1982 Santana Tandem

A Fantastic Gift!
An Interesting Story!
June 2012

The Back Story: In 1983, in Ridgewood, New Jersey, Bob & Jane celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Bob found a beautiful silver platter to give to his bride and had it engraved to mark the wonderful occasion.

Jane decided to surprise Bob with a gift, she thought he might enjoy and appreciate for years to come. Also it would be a gift both could share in and enjoy together. She went to the local bicycle shop and ordered a tandem. In 1983, a Santana was one of the best money could buy.

The Side Story: In 1982 I was called by the West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, New Jersey, to become their Minister to Youth. When I arrived in August, the first people we met were Bob and Jane. They welcomed us into their home where we met their daughters and corgi, and heard about their son in College. We became good friends with Miss Jane and Mr. Bob, as we liked to call them. In 1985, Bob's career moved he and Jane to Texas. We lost touch with each other.

The Next Chapter: Fast forward to 2001. As the 20th century ended and the 21st began, I felt God's call leading me away from my church in Georgia. As part of the process of looking, my wife asked me to apply to a church in New Hampshire. I must admit I drug my feet for a week. Finally I agreed and said I would first call before sending my resume.

One Sunday evening in January 2001, I called the contact number. A lady answered, I told her my name, where I was from, and that I was interested in the pastor's position at her church. There was a long pause, and she finally asked, "Are you the Bob who worked in Ridgewood, NJ in the 1980s!?!" I almost immediately responded with my own question; "Is this Jane!"

The Final Chapter? Since moving to NH I had admired Jane and Bob's tandem hanging in their garage. I realized almost immediately that it was a very nice cycle, even though I knew nothing about tandems or Santana. As my interest in Classic and Vintage bikes increased, I had on many occasions thought I might ask them that if they ever needed to sell the tandem, to ask me first. But I never felt presumptuous enough to ask.

In May of 2012, after returning from a winter in Florida, Bob and Jane decided to sell their NH home. In downsizing and preparing to move they offered me their Santana as a gift! I was touched and moved beyond words! This page is dedicated to Bob and Jane's Santana Tandem, their generosity, our long friendship, its restoration, care, and use in the years moving forward. Someday, when my balance is no longer that good, and my legs weak, I will pass it along to its third owner. A gift to give to another generation.