Matilda hands over her bidons to the younger generation after a decade of dedicated service.

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 !

Tour de Perthshire du Tandem – Team Matilda welcomes Team Bluebird!

Here I am with my new “best pal” Bluebird – a semi-recumbent tandem.

I have been uber excited over the past week or so as I have made a new friend! I am now ‘best pals’ with another tandem – called Bluebird – who kept me company on some rides and with whom I had lots of chats and fun!

You see Team Matilda – made up of the “old git” and the “old gal” – welcomed Team Bluebird to Perthshire – made up of two fellow tandemers, Jane and John Taylor who live near Southampton in Hampshire. They brought their unusual Pino semi-recumbent tandem,  who has her own mini blog called ‘Travels with Bluebird’.

Now for background Jane and John certainly seemed to have much in common with my dynamic duo – such as not enjoying hills and definitely enjoying wine! In fact both Team Bluebird and Team Matilda seemed to have the same views on not taking tandeming too seriously. Therefore, prior to arrival,  they all decided they would become self-proclaimed founding members of the Nutty Tandemers Club! And that definitely set the tone for the week – and gave us all a crazy reputation to live up to! And I can say that over the week all four tandemers more than passed the test to be life long members of the Nutty Tandemers Club!

Given that so much happened during the action-packed week, this blog is a kind of photo special as I recount the best bits of Le Tour de Perthshire du Tandem ….

Monday 15 August – The Big Meet up … and Loch Rannoch!

Thumbs up from Team Matilda and Team Bluebird in Le Tour de Perthshire du Tandem t-shirts!

Monday morning and Matildas Rest was a hive of activity as the “old git” and the “old gal” were up early to prepare to welcome Team Bluebird! Given that my dynamic duo had only become friends with them electronically via the UK Tandem Club Facebook page – the “old gal” said it was a bit like preparing for a blind date!  Obviously they had “seen” each other via Skype calls – but this was the first meet up! And I was keen with anticipation to meet Bluebird too, as I had heard so much about her!

John and Jane and Bluebird had arrived in Perthshire on Saturday following the UK Tandem Rally in Northumberland – and brought their car (aka Bertie!) and their caravan (aka Buzz!) to Crieff. My team were down in London for a wedding that weekend – but left a bag of Perthshire-themed food and drink items to make them feel welcome and get them into the mood (and training) for Le Tour! They also had team t-shirts created using the tour logo – complete with names of stokers and pilots on the sleeves – and made up some laminated posters and saltire flags for us tandems.

But all nervousness disappeared the moment the door bell went and John and Jane greeted my dynamic duo like long term friends. Over a quick coffee everyone quickly gelled and we all knew at that moment it was going to be a memorable week!

We headed up the A9 in convoy, with warm sunshine promised, to one of my favourite places for a ride – Loch Rannoch in Highland Perthshire. As we parked up at the western end of the loch at Bridge of Gaur, right on cue the sun broke through the clouds just as both us tandems were being unloaded. And as the two crews got their equipment sorted, I got the chance to make my acquaintance with Bluebird. And despite the fact that I am an “old lady” and she is just a newbie in comparison, we had lots in common and I felt great to have a new tandem pal!

Aren’t Bluebird and I looking resplendent with our tour posters and saltires?

Team Bluebird – Pilot John and Stoker Jane ready to roll at Loch Rannoch.

Off we pedalled on the 25 mile loop to take in the scenic beauty of the wilderness area of Loch Rannoch. You can check out the route of our inaugural Tour de Perthshire adventure at Loch Rannoch on Strava below – and don’t forget to click on the map image to get the full date and statistics!

Now although Team Bluebird’s crew do a bit more miles on average than we do, they also agree with my dynamic duo’s philosophy that it is the sMiles and not the miles that is crucial! We were all rolling along at a good pace and  John and Jane were drinking in the amazing views across the loch to the mountains. The “old gal” decided a quick stop was required at a wild camping area about two-thirds of the way up the loch – which offers a perfect opportunity for pictures with the majesty of the perfectly conical shape of Schiehallion – one of Scotland’s most recognisable mountains – in the background.

All four self-proclaimed members of the Nutty Tandemers Club with a backdrop of Schiehallion.

The two stokers – the “old gal” and Jane – together on the banks of a calm and sunny Loch Rannoch.

