Weekly Roundup

Well, that's the end of another busy week. 

Tuesday was the first evening session of the season run by Andy Cook Cycling at the Castle Combe race circuit. The track has been resurfaced and really delivers the smoothest possible ride imaginable. There was a mixed bag out on the track from small children with stabilisers to some serious looking dudes on high performance road bikes. In between was a host of mountain bikes, a hand-operated recumbent and a tandem trike. It's pretty much a case of anything goes and impossible for anyone to feel remotely out of place.

Sign-on begins at 5.30pm. Adults pay £3 and under 18's just £1. You then get to do your own thing. Slow riders use the outside of the track, fast ones the inside and medium paced through the middle. 

Whether you're looking to flex your top gears, improve your fitness or just enjoy some traffic-free cycling, it's a great place to ride.

Leighterton's Parish Church

In view of the good weather and extended daylight, Wednesday's evening club ride spread it's wings out to Luckington and up to Leighterton. Tim H has a varied selection of courses and they're definitely worth supporting.

On Friday Howard, Tim and possibly some others drove down to Bitton and then used the cycle path to ride to the Bespoked Bicycle Show at Brunel's Old Station adjoining Temple Meads railway station in the centre of Bristol. 

Saturday's club run was to The Canteen at Nailsworth. According to my wife who just happened to be walking into town at the time, the peloton made an impressive sight as it snaked its way along Bristol Street.

Also on Saturday, I rode a 200km Audax starting from Royal Wootton Bassett. The course ran through Cirencester, Lechlade, Woodstock, Lambourn, Hungerford and Marlborough. In order to qualify for my Randonnee Round the Year award I have to complete a ride of at least 200km for 12 consecutive months. This was the fourth and so just another eight to go!

Riders lining up

(Click once to enlarge the pictures)

On Sunday George raced for the first time. It was good to see our club colours on the tarmac at Castle Combe.

After a faltering start when it took two attempts to click in his second cleat, he soon got into his stride. By the time he'd reached the end of lap two he'd moved into second place. Apparently no one wanted to do the hard work at the front and as the leaders eased off, he unexpectedly found himself heading the race.

Over the next five laps he sat comfortably in the pack and finished in the top half of a field of around sixty.

Coming down the home straight

Whilst the MCCC might not be a 'racing club' it can still serve as a very useful launchpad. Without doubt had George not joined the Clarions he would never have started racing. Howard's encouragement, Max's guidance and those in the peloton who pushed him on during his early days with the club, such as Tim H, Malc, the two Andy's and Jamie, all played a significant part in him reaching the starting line.