With tandem cycling getting fresh attention this week thanks to Greg James’ 1,000km charity trek, one Lincolnshire couple know better than most what keeps two people pedalling in sync. Cycling enthusiast Barry Wilson imagined carefree rides with his wife Janet when they first met — but their very different paces quickly left them frustrated and often far apart on the road.
BBC Radio Lincolnshire spoke to Barry as BBC Radio 1’s Greg James was taking part in his eight-day trek for Comic Relief, travelling 1,000km through England, Wales and Scotland to his final destination in Edinburgh.
When Barry met Janet in the early ’80s, he says riding bikes together “seemed a natural thing to do” given his interest in the sport. So the couple, from Saxilby, bought two solo bikes.
Barry would charge up the hill at 20mph, while Janet, who was a novice, was following far behind.
“There was a complete mismatch,” Barry says. “I was frustrated, she was frustrated. She was sweating and puffing and panting and I was cold.”
Refusing to give up on their shared dream of cycling together, they went out and bought a tandem bike.
“It was fantastic,” Barry says. “I can pedal as hard as I want, she can pedal as hard as she wants and we both get there together.”