My dynamic duo in warm sunny day pose – spot the earpiece and headsets!

During the photo stop, us two tandems stayed in the shade and had a good chat!

Conditions were so perfect that the “old gal” decided to shoot a video of Team Bluebird and Team Matilda enjoying the delightful scenery of Loch Rannoch. (Remember if you are reading this on email, you need to click on the blog first – via the link at the bottom of the email – to view the video.)

Tandeming on we soon arrived in the town of Kinloch Rannoch where the “old gal” had “booked” one of the most spectacular tables for lunch you could imagine – a picnic bench looking on to a waterfall. This was the venue for my dynamic due to introduce Team Bluebird into the benefits of their (in)famous prosecco picnics – the first of the tour!

Cheers! The first of the famous prosecco picnics of Le Tour de Perthshire!

A perfect combination for a lunchtime picnic – prosecco with an Irn Bru chaser!

After a most enjoyable picnic we set off down the quieter south side of the loch – which if anything is even more scenic than the north shore. The B-class single track road never seems to be more than a couple of yards from the loch itself, and the wilderness factor is underlined as it winds its way through the magical Black Wood of Rannoch – one of the largest areas of ancient pine forest left in Scotland. It certainly lives up to its Forestry Commission billing as “a living growing monument with some trees thought to be about 400 years old, and is home to a wonderful variety of plants and wildlife, including deer, pine martens and red squirrel.” It is so special that Team Bluebird agreed with Team Matilda that it feels like an honour to be able to cycle through it – truly getting as close as possible to nature. Little wonder then that it is designated a Special Area of Conservation.

All smiles – taking in the warm sunshine on the south side of a very calm Loch Rannoch!

We stopped a couple of times to bask in the warm sunshine before one of those moments when I am impressed with my dynamic duo. There is a fairly steep double hill towards the bottom of the loch – a section the “old git” and the “old gal” have had to walk in the past. But I am thrilled to report they managed to ride the whole way and enjoyed the feeling of satisfaction and achievement.

Back to the cars and both tandems were packed away before a short 6 mile drive to the end of the road and the wonderfully remote Rannoch railway station. Because we had enjoyed being out in the sunshine the amazing Rannoch Station tearoom was closed for the day and we had to make do with looking longingly through the windows of the beautifully converted station waiting room. But the tandem crews did explore the station itself with the display showing the story of its construction in such a remote location and got to play with an old set of signals!

The tandem crews got to play with an old set of signals.

Trainspotting! Rannoch Station – surely one of the remotest stations in Scotland.

The final stop for the day was to walk across the road from the station to be met by Scott and Steph, mine hosts at the oasis which is Moor of Rannoch Hotel. It is hard to describe this hotel to fully justify what it offers but essentially it is probably best summed up in the four headline words they use on their website – Retreat, Relax, Unwind, Escape.

Moor of Rannoch hotel with its constantly changing natural vista of Rannoch Moor.

The hotel’s major selling point – apart from the gin bar (obviously!) is that there is no tv signal and no wifi. You are quite literally cut off from the modern world. But that is a huge benefit, and the scenery provides the stimulating brain food as it looks out over the wilderness of Rannoch Moor to the Glencoe mountains.

Which is exactly the view that the tandem crews enjoyed as they enjoyed a perfect end to the day with a celebratory gin and a superb meal – presenting Highland Perthshire’s larder at its very best! And right on cue,  just as we were set to depart, the “stag party” arrived – with the friendly herd of deer coming down off the hill for their evening meal. As we set off for home, the moon was shining brightly over the mountains and we all enjoyed its sparkling reflection on the loch. A truly memorable day!

Tuesday 16 August – Buzz’s first entertaining!

The artistically designed Nutty Tandemers club membership cards.

Tuesday saw my dynamic duo have to go to work, so Team Bluebird ventured out for a short early afternoon 9 mile loop from their caravan site in Crieff which took in Drummond Castle and a trip on the first phase of the new Muthill to Crieff off road cycle path.

Tuesday evening saw a big event – with my dynamic duo being guinea pigs as they had the honour of being the first people entertained for a meal in Team Bluebird’s new caravan called Buzz! But to get in to the caravan my crew had to show their special membership cards for the Nutty Tandemers Club which John had cleverly created.

