The Tandem Club was
formed in the UK in 1971 primarily to provide otherwise unobtainable
spare parts and technical advice on how to maintain the older machines.
This is still an important function but since then the Club has
developed along with the increased interest in tandems, extending the
range of services and benefits it offers to its members, and currently
the Club has a world wide membership of over 5,000 members.
Throughout the UK over 40 Regional Officers
organise Tandem Club activities on a local basis. They can be contacted
to find out what is happening in their area or for advice on how to
arrange activities.
Both within and outside the UK there are members who are willing to
give advice to members touring in their country and to provide
emergency assistance.
Many national events are organised by members throughout the year in
the UK, and events are arranged from time to time, usually every year,
in another European country. Details of these events are published in
the Club's bi-monthly Journal and are shown in Major
TC Events and the What's On Guide.
A committee of volunteers devote their time free, to running the Club.
Members of the Club benefit from: -
- The bi-monthly Journal mentioned above - packed with news
and views on the tandeming scene, with everything for the
tandem enthusiast from technical advice, maintenance and tandem
touring to sales and wants.
- A Handbook - full of information about tandems with a special
section on spares.
- A Calendar of
Events - including family rides/day rides, weekend
hostelling/camping and a yearly national tandem holiday/international
event.
- A strong and active network of local groups organising day
or weekend events.
- Time Trials and Hill Climbs - specially organised with the
competitive tandemists in mind, or for those who would just
like to have a go. A register of Club Records is maintained.
- An International Network of Members offering emergency assistance.
- Advice for disabled or handicapped riders - including a
taped cassette edition of the Journal for people who are visually
handicapped.
- Third party insurance cover - as a Tandem Club member, you
are covered by the Club's insurance whenever you are cycling
socially in the UK. Insurance cover is still in place, of
course, for all members at all Club rallies. Details can be
found in the Insurance
section of the Member's Area.
You do not have to own a tandem to join the Club. Many people
in fact become members to learn more about tandems, before buying
one to suit their own individual needs (see Tandem
Buying and Tandem
Hiring).
The annual subscription is a modest one (see Subscription
Details), so why not send in an Application
Form to join the Tandem Club today.
|
