Taunton Regional Group

The February ride was the 10th Anniversary of the first outing of the Taunton Tandem Group. It was great to have 6 couples who were on the first ever ride, out again for this ride. 
We had an incredible turnout, 16 tandems and 7 solos and so we split into 3 groups. The ride started from Puxton Park and we meandered through the lanes past Frankie Howard’s Community Cafe at Loxton towards Winscombe, Sandford and Congresbury. There were a few hills on the morning route but there were great views of Crook Peak and the M5 motorway! Lunch was at the White Hart near Congresbury where the staff dealt really well with a large group of hungry cyclists. 
The return route to Puxton was down the Strawberry line and along the lanes. We then enjoyed tea and celebration cakes (with candles!) and sang ourselves Happy Birthday!  We had exceptionally good weather for the time of year, the sun shone and it wasn’t too cold.

Katherine & Bill Barnes

Michelle and Richard led Taunton Tandem Group’s March ride for which 7 tandems and 7 solos met at Ham Wall, the RSPB nature reserve on the Somerset Levels. A short ride took us to our coffee stop at Sweets Tea Rooms – a popular cyclists’ cafe and especially so on a Saturday morning!  Our route then took us to the edge of the Mendip Hills and a gentle climb up to Wookey Hole, before descending to Wells, which often claims to be the smallest city in England (although this seems to depend upon your definition of ‘smallest’!)  Saturday, we now know, is market day in Wells and it was heaving with tourists and locals alike, out for their shopping.  Just as well we hadn’t planned to stop in Wells!
We had pre-ordered our lunches at the comparatively recently opened Middlewick Farm Shop on the outskirts of Glastonbury, and this proved to be a good choice.  Good lunches prepared us for the final, and probably steepest, climb of the day which took us over the shoulder of Glastonbury Tor, opening up magnificent views over the Levels towards Exmoor and the Quantock Hills (although the narrow and pot-holed lane required full concentration from the pilots!)
The forecast had warned us to expect showers but, in the event, the sun shone and we stayed dry throughout.
Michelle & Richard Miles

The April ride started at Chettiscombe near Tiverton with 12 Tandems and 1 solo bike. The ride moved out under a cloudy overcast sky, ideal cycling weather.

As this was Devon we started with a nice hill to get everyone warmed up.  We made our way through the villages of Uplowman and Sampford Peverell where we crossed the railway and then the Motorway. We continued through the Culm Valley onto Uffculme where we stopped for coffee at Bridwell Park. 

After leaving Uffculme we cycled to Culmstock crossing over the River Culm on the Packhorse Bridge. We then crossed over the A38 making our way to the ancient hamlet of Canonsleigh crossing and re-crossing the Grand Western Canal until we reached our lunch stop at The Globe in Sampford Peverell. Here we were joined by some non-riding members for lunch.

Cycling back to Uplowman we then picked up the River Lowman and followed this back to the Lost Kitchen at Chettiscombe for coffee and cake. A nice day with good company.

Vicky and Jeff Conibear

The May ride had a record of 21 tandems and 6 solos take part in the Birthday Celebration ride for Grace’s 90th Birthday. Wearing a Birthday sash and balloons attached to the tandem, passing cyclists and pedestrians were soon wishing Grace a Happy Birthday!! 
A beautiful day, the ride saw us passing through the Strawberry Line tunnel and onto Axbridge village square. Passing Cheddar reservoir and village then a short climb took us along the base of the Mendip hills with lovely views of the Somerset marshes.  Onto the levels passing Nyland Hill into the pretty village of Wedmore where the volunteer public loo attendant had to be persuaded to reluctantly abandon cleaning so we could use the facilities. 
Onwards to the village of Mark and Brent Knoll for the lunch stop at the Fox and Goose where 55 hungry people were promptly served with great food. After lunch a short ride back to the village hall where other friends joined for the afternoon Birthday Tea Party with lovely cakes. 32 miles with great company and lovely scenery helped by amazing weather.
Malcolm and Grace Gammon

9 Tandems and 6 solos met in Langport for the re-run of last years ride organised by Len & Gill which had to be cut short due to bad weather.

As before, coffee and cake stop was at Bere Cider Farm in glorious sunshine.

