hibernation and sorting out a last minute mechanical. To Pilots Dave and James from Open Country who ensured no Stoker was turned away. To recently promoted John T who so capably led Cohort one…. “Best led ride ever!” quipped Jennifer, whilst looking at Paul.

And finally to everyone who rode and who made sure our return was such a brilliant success. Enjoy the pictures….

It’s been a very long and very frustrating seven months. But finally, all the hard work Brittany has put into preparing our Covid-19 Risk Assessment and Policy, bore fruit today. Five tandems in two spaced apart bubbles ventured up our local Greenway – and, boy, was it so good to get back in the saddle. And not only was it brilliant to feel the wind in our faces again, the extra precautions put in place and approved by Kirklees Council, Sports England and British Cycling proved to be more than manageable.

Tandem Trekkers are back!

Anyone who can think as far back as last year will remember that our first three planned Penistone rides had to be cancelled because of lousy weather. Not so in 2020.

15 Tandems and a solo (yes another record smashed) made the most of a lovely March morning on what must be one of our favourite rides. The fact that Paul can’t count, and loaded one too few bikes, was sorted with Britt’s superb suggestion of hiring a tandem from the bike rental place behind Julie’s Cafe. Cost us £20.00.

But guess what. On our return from Dunford Bridge we helped sort out a puncture saving a couple of cyclists a five mile walk. Such was their gratitude, they donated £20.00 to our funds. All’s well that ends well!

After three wet and windswept months, it was absolutely brilliant to be back in the saddle once again. And what a way to start the season. 12 Pilots and 12 Stokers, together with 3 Visitors , enjoyed a great session at our Leeds Road base.

A very special welcome to Pilot Michael and Stokers Silver, Sophie, Matthew and Michelle who joined us for the first time. You were all magnificent and we hope to see lots more of you as 2020 progresses.

And today’s icing on the cake was the maiden outing of the latest addition to our fleet: A Silver Viking kindly donated by the Dave Rayner Trust. It’s a brilliant bike as was demonstrated today by the numbers of Trekkers, itching to give it a go. So, Paul C., if you’re reading this, please do pass on our most grateful thanks to everyone at the Trust for their generosity.

Trekkers penultimate outing of the 2019 season must surely rank as one of the most memorable. A “code-share” ride with Open Country, 17 tandems plus 3 solos ventured up the Spen Valley Greenway. Despite one bike having to make a premature return to base, and another tandem taxing our puncture repair capabilities, it was a superb ride. Even the unforeseen drizzle failed to dampen everyone’s enthusiasm. And, once again, Cafe 53 in Mirfield excelled. Fantastic food and great service. Well done all.

After two rain-enforced ride cancellations, it was refreshing to be back in the saddle, cycling along one of our favourite routes from Penistone up to the Woodhead Tunnel at Dunford Bridge. Despite a chilly nip in the air, a complement of 20 Trekkers enjoyed working up an appetite, ready to be more than satisfied at Julie’s cafe on the return. Congratulations to Leanne on completing her first non-track outing. Hope you’re not feeling too sore!

Well, if you count the five solos as well as the eleven tandems on today’s spin up our local Greenway, it was another record breaking ride; 27 Trekkers making the most of some autumn sun. And, undeterred by the closure of the Coffee Counter Café, we descended en-masse and totally filled Café 53 in the centre of Mirfield to overflowing. As is now settled, a ride without a café stop isn’t a ride! And Café 53 – you did us proud.

A warm welcome to four new riders this morning: Rach, Alison, Meg and Kayleigh. Girls – you were all superb and although Kayleigh’s home in Cambridge may mean she’s not a regular rider with us, we certainly hope to be seeing a lot more of the rest of you on future outings.

And finally, well done to Carla and Dave on their first non-track tour. Sorry your ride was cut short, Carla, but glad to have caught up with you at the café.

“Right Jean. We need to pedal slower than a snail with lumbago!” I don’t know who writes Andrew D’s lines, but his instructions in this morning’s slow race were legendary.

But despite a sterling effort, Team Snail were beaten into third place. Gold went to David G and new stoker David W and Silver to David T and Richard D, visiting us from Open Country.

Indeed, full credit must go to everyone who took part in the two Slow Race Challenges. Probably the best performance ever.

And despite being a stoker depleted session, it was still marvellous to welcome Joe, Sylvia, Carla, Dave and Richard as newcomers

And finally, though I didn’t get a picture, a special award to James B from Open Country. I watched James balance and remain stationary as a solo rider on a tandem. Now, that’s what I call skill !!!!!

It’s just as well that we believed the weather forecast. Because if a decision to head off to the Brownlee Circuit had been based solely on the early morning downpours, and we had cancelled, we would have missed out riding around what is, arguably, the best purpose made cycling track in the UK.

As it happened two dozen Trekkers, including new pilots Colin M and John J, had a great time, whizzing around the mile long circuit under a blue sky, dotted only by a handful of fluffy white clouds.

Yet another brilliant session, underpinned by an excellent turnout.

At this rate, there won’t be many more records for Trekkers to smash. Fourteen tandems, on this morning’s sunny and warm run up to Dunford Bridge, is the largest turnout for a Saturday ride in our history. And, what’s more, we ended up having to stand down five stokers due to a shortage of pilots.

That said, it was amazing at the number of front riders who stepped up to the plate. Thanks all – you really did save the day.

