'Captain Swann undertook a tandem match from Ilford, seven miles over a
part of Epping Forest. He engaged to drive 12 miles at a trot and to
back his wheels if he broke into a gallop. This happened only once in
the seventh mile, which he nevertheless completed in 33 minutes. On his
return the pacing of the horses was a picture. The match was won fairly
with two minutes and six seconds to spare.'
A Mr. Houlston in the same year drove his tandem twelve miles on the
Winchester Road in one minute thirty-nine seconds under the hour
allowed. By this time tandem drivers had come to the reasonable
conclusion that the turning penalty (proper enough in trotting matches,
whether in shafts or saddle) was excessive for their sport, and
'backing' had been substituted therefor. Any one who has had occasion
to turn a tandem on the road without assistance will admit that the
abolition was wise.