Forthcoming Events

Please find the below events. Depending on the level of interest, we could do something as a club for the first two. The third at Bowden Hill could easily be incorporated into the Saturday club run. I'm sure James would really appreciate us joining him on an ascent on our way home, if nothing else.

This will be a regular feature now to keep members informed about what's going on locally. If you know of something that's not been posted, just send me an email and I'll make sure it appears here.

Thursday 11th June 2015

The 2015 Pearl Izumi Tour Series reaches its climax in Bath. Every lap of the city centre circuit takes in the Royal Crescent before ending in the Royal Victoria Park. Supporting races begin at 10.30am and run throughout the day. The main event starts at 7.30pm with podium ceremony and presentations rounding off the proceedings at 9.00pm.

http://www.tourseries.co.uk/venues/bath/spectator.php#.VWWfiM9Viko

Tuesday 16th June 2015

Our near-neighbours and friends at Chippenham Wheelers are holding their annual charity ride at the Castle Combe race circuit. Entry to ride is just £3 for adults and £2 for under 18's with all proceeds going to the charity Talking Newspapers. Ride as many laps as you can or want between 6.00pm and 9.00pm, and help Chippenham Wheelers exceed last year's total mileage of 6,500. Everyone is welcome. Cycology Bikes will be carrying out 'Dr Bike' checks and there might be post-ride massages available too.


http://www.chippenhamwheelers.org/news/2015-05-15/midsummer-bike-night-2015-tuesday-16-june-6-till-9pm

Saturday 20th June 2015

Through us both riding a number of the same Audax events I've had the great pleasure of meeting a local man by the name of James Bradbury. To raise money for Wheels for Wellbeing James is going to attempt to cycle up Bowden Hill 72 times. Bowden Hill of course needs no introduction - its played heavily on our minds often enough over coffee at the National Trust Tearoom to earn our respect.

It's 124 metres up and if he manages the 72 ascents that will be a staggering 8,848 metres of climbing. This is the height of Everest from sea level, so is called 'Everesting.'

To make the pain a little more bearable, James would welcome the support of well-wishers and the company of others who might feel inclined to join him on an ascent or two.


http://thinks.jamesbradbury.co.uk/climbing-a-hill-for-charity/

Weekly Roundup

Without further ado, hold onto your cycling caps as we take a quick breeze through recent events.

Badminton House

The Wednesday evening training ride again offered an opportunity to put the top gears through their paces. For those that are still keeping the wheels of industry turning, it's the perfect stress-buster after a busy day and for those that aren't, it's a chance to wind down after a hectic session of dodging chores and anything that might vaguely resemble work.

While I think of it, in answer to Karine's question posed to me a few weeks ago, whilst the game of badminton appears to have been named after the Duke of Beaufort's Badminton House, it's unclear when and why the name was adopted.

(Click once to enlarge the pictures)

Thursday was race night at Castle Combe. Max continued his excellent run of form by finishing in second place in the cat 3/4 race, whilst George finished outside of the top ten, but in the first thirty or so out of a field of around a hundred.

For Malmesbury Clarions the chickens finally come home to roost

On Saturday we were very pleased to welcome back Clive. Five of us took the longer route to Toomer's Garden Centre and worked well as an efficient unit. Four others made the trip and under a bright sky it was good to relax together over hot drinks and cake. Whilst Toomer's cafe might lack the sophistication sometimes found elsewhere,  their homemade cakes at around £1.75 a slice are very reasonably priced and the staff always take good care of us. With barely a crumb left over, the two chickens hovering around us as we ate, were left pecking thin air.

Des gets in some practice changing inner tubes

We returned to Malmesbury via Pavenhill at Purton which rounded off a pleasant excursion.

https://connect.garmin.com/course/6278192

Near perfect symmetry as we approach Allington, near Chippenham.

For some, myself included, Sunday just couldn't come fast enough. The prospect of a full day's ride into uncharted territory meant that no alarm clock was necessary.