And before the meal there was the obligatory toast to the Nutty Tandemers! But it was a special toast as John and Jane had procured a special bottle of Veuve Amiot fizz – appropriately from the Loire Valley given our Tour de France destination of the Loire in September! And even more appropriately it was branded Tandem, as they had acquired it in May 2013 during the 25th International Tandem Rally in Saumur in France. My dynamic duo felt honoured – and it was delicious!

The toast to the Nutty Tandemers with the special “Tandem” fizz!

The meal that followed – cooked by Jane – of spinach pasta bake followed by fresh berries was very tasty and it was a great night of laughter and chat as the Nutty Tandemers cemented their friendship – with Buzz providing a very hospitable venue for entertaining! My crew were more than happy to be the guinea pigs!

Wednesday 17 August – Sun-kissed Loch Katrine!

The Tour de Perthshire Nutty Tandemers team shirts complete with names on the sleeves.

Today’s destination for the Nutty Tandemers was a favourite of the “old git” and the “old gal” – Loch Katrine – which nestles in some of Scotland’s most atmospheric, picturesque and historic scenery.

The area – in the heart of the Trossachs within Scotland’s first National Park – is clearly not strictly in Perthshire but it has a special place in the hearts of my dynamic duo as without Loch Katrine they may never have teamed up together! You see it is the very reason they got into tandeming in the first place, and it was totally by accident as they decided to hire a tandem on what was their first proper date together. And the rest as they say is history! You can read a humorous account of that day here.

Team Bluebird had heard all about the romantic story – and more importantly the wonderful scenery  – so were keen to see the beauty of  Loch Katrine for themselves. So we drove in convoy to Trossachs Pier and bought tickets for the historic steamship Sir Walter Scott.

It was very exciting as both Bluebird and I were lifted on board the boat and conditions could hardly have been better for a morning sail down the loch. Certainly no need for my sea sickness tablets! The “old git” even managed to persuade the boat’s staff to get the Captain to give Team Bluebird a special welcome over the ship’s tannoy!

Two “old ladies” together – here I am on the Walter Scott steamship.

Ahoy there! Team Bluebird enjoying the scenic sail on Loch Katrine.

An hour later we disembarked at Stronachlacher Pier and decided to firstly tandem west towards Loch Lomond and the famous Inversnaid Bunkhouse popular with walkers on the West Highland Way. You can check out the route of our the Nutty Tandemers Club sun-kissed sail and ride at Loch Katrine on Strava below – and don’t forget to click on the map image to get the full date and statistics!

We decided to avoid the steep decent to – and therefore steep climb back from – Inversnaid itself and returned along what is called the Old Military Road to Stronachlachar – drinking in the scenery looking at its best in the glorious sunshine.

The “old git” and a Highland coo – the coo is the one on the left of the picture!

The “old gal” decided it would be an ideal time for a pit stop and Team Bluebird and Team Matilda enjoyed some welcome coffee and cake at the Pier Cafe – right on Stronachlacher pier which the boats dock at when taking passengers up and down the loch. As Jane remarked, the cafe’s picnic tables offer what has to be one of the best views in Scotland for a coffee stop. And with the sun beating down it was so warm that everyone had to apply some sun screen before getting back on the saddles!

Ready for the hilly Loch Katrine challenge from Stonachlachar Pier back to Trossachs Pier.

So refuelled and refreshed we headed off on the 13 mile route back up the side of the loch. It is a joy to tandem on as it is a well maintained private road owned by Scottish Water who use the loch as a reservoir to supply Glasgow. But the terrain is fairly undulating! (“That’s HILLY – not undulating” shouts the “old gal”!) John and Jane – aka Team Bluebird – are more used to hills and that pushed my dynamic duo on – managing to nail most of the hills that previously required them to get off and push. Amazingly this included gaining a Strava personal best on a category 3 climb at Invergyle!

The “old git” and the “old gal” smiling – despite having just climbed a category 3 hill!

And a rear view shot of my dynamic duo in action with amazing views of Loch Katrine.

It was a fabulous day to be out tandeming – and Bluebird and I were in our element – even if our crews were suffering a little in the heat! One of the highlights, about half way along the route, is a scenic viewpoint at Portnellan which overlooks the burial ground of the Clan MacGregor – which dates back to the 17th century – and has historic links to the legendary Rob Roy MacGregor.

