Club Ride Saturday 26th July 2014

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I’m sure you must have noticed the profusion of groovy people dressed in outrageous outfits visiting the town over the last few days. Anyway, enough of the cycle clubs that enjoy coming to Malmesbury, what about the goings on at WOMAD? Rather frustratingly, I’m in-range and so able to hear the sound of the festival from my back garden, but out-of-range, as far as being able to decipher any sort of a tune is concerned. The result is what seems like a never-ending drum solo randomly accompanied by an orchestra of bass guitars. Whether being any closer to the stage would improve things, is perhaps a matter of opinion.

On a musical theme, this set me thinking about records released by bands, which are related to cycling. In no particular order, below are my top five. (Actually, I could only think of five).

1.  Tour De France - Kraftwerk (They’re supposed to be cycling fanatics)
2.    My White Bicycle - Nazareth (Apparently a protest song)
3.    Riding on my Bike - Madness (More Cockney capers)
4.    Bicycle Race - Queen (Noted for its memorable lyrics)
5.   The Pushbike Song - Mungo Jerry

If you can come up with a few more, I'm certain the Daily Express would pay good money for the idea and will have the free CD’s out in time for the start of the Tour of Britain.

I don’t know how many records have been broken so far at the Commonwealth Games, but this morning we didn’t just break one of our MCCC records, we absolutely smashed it with a magnificent 17 riders taking part in the club ride to the Relish café.

Turning into the Cross Hayes at just a fraction after 10.00am, I was met by a sea of faces, four of which, I’d never seen before, who I quickly discovered were friends of Phil.

Introductions made and new names to remember, already forgotten, we set off in two groups. Phil had the honour of leading a peloton of 10 riders, comprising of 6 members and 4 guests, across the Common Road to Corston. Meanwhile, Howard, Dave and Clive embarked on their more direct route, joining up with Gary and Ted along the way. Simon and Heather completed the full complement.

With the exception of Callow Hill at Brinkworth, the course was fairly flat and allowed those in Phil’s group to reap the benefits of group riding. The only hiccup was an unscheduled stop near Dauntsey for a puncture to be repaired.

It was almost a case of standing room only around the outside tables at the café when we merged into one.

Andy Poolman roped in one of the waiters to take a picture of us. He immediately warmed to the task and enthusiastically climbed up onto a bench to get a decent shot. It was a shame he managed to get his own thumb in the picture, but a bit of cropping sorted that out.

Having remounted, Heather and Simon’s recumbent tandem stole the show as usual and easily attracted the most attention from the onlookers in the car park.

Four of us rode with Phil and his chums until just beyond Charlton, where we said our farewells.

Mr Doidge, who was my boss when I was a young lad in the Civil Service, once told me that life is full of peaks and troughs. I didn't know it then, but he was right. Today was definitely a peak in the life of our club. Of course there will be troughs too, but when there are, we'll just ride them out until we reach another peak.