This time we got as far as Somerton before black clouds started to appear and so the decision was taken to make a dash for home! Heavy rain accompanied us back into Langport but dried up for an impromptu picnic by the river,

The Taunton Tandem group ride on 20th August was a 28 mile three county loop from the village of Chardstock in Devon to Broadwindsor in Dorset via Somerset and back.  Chardstock is on the edge of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and whilst it certainly is beautiful, ‘hills’ is the operative word here.  2,500 feet of ascent overall and some wonderful swoops downhill but scarcely a yard of level road.   We were pleased to be joined by tandem club members from Towcester and their son, who were on holiday very close to the start.

In all nine tandems and six singles set off from the community hall at 10:30 after a fortifying cup of coffee. We immediately began a mile of descent to the River Kit, followed by a two mile climb to Bewley Down, where for a nice change, the road surface was excellent having been recently resurfaced. We enjoyed great views to the South West over the Blackdown Hills from this wide road but most of the rest of the ride was on small, hedged lanes where luckily other traffic was scarce.   

After twelve miles including more climbs and descents and a difficult crossing of the A358 we dropped down to cross the river Axe and stop for a well-earned coffee and cake break at beautiful Forde Abbey.  Pre-booked groups may access the cafe without paying the entrance fee but get to walk through the impressive kitchen garden and stunning herbaceous border on the way to it (many thanks to the owner for allowing this concession). Forde Abbey is certainly well worth a full visit with beautiful gardens, lake and house.    After that another six miles -  uphill to Thorncombe Cross, downhill to Synderford, uphill to Kitwhistle, downhill to Broadwindsor and hooray! a welcome lunch at the Stableyard Restaurant where the staff did an excellent job of feeding the group.  After lunch a slightly easier uphill along the B 3164 to Birdsmoregate passing Pilsden Pen (second highest point in Dorset) where unfortunately the cloud had come down and robbed us of the stunning views to the south coast and the sea beyond.  At Birdsmoregate we plunged back into the small lanes and a long downhill back to cross the river Axe again.  Just when one might think the end is in sight there was of course one more climb back to Chardstock and more tea and biscuits.  A hard ride but with the excellent company, refreshments and views a very enjoyable one.
Malcolm and Kate

A tango of 6 tandems and 12 tandemists cycled the September ride from Taunton out to Wiveliscombe. This was forecast as the last day of the exceptional September Heat wave.  Instead we were waiting for the starting cafe to open in heavy rain thunder and lightning. But that just washed and cooled Somerset ready for our journey. We cycled through fresh and cheerful lanes with very little traffic. Approaching Wiveliscombe we found roads that no tandem has ever been down before, potholes the size of craters, grass down the middle as high as an elephant’s eye, and hills that climbed right up to the sky – Oh, what a beautiful morning…! 
It was the day of Wiveliscombe street fair, with a plethora of stalls and live music and crowds of happy people. The sun reached its zenith, temperatures broke all records and we evaporated as we ate a hot roast lunch outside the Bear Inn. With a sprinkling of luck we managed to glide back to Taunton.  Another great day with tandem friends.

Nick and Rachel Warner
 

It was a sunny October morning for the Taunton Group ride starting from the refurbished Avalon Marshes Hub – first tea stop!
8 tandems took part with some dressed for a cold Autumn day, others still thinking it was summer!
We made our way across a wettish Tealham Moor, though sheep and cattle were still grazing. We turned towards Burtle and rode along the Polden Chain to pick up the cycle track to Bawdrip for our second tea stop at Peasey Farm Shop, a recent find to add to our café destinations.
After tea and chat we joined the cycle track along Kings Sedgemoor Drain that was perfectly still reflecting like a mirror. We skirted the villages of Stawell and Sutton Mallet to arrive at the Ring o Bells in Moorlinch for our lunch. We all ate well and then cycled on to Pedwell to pick up our second moor crossing turning left in Nythe where the swan family on Butleigh Drove were still enjoying the warmth of the tarmac. Leaving the moor we crested the ridge at Walton Windmill and descended into the village and turned off the main road towards Sharpham Moor. The stag at Sharpham park looked magnificent in his field of ladies.
Some of us took a short detour through the wilder parts of Sharpham to pass houses from the 21st Century to colourful dwellings from the late 1800s.
We all cycled the ‘old railway ‘ that passes through Ham Wall and Shapwick Heath reserves that have had numerous appearances on TV for their abundant bird life and murmurations, worth a visit in itself.
Back at the Hub we had more tea and chat and some of us decided it was time for our winter wear for the next ride! Many thanks for everyone’s company – we rode approximately 32 miles.
Rex and Hannah Whitcombe

