On my new tandem holder in my cozy garage at Matildas Rest as I hand over my bidons to e-Matilda!
So the time has come, dear faithful fans and readers of my #tandem blog …
It’s time for a tandem #Coronation – the crowning of a new tandem era.
With a lump in my throat, and a bit of a tear in my eye, it is time for me, the “old lady” classic Jack Taylor tandem to hand over my bidons to the younger generation and gracefully retire after a decade of dedicated service to my dynamic crew.
I am also passing over my laptop, and thus the important mantle of being “the UK’s only blogging tandem” to the next generation – to the Gepida Bikes Thoris Voyage e-tandem (click link for full details) with not one, but two 500Wh batteries, and the Bosch e-Bike Systems Performance CX 250w motor, which was custom built and supplied by the wonderful JD Tandems in Gargrave, North Yorkshire.
So why the decision to pass the blog baton over to the younger generation? Well whisper it, but this “old lady” classic Jack Taylor tandem is actually fully on side with Team Matilda’s big decision to buy a battery-assist e-tandem. As an original heavy steel framed tandem, I know only too well that old age brings its increasing mechanical problems – just as my dynamic crew are discovering that the passing years always seem to throw up some more health and fitness issues. Being older than my dynamic crew of the “old git” and the “old gal”, I am also aware that (like them!) I am not getting any lighter!
And it was actually me who suggested the new kid on the block be named e-Matilda for continuity purposes to easily retain the Matildas Musings name on this blog, and also on my Facebook, Twitter and You Tube social media sites; and that therefore my dynamic crew be known as Team e-Matilda, in a nod to my legacy!
I have officially handed over my bidons to the younger generation – in the shape of e-Matilda.
The blog will obviously continue, but as I enter retirement – on my comfy new tandem holder on the wall of the cozy garage at Matilda’s Rest – it is time for a period of reflection in my final blog post about life with my dynamic crew.
We have had so much fun over the last decade as Team Matilda – with our (hopefully) amusing adventures which amazingly often seem to focus on the food and drink experiences en route (I wonder why?!) – that I am sure you won’t grudge me a bit of self indulgence in my swansong from the blog.
My Matildas Musings blog was launched as my dynamic crew discovered the joy of doubling up on a bicycle made for two – getting that fabulous buzz of cycling along together in synchronicity (well at least sometimes!) on the one “double bike” frame – something that can’t be replicated on solo bike, or “half bike” as tandemers call them!
So lets remember where the story began…
Showing that romance is not dead, two crazy 50-somethings – ie the “old git” and the “old gal” – hired a tandem bike back in July 2012 to break the ice and remove any awkwardness on their first blind date (yes, really!!) at Loch Katrine. It was certainly one of those quirks of fate moments – reminiscent of the movie “Sliding Doors” – as they fell in love with a new hobby, and each other!
The “old git” and “old gal” on a hired tandem on that fateful first date at Loch Katrine.
As two reluctant singletons my dynamic crew found me, quickly decided to buy me – and named me Matilda – to have a “something different” hobby for weekend trips while dating. So I can claim to be a matchmaking tandem – a match made in heaven according to the “old git”!! – and the rest as they say is history!
Just a few months later, in May 2013 my dynamic crew decided this was the life they wanted so the “old git” gave up city life in Glasgow and they moved into a new house together in Auchterarder – complete with me (essentially their “baby”) in the garage – known as Matildas Rest.
A shot of me on the day my dynamic crew bought me – and named me Matilda!
And I am happy to say I became a huge part of their new lives together – or as the “old gal” would say: “there are three of us in this marriage!” – as we explored some of the most spectacular and remote scenic areas in their home county of Perthshire and other parts of Scotland. there were even tours south of the border to Englandshire and also Europe!
Over the last decade Team Matilda has clocked up nearly 8000 miles together, in (mostly!) harmonious tandeming! So for old times sake, here is a selection of photos I have personally chosen from our Team Matilda adventures from each of the last 10 years, plus highlights of our tandem tours. I hope you enjoy rekindling the memories of some madcap fun trips, as much as I did. Naturally, as a bit of a diva, and the star of the Matildas Musings show, I have chosen photos which include me!
Don’t forget you can click on any of the images to enlarge them.
2014
A grainy shot of Team Matilda on a return pedal at the scene of the fateful blind date at Loch Katrine!
The “old gal” and “old git” actually looking very young at Balmaha Pier at spectacular Loch Lomond.
2015
Three steel icons together! Here I am in a photo at the iconic Kelpies statues near Falkirk.
Feeling festive – my dynamic crew fitted me with colourful Christmas lights!
2016
Just off the CalMac ferry on one of Team Matilda’s regular trips over the years to Millport.
Perfectly framed – the “old gal” pictured me posing underneath a rainbow at wilderness Loch Rannoch.