The “old gal” posing at the picturesque archway at Portnellan.

John and Jane – aka Team Bluebird – in a romantic pose in the sunshine!

My dynamic duo having another memorable fun moment on the banks of Loch Katrine.

We tandemed on before taking a little diversionary track – cutting out one of the steepest hills – which the “old git” happened to remember had a couple of picnic tables right on the edge of the loch with an idyllic view. Time for today’s prosecco picnic – with Team Bluebird and Team Matilda lapping up the ice cold fizz!

Cheers! Team Bluebird and Team Matilda striking a celebratory pose during another prosecco picnic!

Prosecco picnic carnage! A joke photo to show the remains of the picnic lunch!

See no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil – the Three Wise Monkeys on the picnic bench!

And a “normal” photo of Jane, John and the “old gal” enjoying some post picnic shade.

Only a couple of climbs more and a few miles and we were back at the top of the loch where Jane and the “old gal” took videos of one another as us tandems cycled along!  This was actually more difficult that it seemed as there were a few “technical issues” (ie the cameras not being switched on properly by their operators!) which meant we were on the third take before it worked!

Well to a certain extent! The footage has been given the professional treatment by the video experts at the “old git’s” work and transformed into something that is actually worth watching!

Back in the car park the “old gal” decided it would be fun to spice things up a bit and swap the pilots and stokers around a bit! So Jane replaced the “old gal” in my stoker’s position for a ride around the car park with the “old git.” Unusually for him, he was very diplomatic in his answer when asked by the “old gal” if he felt the difference in power from the new stoker!

Then the “old git” replaced Jane in her role as stoker on the front of Bluebird! An experience which he tells me he found a little odd – given the fairly exposed seating position out front! And of course he wasn’t in control of the brakes, gears or steering – so he was a tad nervous! But the swapping certainly produced lots more laughs as you can see from the video!

The “old git” taking up the role of stoker on Bluebird – with John looking a tad worried!

After all the shenanigans Team Bluebird and Team Matilda made the mistake of  going into the Brenachoile Cafe in the car park at Trossachs Pier for much needed refeshments. Big mistake! From the moment we entered the staff were off putting and it was an awful experience – the kind of damaging hospitality image which the “old git” thought had been removed from the Scottish tourism scene. It was so bad that the “old git” wrote a scathing review of their experience on TripAdvisor which you can read here – and couldn’t help but notice that other reviewers had the same message of “avoid at all costs.”

Tandems packed back in the vehicles, a quick change and a short drive saw us in the nearby tourist town of Callander. Team Bluebird liked the look of the Old Rectory Inn which had a big front garden and we bagged a picnic-style table. Celebration drinks were duly ordered before a gorgeous bar supper meal was enjoyed in the warm early evening sunshine.

Both Team Bluebird and Team Matilda headed home tired but agreeing that tandeming simply doesn’t get much better than today!

Thursday 18 August – Bluebird’s day at The Kelpies (getting lost!)

My dynamic duo had to work again today – and work late – so Team Bluebird were on their own. I am told they ventured to the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel. The plan was to do the circular signed cycle route but Team Bluebird found it virtually impossible to follow – just like we did a couple of weeks ago! For the full story and pictures read the Travels with Bluebird blog entry of the day here.

Friday 19 August – Rain stops ride but prosecco pizza prevails!

While Team Matilda were working, Team Bluebird ventured out on a highly impressive 42 mile jaunt from Crieff to Lochearnhead! Whisper it but I am actually quite glad my dynamic duo were working as it looked a tad on the hilly side for this “old lady”! You can read details of their trip – and see a couple of pictures here.

The “old git” and the  “old gal” had planned to show Team Bluebird the route around Loch Leven tonight – with a prosecco picnic tea along the way. But heavy rain forced the cancellation of that idea.

Spot the rain! But it was nice and cozy for a prosecco pizza night in Buzz!

So the “old gal” came up with the inspired suggestion that we have a prosecco pizza night instead! So they ordered pizzas and drove to Crieff to enjoy another great night of food and drink in the very comfortable surroundings of Buzz!

Saturday 20 August – Finale at Loch Leven and end of Tour de Perthshire du Tandem dinner!