A lovely autumn day saw 10 tandems and one solo set off from Stoke-sub-Hamdon before going to Montacute and clipping the edge of Ham Hill and then to West Chinnock before heading for coffee at The Feed Station at Merriott.  For the next 45 minutes lively conversation replaced lively cycling before setting off again this time for Hinton St George.  With its hamstone cottages and delightful Main Street this is one of the loveliest villages in Somerset.  Peter Weeks, from the West Country group, but also well known by most of the Taunton group, gave an impromptu talk on H W Fowler (1858 – 1933), the famous lexicographer, outside his last home which now wears a blue plaque.  
Next it was Dowlish Wake, Kingstone, the Seavingtons and South Petherton before hitting the home straight through Over Stratton and then to lunch in Norton-sub-Hamdon.  The Lord Nelson was the venue where we were looked after very well and enjoyed some excellent food and atmosphere.  
It really was one of those nice November days – mild, dry and a real pleasure to see the countryside in all its autumn colours as well as to pass through some glorious villages.  Combine this with great stops and even greater company, what a way to ride 25 miles.  
On a sadder note we missed having Malcolm and Grace join us on this ride.  In May this year we celebrated Grace’s 90th birthday but we know that currently she is not well.  She is an inspiration to the entire group and we send her our very best wishes and hope to see her again soon.
Stephen and Sarah Launchbury

The annual Christmas meal for the Taunton Group was held at the Walnut Tree Hotel in North Petherton and 17 couples attended. It’s a great venue with delicious food, conveniently situated near the M5 junction for those driving from Torbay in the south and Weston Super Mare and Bristol in the north. 
Unfortunately the weather was against us and the original route was abandoned due to flooding on the Somerset Levels. 
Richard and Michelle kindly agreed to lead the ride using plan B. 
Coffee was served in the Hotel, fancy dress was judged, seven tandems and 2 solos set off but the rain came down. Fortunately the weather improved and after a shortish 20 mile ride through Enmore, Durleigh, Chilton Trinity and Bridgwater, everyone assembled at the Walnut Tree for lunch. 
Firstly there was a round of applause for Grace who had recently been in hospital and everyone was pleased to see her. The quiz sheets were handed out and the food arrived. Later on, presentations were made: The prize for the best Fancy Dress costumes was awarded to Andy and Anita. The trophy is usually awarded to the couple who attend the most rides during the year. This year both Vicky & Jeff and Hannah & Rex had attended 10 out of the 12 rides so they will be sharing the trophy - 6 months each! The quiz was won by Vicky and Jeff. 
Ian rang a bicycle bell and handed out song-sheets for his alternative version of Jingle Bells (aka Ring your bells) and another version of In the Bleak Midwinter. As always, our singing was accompanied by Nick on the mandolin plus Grace and Michelle playing percussion (reindeer hooves and bells). 
Another year of The Taunton Group was over. Rides are already planned for every month in 2024, many of us have booked to go to the International Tandem Club Rally and many will be attending the National Rally too – a lot to look forward to in 2024! 

Lisa & Ian Warren

On the day of Storm Isha the Taunton Tandem Club got back in the saddle after the Christmas break.  23 hardy cyclists set out from Tiverton to cycle a 20 mile circular route mostly through quiet Devon lanes.
Our first stop at about 10 miles was on the edge of Cullompton where we all sat down together for a welcome coffee break.  
Luckily for us the BBC weather forecast was very accurate and although on the second half of the ride the wind had picked up the rain held off. 
After Coffee we continued on our route back to Tiverton, taking in some lovely views on route. Back in Tiverton we were joined by a few more club members for a carvery lunch.   
Jeff & Vicky Conibear

