Wednesday, 2nd July 2025
Well, today is the day we have a further test ride appointment at JD Tandems, Gargrave.
True to form, considering we have had weeks without rain, today, it is raining (heavily).
Fortunately, the rain stops around 10:00 and we make our way to JD Tandems, to meet up with Jamie. After a bit of a "refresher course" around the car park, and, a short distance along Eshton Road, we are turned loose on their "Demonstration Model".
Bearing in mind we are not familiar with the area, and, we need quiet roads to hone our Tandem skills, Jamie recommends a ride to Airton Farm Shop.
The route is rather "undulating" and, some up the "ups" are rather large. But, just over 4.5 miles later, we arrive in one piece.
There are several other cyclists there, including another couple who are test riding a conventional tandem, from JD Tandems.
Coffee and scones consumed, we set off on the return trip. Kathleen was not too happy on the way here, "too many hills", but, Jamie has assured us that the return trip is generally downhill (although, it is still "undulating'). Sure enough, we return in significantly less time than the "to", and, Kathleen declares herself suitably pleased with our "maiden voyage".
One final thing to check, a small, but, essential point, will it fit in the garage of the Motorhome. The only way to be sure is to do it!, which we do. It goes in no problem, subject to us lowering the handlebar extensions. This is not a problem, and, it may well be that when we "tweet" the riding position to suit me more fully, it will not actually be necessary.
A little bit of time to consider, do we want to do this, followed by an offer by Jamie to sell us the demonstration model we have been riding, or, a brand new version (lead time 4-6 weeks), we conclude deal to buy the demonstration model, we collect it tomorrow!
Thursday, 3rd July 2025
The Hase Pino is duly collected, just after lunch, and loaded in the garage.
Friday, 4th July 2025
Home, after an enjoyable and fruitful 5 days, except, we, or, to be more precise, I, have a speeding Ticket, 35mph on a 30mph zone.