Weekly Roundup

I must confess to suffering from a bout of blogger's block. Its not quite as serious as writer's block, but the symptoms are the same; a tendency to slip into well-worn cliches and familiar sentences whilst struggling to say something new. Apparently the only known cure is complete rest from the keyboard for as long as possible. Should anyone fancy doing a bit of blogging, then the floor is well and truly open. In the meantime I'll still be providing a reduced roundup service.

Wednesday:

I haven't verified this with our club statistician (Tim H), but I'm fairly certain that 9 riders for the midweek ride was a new club record. We were joined by Peter from Malmesbury. This wasn't exactly his first MCCC ride, but it was the first one he's started with us. Our paths crossed previously earlier this year at School Hill, Brinkworth on a Sunday ride. Peter had unfortunately suffered a puncture and after we'd rendered some assistance, he accompanied us back to town. We look forward to seeing him again soon.

Saturday:

This Saturday's ride to Sweetapples Tea Room in the High Street at Marshfield saw two new riders; Steve from Malmesbury and Des's friend, Ed. Hopefully they'll be both back over the coming weeks to share some more miles with us. 

Riding for the second time (I missed his first outing) was Mike from Tetbury. I've actually come across Mike twice before on Audax rides when he's been manning a control. The first time was in January at Chipping Camden and then Lacock in March. Again, we hope to see lots more of Mike and of course his partner Anita who made her maiden trip last week.

We were also pleased to welcome back Malc after an absence of some months, bringing us up to eleven. Four of us took the longer route and seven the shorter one. Those going the shorter way later fragmented forming a third group.

The outward leg saw us having to contend with a stiff headwind, but with batteries recharged after coffee and cake, apart from the climb out of Castle Combe, we hardly had to touch our pedals on the way home.

Meanwhile, our Senior Citizen's Section headed up by the intrepid Michael and Maureen set sail from Malmesbury at about 11.00am and travelled via Startley and Upper Seagry to Sutton Benger where they met some friends at the cafe adjoining The Bell House Hotel. From there, it was onto The Somerford Arms for an early lunch and then home on the back road. By all accounts this was a very relaxed and social 18 miles. In Michael's own words, 'Just right for us geriatrics!'

Editor's note: I'm pleased to hear that there was no mention of gambling this week.
Shorter course 34.4 miles http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7605766

Longer course 39 miles http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7605286