Seven tandems and two solos joined the Taunton Tandem Group February ride which started at Cleeve Abbey, Washford and headed south for a short distance before coffee at Torre Cider Farm. From there our route headed up to Elworthy passing Combe Sydenham, an historic manor house which now needs a little TLC.  Back in 1585 Sir Francis Drake was engaged to be married to Elizabeth Sydenham of Combe Sydenham. However, before the marriage Drake left on a long voyage and her father arranged for her to be married to a rival suitor. Legend has it that on their wedding day, as the couple approached the Church in Stogumber, a loud clap of thunder was heard and a large meteorite crashed through the roof. This was seen as a bad omen and the wedding was hastily cancelled. Drake had arrived back in Plymouth on that same day and he and Elizabeth were later married at the Church in Monksilver. The large meteorite, known as "Drake's cannon ball", has apparently remained in the house ever since.
On route up to Elworthy we passed at least three Road Closed signs. Cars seemed to be ignoring them and so inevitably did we, without any problems! The climb was rewarded with a delightful run down to Halse with lovely views of the Quantock Hills.  Lunch was taken at the excellent New Inn, the community run pub and cafe in Halse.  The return route started on smaller roads which were a bit wet and muddy because of the recent rain. The climb back up to Elworthy was easier, but the leaders unfortunately suffered a puncture (even Schwalbe Marathons don’t last forever!). Much help and advice was on hand, and Rex's strong carpenter hands soon had the offending tyre back on the rim.

Everyone remained dry on the ride although the organisers did get wet as they cycled back to Minehead.

Richard and Michelle
 

There were twenty days of rain in March in the Wiveliscombe area so I think we were extremely fortunate that we had good weather on our ride. There was no rain and we even had some sunshine for the eight tandems and three solos. It was a testing start to the day for some, as locating the car park in Wellington proved to be the first challenge. When planning a route there is always the pressing question of ‘when and where will there be toilets?’ It is not a trivial matter when considering both the more mature age of many of the cyclists plus the fact that there has been a 50% decline in the number of public toilets available in the UK over the past decade. 

We cycled from the car park along paths and quiet roads, past the ponds at the back of the sports centre and out into the lanes. It was a gentle start through Westford with lots of daffodils and lambs to convince us it truly was spring. After a short descent to lull everyone into a false sense of security, we climbed very steeply up to the common at Langford Budville. From here until we reached Wiveliscombe it was down and up on repeat. The hard work of the ‘ups’ was rewarded with beautiful views across to Exmoor in one direction and the Quantocks in the other.

Wiveliscombe provided a chance to regroup for those who had opted to take a short cut. We left Wiveliscombe via Langley Marsh and around the back for the last steep climb on the route, to the top of Pitsford Hill. The back lanes to Ash Priors Common were muddy and in some places still partially flooded. We had lunch at The Allerford Inn at Hillfarrance and by the time we arrived via Halse and Oake, everyone was very hungry. After lunch it was only a shortish ride back to Wellington. Everyone felt they had worked hard on the ride although James said it was good preparation for the route he has got up his sleeve for next month. You have been warned!
Rob & Sally

After months of rain, the Taunton Group had a sunny ride in Devon on the Granite Way from Okehampton Station.  As the organiser I can take no credit for the brilliant route which was stolen from Jack Thurstons lovely book, Lost Lanes West - P.181, Violets and Viaducts.   All I did was reverse the route so the pub come up at the right time. 

After coffee at the Pump and Pedal we divided into two groups of four tandems.  The sensible group cycled there and back to the pub at Lydford.  (If you reverse the route does that make it back and there?); the hard core cycled 32 gruelling miles of tiny lanes and beautiful woods bursting forth with new leaves.  We all met in Lydford for a Beef Wellington, looked like beef, had the texture of a wellington, and then cycled back to Okehampton as a group.  What fun!

James and Liz

The May ride of the Taunton group was blessed with a glorious sunny day after a real downpour the previous day. Arriving at Fordmore Farm Shop and Cafe in Cullompton, it was evident that everyone was keen to fuel up on coffee.
Once assembled in the car park and the obligatory photo call, we set off at a good pace with 9 tandems and 5 solos on a circular route along some beautiful East Devon lanes. The ride was led by Ed and Gary with Mike being the sweeper up. Soon Mike called in to Ed to say that someone’s battery had been left behind but they were able to catch up shortly afterwards. The route took us through the hamlet of Mutterton then Clyst Hydon and Talaton villages. 