Howard led our peloton of nine riders out onto the Foxley Road. The route through Broughton Gifford brought back happy memories of our trip last year to watch the Tour of Britain at Bradford on Avon. However, this time we skirted Trowbridge, rode across to Steeple Ashton and then underneath the Westbury White Horse, where beyond the cement works, there were some spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Further proof of Steve's celebrity status, as this time he's recognised by a scarecrow.

The loosely assembled plan was for a coffee stop at Westbury, which was roughly the mid-way point. My internet research had identified a possible venue. I'll save the blushes of the establishment concerned by not naming them, but lets just say that in the flesh, it wasn't the sort of place we normally frequent. The general consensus was to push on to Bradford on Avon and so we did.

We rode through Rode (sorry I just had to work that one in somewhere) and found Bradford on Avon in the grip of a Bank Holiday frenzy. Some sanctuary from the hustle and bustle came at the cafe. A queue of nine hungry cyclists did cause the two members of staff some consternation though and during the interminable wait one of them was spotted exiting the nearby Budgens supermarket laden with provisions. Given the cafe's organic credentials, I trust they came from Budgens' organic range.

Malc checks his Garmin - 'Are we there yet?'

The climb out of Bradford on Avon was as challenging as it was scenic. Having emerged at the top we headed for Great Chalfield Manor unaware that one of us was about to suffer a near death experience. Unbelievably, a motorist who had clearly watched us approaching the junction he was waiting to turn out of, decided to do so at the very last minute. Quick thinking (and braking) on Steve M's part meant that he narrowly avoided being struck.

Nerves steadied, we enjoyed an incident-free journey back to Malmesbury. The epilogue to what had been a fantastic club run, is that a few members added on some extra miles at the end. George rounded his tally up to a 100 whilst me and Mike embarked on a re-run of Saturday's club ride. Before setting off we both agreed that after a spirited last leg back to Malmesbury, we'd drop the pace a notch or two. For some reason we did nothing of the sort and carried on as we had before. I think it was a combination of us both wanting to demonstrate to the other that we were actually capable of adding to the mileage and at the same time not wanting to hold the other up.

In Purton I suggested to Mike that we could take a left at the mini-roundabout and go down Pavenhill. Mike said he was 'easy' on which way we went, but I thought I detected a glint in his eye which meant he wasn't done yet and so we carried on towards Cricklade still with no let-up in the pace. 

Having cut off a small corner we joined the B4040 near Leigh and took this road all the way back to Malmesbury. Parting company at the top of Tetbury Hill, the thought did occur to me that perhaps I should accompany Mike to Tetbury, but I quickly dismissed the notion having secretly longed for an opportunity to ease off on the pedals, as probably Mike had too.

http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php

Weekly Roundup

Fred Whitton Challenge

First on the agenda is a review of the Fred Whitton Challenge, which took place on Sunday 10th May 2015, by our roving sportive correspondent and thrill seeker, Jamie.

The Fred Whitton is well worth the trip to Grasmere where the organisation looks more like a professional one day classic than a sportive. Over two thousand people took part this year and we were clapped, encouraged, cowbelled and even pushed around the 112 mile route at some points.

Setting out after a large bowl of porridge and a decent night’s sleep in the YHA at Langdale the weather was a bit wet, the forecast having been dry, drizzle, rain, lovely sunshine and apocalyptic wind depending on the location I entered in to the BBC weather site. Well, it’s the lakes after all. At quarter to seven I was ushered through the starting gate on to the road to Ambleside, where the rolling grace period lasts about thirty minutes before the first of the list of giants appears.

Kirkstone, Newlands, Honister (or the gates of doom – a seriously grim place) Whinlatter, Cold fell, Hardknott, Wrynose. I walked up bits of two and I even walked down bits of a couple of them when my nerve went totally after I started sliding down the back of the mountain.

I mentioned the encouragement and at almost every mile there were supporters waving union jacks and giving you the will to keep your legs spinning. Half way up Whinlatter especially, where the road was lined for about two hundred metres with cheering families and my friend Brian who was spending the day driving around trying to find places to tinkle his cowbell at me, his ACL injury forcing him to spend the day driving instead of being windbreak.

