Christmas Rides Roundup

Christmas Eve

There were ‘Ten Clarions Cycling’ (to the tune of The Twelve Days of Christmas) for this traditional festive curtain-raiser. Following a lap of ‘the circuit’ it was all back to Howard’s where a veritable feast had been laid on. I understand Alison’s homemade mince pies were a triumph! On behalf of those who went, thank you Howard and Alison for your warm hospitality.

Saturday 27th December

Tim H and Andy Parker flew the Clarion flag and rode to Relish. Well done both of you.

New Year’s Day

This was a bit of a late call and so apologies to anyone who would have ridden had they had more notice. Whilst I’m at it, I might as well get all of the apologies over and done with. And so apologies to anyone who might have waited out on the course for us. The same goes to any riders if they made their own way to the Divine Café at Cherhill. Read on for explanations.

Steve arrived at the start with news of a large meet taking place outside of the Volunteer Inn at Great Somerford involving three local hunts. As our intended route down through Little Somerford and into Dauntsey put us on a potential collision course, we heeded Steve’s warnings and changed tack. Instead, we cycled on the top road to Brinkworth, turned down Callow Hill and then up Chesley Hill at Grittenham to Tockenham, which put us back on track.

Those of us old enough to remember life before the M4 Motorway will know that the A4 was once the main road from Bath to London. As such, it was littered with filling stations and transport cafes much favoured by lorry drivers. In those days the Divine Café was a kiosk on the site of a filling station. The opening of the motorway led to the demise of many of these establishments and Cherhill’s garage was no exception. After a number of different uses, it eventually became the café we know today.

Arriving on what was once the forecourt I noticed that there were quite a few cars parked. We dismounted and made our way inside. Glancing around the tables, I saw that there were only one or possibly two seats free. Hoping that someone might be about to leave, I approached the counter and without me uttering a word, I was informed by a member of staff that if we went outside, she would come out and take our order.

We did as asked, but noted that people who entered the café after us, didn’t re-appear and so must have been accommodated inside. The prospect of sitting outside on an open patio which had clearly been vacated for the winter didn’t appeal. Just because we’d arrived by bicycle it didn’t mean that we wanted to take our refreshments in the fresh air. Feeling as if we’d been discriminated against, as no motorist would have been instructed to go outside, we chose to take our custom elsewhere.

We decided to try our luck at the White Horse Inn at Compton Bassett, which conveniently was on our way back. Seeking to avoid the embarrassment of being refused service, it was decided that I should make a lone approach to test the water. With some trepidation I entered the busy bar and spoke to a lady who I took to be the licensee. Could we come inside for coffees? Why of course.

Warmed by the log burner we settled down with our drinks and bowls of perfectly cooked chunky chips, and enjoyed the cosy atmosphere. The staff were extremely pleasant and we soon felt at home. Leaving wasn’t going to be easy.

With the light outside already beginning to fade, it was time to make tracks. My puncture impeded our progress somewhat, but with a strong tailwind we sailed down to Foxham, into Christian Malford, through to Sutton Benger and up to Seagry where we came across the remnants of the hunt. Safely negotiated, we said farewell to Steve at Startley and rode back into town.

http://connect.garmin.com/course/8591970 (Intended course)