 A coffee stop at Escot House was most welcome. This is the family home of the Kennaway family and the Wildwood Enterprise visitor attractions. 
The route headed east and then north passing through the villages of Feniton, Payhembury and Luton. Gradually climbing there were views of Dartmoor followed by a descent back to our start point. The route also had some challenging road conditions due to the farmyard debris and evident water run-off from the fields. The narrow lanes were not too busy but good weather does bring out the motorists and tractors with trailers too. 

We arrived back for a well-earned lunch. There was an additional 10 mile loop organised by Jeff and Vicky afterwards but most were satisfied with the 28 miles of mixed terrain, some having made journeys from Torbay and Bristol to join us. 

Ed and Gary

Six tandems and two half bikes met to start the ride at the Fives Senses Cafe, a little bit of Portugal in Chard.  The weather was fair, with light wind and some sunshine. After navigating NCR33 through the town the group headed  up hill through the forestry to pass Avishays house, (a house dating back to the 1790’s) just visible through the hedge from the lane, through Chaffcombe Village, to skirt the reservoir and nature reserve to rejoin NCN 33. The group left the NCN route at Peasmarsh, uphill to Kingstone then down the lanes, narrowed by grass heavy with seed, picking up part of the Fosse Way to Dinnington. A climb to Hinton St. George, downhill to Merriot and a very welcome break at the Feed Station, a cycle themed cafe.

Refreshed, the group set off to Over Stratton, South Petherton, the via Stembridge to Burrow, a bit of a climb past the cidery and distillery, sadly it was closed!

Some of the group were ahead and had an extra hill to Shepton Beauchamp as the group leader, who was behind the first three, took a command decision to take the rest of the group off the planned route on a more gentle climb.  After a phone call between the two groups they met up again on a the bridge above the A303 then via Seavington St Mary, up a steep little hill back to Kingstone and onto Dowlish Wake for a very pleasant pub lunch.

After lunch the group decided they wanted a flatter and quicker route back to Chard. After leaving Dowlish we reached the hill below Cricket Malherbie, then DOWNHILL to Sea (not the sea, the hamlet of Sea) to pick up NCR33 back to Chard . We departed from Chard shortly after ten thirty and were back about four fifteen. Thirty-five miles, or thirty-five point five for the breakaway group with 2150 ft of climbing.. A pleasant rural route through country lanes and hamstone built houses, very Somerset!

David & Fiona

A glorious ride through sunny North Somerset lanes was the setting for the Taunton Group’s July Ride. 9 tandems and 3 solos set off from the wonderful Strawberry Line community cafe (where there are paid jobs for adults with learning disabilities) at Yatton Railway Station for a 28 mile amble along the lanes of North Somerset just west of Bristol.

We started along Cycle Route 26 along Kenn Moor with views towards Tickenham Hill.

Passing the outskirts of Clevedon, we joined part of the Avon Valley cycleway along the peaceful shady Norton’s Wood Lane, we then turned towards Walton-in-Gordano and made our way up the coast road climb to reach Portishead with beautiful views towards Wales.

After a speedy downhill we enjoyed a coffee break at the Portishead Open Air Pool cafe (community organisation) and enjoyed views of the sailing racing in the Bristol Channel.

We then made our way through Portishead via Sheepway and Portbury to climb Portbury Hill via the quiet Failand Lane. 

We had a spectacular descent down Belmont Hill (Wraxhall) then joined the Festival Way cycle path. We then approached Nailsea via quiet lanes and cycle ways to arrive at our lunch spot, The Moorend Spout.

Suitably refreshed we sped along the lanes back to Yatton. 28 miles well cycled.

As you can see from the photo, one tandem on the ground was a bit of a theme for the day (two tandems down at snail pace on sharp bends). Despite this, no injuries were sustained and we all happily made our way home in anticipation of the England football Euros 2024 game.

Duncan & Nicki with Karl & Lisa
 

Jeff and Vicky organised the August Bank Holiday trip for the Taunton Group.