I don’t consider a sportive a real test unless I have a dark moment – mine came on the way to the top of Cold Fell where a bonk and a small kink in my chain combined to usher an hour of existential crisis. Ultimately this was seen off with four SIS gels one after another and a wiggle of the chain which popped the link back in and stopped it jumping sprockets.

As my spirits rose I descended in to Calderbridge and the second feedstation at 86 miles in where I emptied the millionaire shortbread supply and contemplated the last two obstacles before my free pie back at the finish.

Hardknott

Hardknott is not over rated. It looms like a wall at 98 miles in to the circuit and I managed two hundred metres before my legs stopped working.  It was hard enough walking up the thing – there is no respite from the valley floor, just up and up and around, and up again and I have huge respect for everyone that overtook me in the saddle. Down the other side via a very very steep road disguised as a potted track and then the Wrynose bucks up, the gate to Elterwater and Ambleside and dry clothes.

My legs again failed me at the bottom although I did manage around half of the climb and I topped the summit, belched out in a cloud of clutch smoke from the three cars that had broken down just before the top.

I got back to Grasmere after eight and a half hours, tired and sore but keen to do the ride again next year. It really is an amazing event – friendly, very well organised and uniquely challenging.

Anyone fancy coming?

Picture of the Hardknott:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/activityandadventure/9411799/Britains-greatest-cycling-climbs.html?image=5

Honnister Pass - Mount Doom:

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g186327-i31991322-Keswick_Lake_District_Cumbria_England.html

None of me I'm afraid.

Jamie

Wednesday Evening Training Ride

Seven of us rode a course through Badminton Park on what was a warm, sunny evening. Everyone recorded an average of at least 17mph, which shows just how far we as a club have come over the last three years.

Thursday Racing at Castle Combe

Max and George lead the way

As most, if not all of you, will already be aware, Max won the cat 3/4 race. Both he and George led either at the front or just off the front for long periods and after the bell both were well placed. On the home straight Max powered through to come home first.

If you haven't been before to the Thursday evening series at Castle Combe, there's plenty of parking, entry is free and you can get up close to the action on the track. Three races; Cats 3/4, Ladies, Elite and cats 1/2 run simultaneously starting at 7.30pm. If it sounds confusing, don't worry, it isn't. They set off two minutes apart. The three groups all ride at very different speeds and if one overtakes another, you can't grab a wheel and switch groups. 

Saturday's Club Ride

Tim's notorious Three Peaks Challenge had its first airing of the year. Well deserved refreshments were taken at The Canteen in Nailsworth. 

Commiserations go to Mark who had to retire after some mechanical issues and was collected by his brother in law.

Weekly Roundup

There's a lot to get through and so without further ado, on with the show. First up is a collection of photographs taken by Howard with his accompanying captions. If you have your own witty remarks, please feel free to use the comments box or email me and I'll post them up.

School Hill, Brinkworth, on the first Sunday ride. Tim W helps Peter behind the railings whilst others take shelter.

How many Clarions does it take to change an inner tube? One if it's raining.

Mechanical doping evidence. UCI take note!

Look into my eye.

Late arrivals for tea.

Cake consumption consumes concentration.

Malmesbury CCC en route

On Thursday evening George had his second race at Castle Combe. The category 3/4 race had a field of well in excess of 100 riders and was over 17 laps. Despite it being a longer race than his previous one, the pace was definitely faster. The pack was fairly tight throughout with only 3 older riders being cut adrift. By the mid-way point George had slipped towards the back and I started to fear the worst, but he then spent the remaining laps edging his way towards the front and finished in the top 30 or so. 

Coming through the chicane.

Saturday's club ride was to the National Trust Tearoom at Lacock. Howard has kindly sent me the following pictures with captions:

The team assemble and get ready to rock and roll.

The short ride team clearly showing that they don't know how to pose.

The long ride team arrive first at the coffee stop by cheating. They did fewer miles than the short ride team!

The Daneway Inn, Sapperton, one of the controls or at least it was last year.

Also on Saturday, Mike took part in the South Gloucester 100km Audax starting at Alveston near Thornbury. Mike cycled from his home in Tetbury to the start and then back home again afterwards, which was a great effort.

