How a tandem can open up the world

On the pm radio programme yesterday, a thrilled blind lady was featured - she had just been cycling on a tandem. Through Companion Cycling, a charity based in Surrey, people with disabilities are able to take to a bike and enjoy the wow feeling we all get from pedalling away.

Last summer, we had our own tandem wow, when Erik Weihenmayer took his young family cycling with us in Oxfordshire. Erik, who lives in Colorado is the only blind man to have reached the Everest summit which he did in 2001. His life reads like an action man Oscar and his autobiography, Touch The Top of the World is a source of inpsiration to all of us.  Now married, his wife took the front saddle of the tandem and with their two children following, they rode out of Oxford along the rural Thames to start their adventure with us. We had made some adjustments to the tandem before their arrival as the front rider is not usually the smaller of the pair. All went well and we were left standing in awe and viewing the crudentials of the tandem in a new light!

Choice Inns

We're so pleased that a number of the inns we highlight on our tours are  in the list of the latest prize winning inns of England.

One to mention especially at this time of year as autumn seems to be fast changing into winter, is The Turf Tavern in Oxford.  Awarded Best Town pub of the year, the inn features .on all our tours in and from Oxford.  Tucked away behind high walls in the heart of this historic city, you can sit outside in the three attractive walled-in flagstoned or gravelled courtyards (one has its own bar) with coal braziers so you can roast chestnuts or toast marshmallows.  Canopies, lights and heaters.add to the general cosiness and warmth of this charaterful pub.  But beware late arrivals for lunch: you may well be disappointed.
Congratulations to The Turf Tavern and thanks for your warm welcome to our walkers and cyclists there.

Cycle Oxford Festival : May 7th - 9th

A weekend of events including bicycle polo, alleycat rides (a kind of treaure hunt on bikes), bike bell orchestra and a cargo bike race is to be held from 7th to 9th May in Oxford. The city is renowned for being cycling friendly so we are sure the event will be a great success. Anyone can take part in the activities - just bring your bike! For further information go to www.myspace.com/oxfordbikefestival