Saturday morning started with a visit to the Royal Marines Base at Instow.  After Coffee and cakes, 7 Tandems and 1 solo bike set off towards Meeth.  Luckily the rain had cleared by the time we reached Bideford and the weather improved and at Peters Marland we were able to sit outside in the garden for coffee at Yarde Orchard Cafe.  After another couple of miles the trail diverts from the old disused railway line and meanders through a pretty wooded area eventually passing Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve. We then joined the A386, after a short but steep climb up into the village we arrived at the Bull and Dragon in Meeth for our well-deserved lunch. We then retraced our route back to Instow with lots of nice gentle descents.  Everyone was staying at Tarka Trail Camping for the night and in the evening we met up for a meal and were able to watch a glorious sunset over Instow Seafront.

On Sunday morning our meeting place was the Tarka Trail campsite at Yelland and 9 Tandems and 1 Solo bike started out towards Barnstaple, passing the Heritage Centre at Fremington Quay. By-passing the centre of Barnstaple, by using the new bridge to cross the River Taw, we then cycled onto the Quay Cafe at Braunton for coffee. Leaving here we left the Tarka trail heading down the toll road (no toll for the bikes) which goes to Crow Point car park, at the end of which we utilised a small cut through to reach Braunton Burrows where we then joined the old American road. This was built during WW2 by American Forces who used Braunton Burrows extensively for training before the D Day Landings.  We then took the main road to Saunton Sands Beach where in typical British style we enjoyed a blustery and damp picnic. Our route back took us around Braunton Great Field, this is an exceptionally rare medieval landscape with a strip field system still in operation. With none of the usual Devon high hedges we were able to enjoy unrestricted views across Braunton Marsh. We then re-joined the Tarka Trail for a windy ride back to Yelland.
On Monday, Malcolm and Grace arranged a short ride for 7 tandems along the Tarka Trail to Bideford. A steep and rough track then took us up to Northam before dropping down to Appledore for coffee. We then cycled across Northam Burrows to Westward Ho! passing lovely multi coloured cottages. A very steep ascent then took us up and over to Bideford where we stopped for a picnic in the park in the sunshine. We returned along the Trail to Yelland to complete our August Bank Holiday Weekend. 
Very many thanks to everyone who attended, with special thanks to Jeff for organising the visit to the Royal Marine Base where many of us fulfilled our boyhood dreams getting up close to the MOD vehicles.

Jeff and Vicky

Taunton Tandem group spent a long weekend at Wadebridge in mid-September. Some of us stayed at Pendavey House and Lodge, while the rest of the group stayed at Little Bodieve Campsite. On Saturday we kicked things off with a social evening for all at Pendavey House, with a bring and share supper. We then enjoyed three days of cycling in wonderful early autumn weather. 
Sunday’s ride took us to Port Isaac, with lunch at Trevathan farm shop. Our return route took us to Rock, where some of the group took the ferry to Padstow and returned along the Camel Trail, while the rest of the group came back via Chapel Amble. 
On Monday we climbed out of Wadebridge to St Breock Down to enjoy some spectacular views, before heading down to the coast at Harlyn Bay for our lunch stop, then on to Padstow and back along the Camel trail. In the evening, we all enjoyed a meal at the Borough Arms in Bodmin. Thanks to the group for paying for our meal as a thank you for organising the weekend - that was very much appreciated by us both.
Tuesday saw us heading up the Camel Trail, through Bodmin and on to Bodmin Moor. We had three stops, first a café stop at Blisland, followed by a picnic in the churchyard at Churchtown, and a final café stop at St Teath. The weather was fantastic, and we all enjoyed the wonderful vistas as we crossed Bodmin Moor. 
Thank you all for joining us on what was, at times, some quite challenging routes. I think special mention must go to Grace, who at 91 years of age joined us for every ride, riding approximately 100 miles over the three days – what a gal!
Andy and Anita

An intrepid Taunton Tandem group set out from Wells for our October ride over the flooded Somerset Levels. Fortunately it was just light rain and not too windy. We had missed the worst of Storm Ashley but still had the challenge of flooded roads. Luckily we missed a heavy shower while we had our coffee stop but got caught in a heavy downpour as we left Glastonbury just before our lunch stop. After a good lunch at Middlewick Farm where we were joined by more tandem friends the sun came out so we finished on a high note, back in Wells reasonably dry apart from soggy feet
Clive and Emma