2017
Flying the flag for Scotland – one of Team Matilda’s social media profile images.
Me and my dynamic crew at Tullibardine Chapel for the Christmas Carol service.
2018
Team Matilda at RSS Discovery in Dundee in front of the new V&A Museum.
A spectacular sun-kissed picnic spot at Loch Clunie near Dunkeld.
2019
Paying homage to Scotland’s national bard – Robert Burns – at Burns Cottage in Alloway.
Overlooking the Cowal Peninsula after the climb out of Tighnabruaich on the epic Five Ferry Challenge.
2020
Cheers! Toasting a fab ride round Loch Rannoch from Tighnavon Glamping Pods at Kinloch Rannoch
Taking in the view at the beautifully scenic Falls of Dochart at Killin.
2021
One of my best photos – Team Matilda enjoying the view at Castle Stalker near Oban.
A fun tandem meet at a blowy Saltcoats beach with the other ‘Tilly the tandem crewed by Jon and Linda
2022
This was the year of my proudest moment over the last decade – having a key role in my dynamic crew’s epic marriage ceremony on Team Matilda’s favourite sun-kissed beach on their beloved Scottish destination of Millport. After being instrumental in my dynamic crew gelling as a team – with the “old git” and “old gal” becoming synchronised with each other’s foibles both on and off the saddles – it was a huge honour to be effectively the alter for the ceremony. I am happy to admit I did shed a tear or two as they exchanged their vows and wedding rings over my trusty frame! Job done!
Proud to be the alter as my dynamic crew exchange their vows and rings at their wedding ceremony.
Very happy to be at the centre of the “old git” and the old gal’s” wedding on sun-kissed Millport.
Just married! Team Matilda at our favourite beach spot on Millport, looking like the Caribbean.
2023
Pictured at Kinkell Bridge – a very meaningful place for the “old gal”
One of my last outings with the “old gal” and the “old git” at Carnoustie beach.
Team Matilda’s overseas tours
Pre-Covid, and before Brexit, Team Matilda were regular visitors to Europe – mainly mini Tours de France – where strangely enough the itineraries just happened to involve tandem tours through the wonderful French vineyards, with numerous tastings en-route! These were very special memories where I happily embraced the French joie de vivre, alongside the “old gal” and the “old git”.
2014 – Tour de Burgundy
Enjoying the French way of life on our first Tour de France in Burgundy at Chateauneuf en Auxois.
Blissful sunny days enjoying wonderful tandem rides between vineyards along the canal near Dijon.
The “old gal” and me checking the route at the serenely memorable Bligny sur Ouche.
2015 – Tour de Bordeaux
Superb memories for me touring the vineyards of Bordeaux – here at the wine capital of St Estephe
I’m cooling in the shade at one of my dynamic crew’s yummy wine picnics at St-Christoly-Medoc.
The amazing Atlantic wave breakers at the scenic beach at Soulac sur Mer.
2016 – Tour de Loire Valley
In the Vouvray vineyards highlighting the t-shirt message: “We’re here for the ride … and the wine!”
It’s not all plain pedalling – I’m ungainly turned upside down for a puncture repair at Noizay.
Drookit! – Team Matilda in (un)fetching blue ponchos after being hit by biblical rain at Chateau d’Usse.
2017 – 3 part Euro Tour – Tour de Holland, Tour de Alsace, Tour de Champagne
At Marken lighthouse not far from Amsterdam – with ironic king of mountain jerseys as it was so flat!
Now that’s what my dynamic crew call a perfect stop for a fizz picnic in the Alsace.
The Dom Perignon statue at Moet & Chandon hq on the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay.
Nutty Tandemers Club Tours
Some of my fondest sociable tandem memories were when Team Matilda teamed up with their “best pals” Jane Termini Taylor and John Taylor – as fellow founding (and only!) members of the self proclaimed and highly exclusive Nutty Tandemers Club.
Jane and John have the same nutty attitude to riding a tandem as my dynamic crew – including a likeing for the odd bottle of prosecco. Indeed The Nutty Tandemers prosecco picnics, while out on a pedal, have become legendary!
There has been an annual tour of some description every year since the two tandem crews first ventured out on a joint trip back in 2016 – and of course Jane and John happily fulfilled the honours of being the official witnesses to my dynamic crew’s wedding.
2016 – Tour de Perthshire
One of the first Nutty Tandemers prosecco picnics with Jane and John at Loch Katrine.
All smiles from the Nutty Tandemers on their first tour – at Stronachlachar Pier in the Trossachs.
Sunny t-shirt weather for the Nutty Tandemers during a trip to wonderful Loch Rannoch.
2017 – Tour de New Forest
Visiting the impressive giant Redwood trees at Rhinefield in the New Forest National Park.
The self-proclaimed Nutty Tandemers on the headland above Lepe beach.
