In tandem

 

In tandem

 A beautifully decorated tandem in The Hague, The Netherlands

Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons 

We see a lot of cyclists, many in form-fitting lycra, training seriously on the hills around us, but we don’t often come across tandems. I understand that they’re not particularly difficult to ride but require great trust between the two parties using them.

The person at the front of the machine is called the Captain or the Pilot and is usually the heavier of the pair. The one at the back is known as the Stoker and provides extra power.

I worked with someone whose husband was keen to have a tandem. She was not so enthusiastic, being of slight build and generally not inclined to participate in any sport. I don’t remember the outcome of the discussion.

Returning on Friday morning from a ‘verification trip’ (don’t ask!) to the Post Office, we passed two tandems, which caused us to wonder if there was an event. As we didn’t see any more, we assumed these two couples were out for a relaxing ride through the countryside on an increasingly warm day.

I have been singing, ‘Daisy, Daisy,’ ever since!

Daisy, Daisy,

Give me your answer, do!

I’m half crazy

All for the love of you!

It won’t be a stylish marriage,

I can’t afford a carriage.

But you’ll look sweet upon the seat

Of a bicycle built for two!

The correct title is ‘Daisy Bell’ and is said to have been inspired by Daisy Greville, Countess of Warwick, who was one of a number of Edward VII’s mistresses.

Harry Dacre (1857-1922) was the pen name adopted by a British songwriter called Frank Dean. He moved to America after four years in Australia and took with him an early version of ‘Daisy Bell.’ He also took his bicycle and had to pay import duty on it. The legend is that his friend William Jerome remarked that it was fortunate he had not brought with him a bicycle built for two, for then he would have had to pay double the duty. Dacre was inspired by that comment to alter the words of his song to reflect a tandem. Written in 1892, it was recorded by Dan W. Quinn in 1893.

It is the chorus which is familiar. I don’t think I’ve ever heard the verses.

There is a flower within my heart, Daisy, Daisy!

Planted one day by a glancing dart,

Planted by Daisy Bell!

Whether she loves me or loves me not,

Sometimes it's hard to tell;

Yet I am longing to share the lot

Of beautiful Daisy Bell!

Daisy, Daisy,

Give me your answer, do!

I'm half crazy,

All for the love of you!

It won't be a stylish marriage,

I can't afford a carriage,

But you'll look sweet upon the seat

Of a bicycle built for two!

We will go "tandem" as man and wife, Daisy, Daisy!

"Pedaling" away down the road of life,

I and my Daisy Bell!

When the road's dark we can both despise

Policeman and "lamps" as well;

There are "bright lights" in the dazzling eyes

Of beautiful Daisy Bell!
(Chorus)

I will stand by you in "wheel" or woe, Daisy, Daisy!

You'll be the bell(e) which I'll ring you know!

Sweet little Daisy Bell!

You'll take the "lead" in each "trip" we take,

Then if I don't do well;

I will permit you to use the brake,

My beautiful Daisy Bell! 

 Family tandem for six, 1925, Germany. The family is enjoying a picnic as they cycle!
Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons