For those who haven't had the pleasure of trying a tandem, let me try to describe the steep learning curve we undertook. Thankfully, John and Rachel (who loaned us their trusty bike) gave us a lesson in advance of the challenge. Balance is one issue; it all feels a little wobbly when you first set off! You also need to learn to cope with a lack of vision. The person at the back can't see where they're going and the person at the front can't see the traffic behind them. Communication is key. It is also key to starting, peddling and stopping. The myth that the person at the back can just have a rest really is a myth. When one person stops peddling, you both do so you can't coast without the other person knowing!
Despite these challenges we set off enthusiastically on a beautiful Edinburgh winter's day. We were dressed to impress and were waved off to whoops and cheers (thanks John, Morag, Michael and Ruth!). Off we flew around the corner and up a wee hill. We then had to stop and check the map... But before we knew it, we were nearing the first of Edinburgh's classic hills. I'm sure the Sunday morning walkers were delighted to see 2 idiots peddling their way up the path to the top of Corstorphine hill. First one = done.
Across town, a few more map checks and we reached Craiglochart. Unfortunately, we weren't at the top, but could see a couple of wee steps so thought we could manage to carry the bike up. The few steps turned out to be a lot of steps. The view was worth it and hill 2 complete. Onwards to the Braid Hills and our one and only heckle in Morningside - I was peddling Bri, honest! The Braid hills also threw up a slight debate about where the highest accessible point was. We decided the golf course was certainly high enough so we flew down the hill and negotiated our way to Blackford.
There is no doubt Edinburgh is a hilly city but so far, we'd coped relative well and not really had to push the bike. The last few hundred yards up to Blackford were steep, very steep. A little push was required but soon we were on top of the world once more and over half way through. Onwards and downwards with increasing confidence and less shouts of "BRAKE" from behind!
After annoying a few drivers by going the wrong way round Arthur's seat, we were met by family Harding with well needed sustenance. With a slight fear that it was starting to get dark the feet hit the pedals and we zoomed on up to Carlton hill before attempting the final assault to the castle. We were feeling determined to get up without pushing but the steep cobbles proved impossible on tired legs. I think the tourists were even more bemused by people pushing a tandem in odd clothing!
And we were done... 7 hills in over 4 hours on a very cold, crisp winter's day. We then headed home for the perfect way to end our penultimate challenge: with a drink by an open fire. And relax... Until the final challenge! A delightful run around Princess Street gardens dressed as Santa on the 9th December. Will we reach £6500? Visit:www.justgiving.co.uk/teams/FCF to help out.
Finally we'd like to once again thank those involved with the challenge. John and Rachel, your bike knowledge was invaluable and your bike treated us so kindly. Ruth, Morag, Si, Susie, Nina and parents Taylor and Bron - thanks for cheering us on at different points and buying a drink at the end. 11 down, 1 to go... You know, I think we might actually do this....
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