See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil – This pose is now an annual Nutty Tandemers photo ritual!
2018 – (mini) Tour de Perthshire
Jane and the “old gal” – the powerhouse tandem Stoker’s – preparing a prosecco toast at Trinity Gask.
The Nutty Tandemers posing for a mirror image shot at the Brig at Bridge of Earn.
Time for a refreshment stop (again!) for the tandem crews – this time at the Kirkstyle Inn at Dunning.
2019 – Tour de Hebridean Way
At the start of the HebWay at Vatersay – 185 miles, 10 islands, 6 causeways and 2 ferries to go!
Jane and the “old gal” indicating their intentions (fuelled by gin Martini) at Tarbert.
Mission complete! The Nutty Tandemers complete their HebWay Challenge at Butt of Lewis lighthouse.
2020 – Tour de Worcs & Warks
Tandem Captains’ toast! John and the “old git” say cheers to the 2020 tour at Beacon Hill.
The Nutty Tandemers enjoying the sun at the wharf on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal.
Nutty fun! A prosecco toast to mark the end of the tour at Shell Ford. Spot Jane with prosecco bottle!
2021 – Tour de Suffolk
At Flatford Mill in Suffolk, the scene of the famous Constable painting, The Hay Wain.
The Suffolk villages were beautiful, like this photo of the Nutty Tandemers bikes in Woolpit.
One of Team Matilda’s top Nutty Tandemers images – all collapsing into laughter at the end of the tour.
2022 – Tour de Millport for Wedding Celebrations
The Nutty Tandemers scouting out the beach location in the sun the day before the wedding.
Newly married – the “old gal” and the “old git” with Jane and John who were the official witnesses.
The moving ceremony in an idyllic location made Jane and the “old gal” share a hug and shed a tear.
So, as I come to the end of my last post, it has been a huge privilege to write this blog over the years, helping to promote the cause of tandem cycling in the UK and abroad. The blog has global appeal with readers as far away as South America, New Zealand, China, and the Yukon – as well as right across Europe … even after the Brexit disaster!
And it has been wonderful to have all the fabulous feedback and supportive comments from fellow tandemers and cyclists everywhere … who got the joke, and who always looked forward to the next installment of my dynamic crews trials and tribulations on a bicycle made for two!
The Tandem Club logo – promoting that riding a tandem is “twice the fun!”
The “old git” was even asked to run the social media for the Tandem Club UK on the back of my superb writing and publicity skills no less – promoting the fact that tandeming is “twice the fun” message on the club’s Facebook and Twitter feeds, growing the Facebook group to a fabulous 3,500 members. It’s got to be said, the “old git” (like me!) does have an eye for publicity and promotions and is not too bad at this writing lark himself!
My personal highlight of the last decade before my retirement? Well there have been too many to narrow down to just one! But I am particularly proud of being the only Scottish finalist in the UK Blog Awards when out of 2,000 entries I reached the final 10 in the “most innovative” blog category.
One of my proudest moments was being named a finalist in the UK Blog Awards
And of course, I did become a bit of a media star with Team Matilda’s tandeming adventures frequently being featured in newspapers, magazines, and on radio – and television. Oh the memories! Those were heady days indeed!
Me and the “old git” doing at interview for BBC Radio Scotland’s “Out of Doors” programme.
So although it is time for my graceful retirement, I know you will be in good hands with e-Matilda. She has told me as much in our chats in the garage at Matildas Rest – where I have given her the complete lowdown on the many idiosyncrasies of the “old gal” and especially the “old git” so the new generation e-tandem can continue to write Matildas Musings with the same self-deprecating humour to entertain you dear readers!
So, its “au revoir” from me, Matilda – but let’s all say a warm “bonjour” to e-Matilda and make her feel welcome as she takes over my bidons, as well as my laptop! I feel sure the switch will be as seamless as one of my Captain’s gear changes!
Its “au revoir” from me, Matilda – but “bonjour” to e-Matilda as she takes over my bidons and laptop!
I look forward, as I am sure you do, to continue to read about the what scrapes and (mis)adventures the “old gal” and “old git” get up to on the saddles of an e-bicycle made for two!
If the past decade is anything to go by – it will certainly not all be plain sailing – or even tandeming, that’s for certain! I won’t miss the many “discussions” between my Captain and Stoker – well, ok I will! But you know, I am actually going to be quite glad of a quieter, restful retirement here in the garage – safe in the knowledge that I can say to e-Matilda: “I told you so!”
Here’s to Team e-Matilda continuing to live the life of their twin mottos of “It’s the Smiles not the miles that count” and “It’s always better when we’re tandeming together”!
It’s been a blast ! – à bientôt !
It’s “au revoir” from me – at Millport, one of my favourite places – It’s been a blast! à bientôt !
Matildas Musings 