Lovely to see Hilary on her maiden Penistone trip – and first non-track ride in a long time. And also, a very special welcome to returning pilots, Josh and Claire, as well as stoker Karen. You all rode superbly- and we really hope to see you riding with us again very soon.

Finally, two mega-acknowledgements.

Firstly to Brittany who made today happen and then offered up her place. Coordinating such a large group, matching pilots to stokers, working out who would be meeting where – not too mention her relentless pursuit of pilots so that we could accommodate as many VI’s as possible, literally takes hours and hours of behind the scenes efforts.

And secondly to Damian. Though he lives at the far side of Leeds, he offered to drive over to storage, simply to tow our large trailer to Penistone and back as well as pilot for us.

Thanks both. It’s people like you that make Trekkers the superb group it is.

Officially, Tandem Trekkers are an organisation; a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, or CIO, in legal parlance.

But we’re much more than that. And if you were privileged enough to be on our Scamblesby Residential then I’m sure you’d agree that “community”, “fellowship” and even “family” are words that better capture the warmth and camaraderie that comprise our DNA.

To merely describe Saturday’s 20 or 40 mile rides and Sunday Morning’s 20 mile trip to Lincoln along the Water Rail Way would be to remain safely within cycling narratives. But it would totally miss the friendships and repartee that were foundational to our weekend away.

Detailing the lovely weather, and flat traffic-free pedalling, wouldn’t tell you how Andy W explained to Ali (a recently arrived PhD student from Saudi Arabia) what the previous evening’s sung with beer-fuelled gusto “On Ilkley Moor baht’at” rendition was all about. Nor would it chronicle the episode when VI’s, Jules and Aisha, discovered how you can simultaneously both open a door a walk straight into it at the same time. Stable doors are not for anyone with sight loss.

And crucially, just writing about 30 Trekkers on 14 Tandems and 2 solos, in exclusive occupation of a very comfortable barn and holiday cottage in the heart of beautiful Lincolnshire, wouldn’t let you know how the Pilots finely secured quiz victory over their Stoker opponents in a nail biting fiercely fought final round of questions, designed and hosted by Trekker’s Chair, Brittany.

But the final cameo of two most memorable days must go to our resident comedian, Andrew D.

Andrew D: “Where’s ‘e’ gone on my keyboard?”
Charles: “It’s on the top row, next to ‘r’.
Andrew D: “Got it.”

Of the various benefits our track sessions offer, the opportunity of welcoming new people to the Trekker’s community must rank as one of the best. And today was no exception. It was great to be joined by Nick as a pilot and Ali as a stoker. Guys, you both cycled like real professionals and we sincerely hope to see more of you on future rides.

And making up our numbers, we were also joined by Dave, Julie, Richard, Jennifer and Hermi who had come along as part of the South Pennine Explore 2019 initiative which we integrated into our normal monthly meeting.

And last, but certainly not least, it was wonderful to see Hilary back with us this morning. We’ve missed you!

Yes, you’re right. The ride was initially billed as “Glasson Dock”. But circumstances changed it to a lovely trip along the M62. “Never had as much fun since the cat got run over” quipped Andrew. And just in case you’re curious – no we actually didn’t cycle along the motorway.

I suppose that after so many successful rides this season, something was going to go wrong sometime. And the gremlins chose today to strike. And strike they certainly did. To be precise they struck Barney’s car.

When the engine cut out, the dashboard lit up like Blackpool illuminations on steroids and a plume of volcanic steam erupted from under the bonnet, Barney, very wisely, decided it was time to pull over to the hard shoulder – complete with the trailer and seven tandems. Optimism suggested the first strategy should be to simply top up the radiator with water and wait a while. Alas, reality, in the form of strange engine noises on an attempted restart, soon kicked optimism into the motorway verge and onto Saddleworth Moor. And the decision to abort the day was the only choice on the menu.

But still, everyone got home safe and sound and Glasson Dock isn’t going anywhere.

Trekkers will be back.

Excellent weather underpinned another fabulous track session. Great to welcome a new pilot, Essam, a friend of Mostafa. Hope to see you again real soon.

And congratulations to the winners of our various communication and handling exercises. Barney and Aisha on the standard straight line challenge, Barney and Tariq and Keith and Elisa tying for first place on the stoker only version of the same event and then Keith and Elisa again on the stoker only version of a traditional slow race. I think I can see a pattern emerging here…..

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Despite a snapped chain (Barney our ride leader pack is down a 9-speed quick-link) and the ride leader setting off without his Stoker, today’s spin up Spen Valley was enjoyed by 7 tandems and 3 solos. What was particularly encouraging was seeing so many relatively new pilots making the most of one of our popular routes. Well done everyone 👍👍👍.

The only real similarity between today’s trek and our favourite ride to Dunford Bridge was the starting point at Julie’s Café at Penistone. Boasting a 300m tunnel, a 10% off-road incline and some great undulations, the forest track was there to be enjoyed. And thoroughly enjoy it, eight tandems and a solo most certainly did. Full credit to everyone who powered up the gravelled gradient at the start of the Woods. And equal credit to everyone for not careering into the bridge on the return. Drag brakes do have their uses.

And finally, a welcome return to the saddle to John Tayler and special thanks to Open Country Pilots, Dave and James for helping us make this ride the success it was.