The plans for the big finale of Le Tour de Perthshire du Tandem was for the Nutty Tandemers do do a quick 12 mile lap of Loch Leven in late afternoon, before a celebratory end of tour dinner at Matildas Rest. The hope was to tandem in the same glorious sunshine as we had all experienced earlier in the week – but it was too good to last!

The weather gods decided to tease us and sent lots of cloud and rain – but it stopped the moment we pulled into the car park at Kinross pier. So,  despite some unsettled conditions, Team Bluebird and Team Matilda decided to risk the elements for one last hurrah!

Early on in the ride Jane even managed to catch my dynamic duo in action on video – which just underlines their slogan of “it’s always better together” … even in heavy cloud with rain threatening.

The trail has opened around two years ago at a cost of £3 million and is known as the Loch Leven Heritage Trail – linking 30 natural and cultural heritage sites. You can check out the route of the finale of the Nutty Tandemers Club Tour de Perthshire ride at Loch Leven on Strava below – and don’t forget to click on the map image to get the full date and statistics!

We set off on a clockwise loop just about getting a clear view of Loch Leven castle  in the middle of the loch – which was the setting for the most traumatic year in the life of Mary Queen of Scots. It was here in 1567 that she was imprisoned and forced to abdicate before her dramatic escape a year later. As we tandemed past the RSPB Loch Leven Nature Reserve – about 7.5 miles round the circuit at Vane Farm – the heavens opened again.

At the rain drenched viewpoint at Loch Leven – still trying to show Tour t-shirts!

Team Bluebird stoker Jane in her “fetching” cape to fight off the rain!

A brief stop for a couple of pictures at the viewpoint – where we had planned to have Friday night’s prosecco picnic tea – and we headed off to complete the loop. Both Bluebird and I remarked on how mucky the other was after the ride, and the fact that we would probably be getting a good wash as a result!

Despite the rain the ride was enjoyed by all – and feeling duly energised we headed back home to regroup at Matildas Rest for the end of tour dinner! The “old git” has a bit of a reputation for his mixology talents and the celebratory toast to the tour was a rather intoxicating cocktail of Cremant de Bordeaux mixed with some cherry brandy. It certainly made the evening go with a swing!

The “old gal” had prepared some seared tuna, washed down with some Entre-deux-Mers crisp white wine, which was followed by some of her legendary Strawberry Pimm’s Gateaux – with a chaser of Strawberry Pimms obviously!

A cheeseboard was accompanied by a Team Matilda gin cocktail (what else?!) – while the “old gal” got everyone into the spirit (literally) of the evening with some “Tandem Games”! I have to say that although I was safely tucked back in my nice cosy garage, I heard the loud laughs as Team Matilda and Team Bluebird took part in a somewhat chaotic game of “Pin the Pannier on the Tandem”! This was followed by a “quick draw” event where the tandem teams were mixed up and had to draw each other with hilarious results. The final game was story telling where each crew member had to take turns in adding a sentence which had to include the words Bluebird or Matilda  – which predictably produced some suitably ludicrous scenarios!

With tears literally pouring down our cheeks the final part of the evening was the Nutty Tandemers Club prize giving and awarding of certificates for completing Le Tour de Perthshire!

Smiles and Tour certificates for all founding members of the Nutty Tandemers Club.

And the good news is that all members of the Nutty Tandemers Club agreed unanimously that we need to meet up for another tour in the future.

So on behalf of Team Matilda,  it was a real pleasure to welcome Team Bluebird to our neck of the woods and a real privilege to meet John and Jane and forge a lasting friendship with what are real kindred spirits to my dynamic duo! We enjoyed your company and are delighted to have shared some great memories – and the “Pin the Pannier on the Tandem” images will live on for ever!!! I am already pining as I am missing my pal Bluebird – and I for one can’t wait to do it all again! Cheers guys!

To end this bumper blog posting – a final comment from Team Bluebird’s crew John and Jane:

Perthshire has been just wonderful – the scenery beautiful and dramatic whatever the weather. But we were so fortunate to have the glorious sunshine especially at Lochs Katrine and Rannoch. So many of the villages we passed through had the most wonderful and decorative floral displays and the people have been so friendly and welcoming.

Thank you Perthshire but special thanks must go to Colin and Di, our fellow Nutty Tandemers, for all they did to make sure that we had a wonderful time on Le Tour de Perthshire du Tandem.

 Until next time guys! Cheers!