Turns out tandem are completely fantastic fun. You should all get one.
In a fit of enthusiasm Harry, now 6 going on 7, did the Tamworth National Forest 50 because it was organised by Clive, one of the people we'd written last year's Welland with. It was ace - we were going so well we had to go slow for several km before we got to the control so we didn't arrive early. After a leisurely cake, we zoomed back to come in on the dot of 3 hours.
My other son Daniel, aged 10, joined us on the Welland 50km. We left a few minutes late (faffing) and then, about 20km in, Harry managed to catch himself in the chain. I don't quite know how, but somehow he managed to snag the outside of his left ankle on the timing chain or chain ring. Sitting on the side of the road, crying for his Mum, he just wanted to go home. Daniel and I gently pointed out we were some way into the ride and the only way home was to cycle back to the car. After several minutes, he was calmed down enough to agree to ride on the control. Even before we reached the control, his confidence began to return and once there he confided that "we can't let Daniel down". Happily the return section was absent such excitement. Eventually we rolled in for 3 hours 29.
Daniel's now considering joining me on a 100 and I expect once as soon as he sees his new bike (an Islabikes Beinn, but don't say anything it's a surprise) Harry will be angling to do a 50 solo rather than as stoker.
Get 'em young, that's what I say.
