Easter Roundup

This interesting contraption was recently photographed by Howard, I believe whilst on holiday in Barcelona. Much to Alison's relief, Howard's offer to purchase the tricycle was rejected by the museum. 

Now that Easter is behind us, I thought it might be useful to have a quick roundup of what’s been going on.

There were 7 members for the first Wednesday evening training ride on 1^st April 2015. Tradition dictates that any pranks on April Fools’ Day have to be played before mid-day and so with the 6.15pm start we were safe from any practical jokes.

Out on the Foxley Road we faced a brisk headwind. A Dyson employee living in Bath overtook us on his way home from work. Never slow to take advantage of an opportunity, those at the front gratefully tucked in behind him.

Saturday’s club ride saw 12 riders taking part. We welcomed back Zoe for what I believe was her second outing with us. There was a new face too as we were pleased to be joined by Derek from Malmesbury. As well as the usual suspects, it was also good to have Peter and Tony from Corston back with us again.

We left in two groups for Allington Farm Shop, although misfortune was to later bring us together a little earlier than expected.

Mark suffered a compression puncture in the potholes between Norton and Hullavington. This section of road really could do with resurfacing or at the very least, the worst of the holes being filled in (again).

Having successfully negotiated the tourists in Castle Combe we undertook the testing ascent from Ford up towards Biddestone. This particular lane running roughly parallel with the main Bristol Road sees little traffic of any description. Undeserving of any attention it was neglected for years, but has now been tarmacked, from top to bottom. The smooth surface certainly made the climb much easier, but it left me wondering on what basis road improvements are prioritised.

Turning the corner on which the impressive Biddestone Manor sits, we came across Howard, Zoe and Tim H who had a puncture. The spectacle of 12 cyclists gathered near the manor’s gates had attracted the attention of two charming ladies from within. Pleasantries exchanged and Tim H’s inner tube replaced, we completed the short distance to our coffee stop.

The return leg took us over to Kington Langley, across the Draycott Straight to Sutton Benger and up to Seagry.

https://connect.garmin.com/course/8242291 - 30 mile course.

https://connect.garmin.com/course/8524088 - 36 mile course.

Sunday saw the two Andy’s doing some sterling expeditionary work by checking out next Sunday’s course cunningly devised by Howard. By all accounts it’s an absolute cracker and with a stop in Bibury for tea and cake, what’s not to like?

And finally, Simon Barnes, who is a member of Thailand Cycling, has kindly forwarded this link to a cycling magazine covering the Asia region.

http://issuu.com/54858/docs/bicycles_united_asia_vo1_issue_1_20