Mike enjoyed the well organised event, although he had to contend with a headwind for most of the ride.

And finally, on Sunday I rode the New Forest Excursion 200km Audax from Lymington. 

(Click once to enlarge the pictures)

Registration at the start.

It was a rather chilly beginning, although I did spot one hardy soul in bare feet wearing a pair of open-toed sandals. I was tempted to ask whether they were fitted with cleats, but thought better of it.

Riders setting off with possibly some late arrivals coming in the opposite direction.

The first control at the Cranborne Manor Garden Centre. 

A pot of tea and a decent sized wedge of coffee and walnut cake did the trick here.

Some riders sensibly opted to use donkeys instead of panniers.

Whilst I was aware that horses and cows can freely roam in the New Forest, I wasn't aware that this extended to donkeys. This pair were at the checkpoint - their interest aroused by a large box of bananas on the table.

The village of Lover

The scenic course took us across the border and into Wiltshire. The Lover (pronounced like Dover) post office, which sadly closed in 2008, used to do a roaring trade around Valentine's Day with romantics keen to have their cards sent out with the 'Lover' postmark.

Lepe Beach Cafe & Shop

The sun came out in the afternoon making this a very pleasant control. The instructions on the approach said to turn left when you see the sea, which sounded a bit vague to me. Surely it depended on how good your eyes were, but somehow the sea managed to stay out of sight until the very last minute and sure enough, as promised, the cafe was there.

The beach at Lepe looking towards the Isle of Wight and yes, it really was that sunny.

This was a well organised event following an interesting and varied course, and one I'll be sure to look out for next year. In the meantime, there's another chance to enjoy the delights of the New Forest plus the added attraction of the Isle of Wight on 6th September 2015, with the New Forest On and Off Shore 202km Audax. Breakfast on the ferry over, ride the length of the island and then back to ride the length of the New Forest!

http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/15-500/

Bank Holiday Weekend Roundup

Riders ready to leave Relish

(Group photographs kindly supplied by Howard)

I’d promised myself a bit of a keyboard vacation, but after the well-attended Saturday and Bank Holiday Monday rides I just couldn’t let them pass without a few words.

On Saturday we welcomed back Geoff who brought along Neil, his brother in law, who is staying with him this week. 

Nine of us took the longer route to Relish, leaving Howard temporarily by himself until as arranged he met up with Simon and Heather en route.

We all arrived at more or less the same time. Andy Poolman did a sterling job of gathering up any vacant chairs inside the café and we all managed to sit together, which is an important social aspect of our rides.

Longer route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7696739

I’m afraid there’s no report from Mr and Mrs Dynamo this week as I understand they both had appointments at the opticians. According to my spy they were later spotted dining at the Europa.

My spy in this case is actually my wife who also happened to be at the Europa. Although she’s never met Michael and Maureen she was able to identify them from the line-up outside of The Angel Café. This was in fact her second spot of the week, as she’d seen a club jersey being worn one day near Calne. Reference to the MCCC Strava Club revealed this to have been Colin.

Perhaps if I post a picture of my wife you could return the favour and let me know when you see her!

Away from the club two members rode the Wye Valley Warrior Sportive on Sunday. Max from our Cardiff sub-section and Phil have never met and so unless they were wearing their club kit, there’s every chance they might have seen each other without realising they were both members of the same club. Well done lads!

The open road awaits . . . . . . . 

Judging by the number of riders who turned out, Howard's idea of switching the latest ride in the Sunday series to the Bank Holiday Monday, was a great one. 

Fifteen of us mustered outside of the Town Hall. Tom from Brinkworth and Peter's girlfriend rode with us for the first and hopefully not the last time and Steve from Malmesbury (not to be confused with Steve from Great Somerford) came for his second ride armed with a completed application form and a signed cheque!

The Berkeley Tea Rooms

The enjoyable 64.4 mile course took us over to Berkeley where some of us stopped for lunch at the Tea Rooms. Like condemned men and women we enjoyed our last meal before scaling the formidable Frocester Hill.

Course: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7746933