A Week in the Life of the Clarions

The Severn Bridge.

On Tuesday I had the pleasure of accompanying Mike on a ride over to Wales. The purpose of the journey was so that Mike could try out the course he's devised for the Sunday ride on 5th July 2015.

Without wishing to steal Mike's thunder, it's an absolute cracker! There are two crossings of the River Severn (there and back), a coffee stop at the Chepstow Garden Centre where the Manager has given permission for bikes to be wheeled through the store and safely left outside of the cafe, and some absolutely stunning scenery in a loop around Chepstow which, ends in a long exhilarating descent into the town. 

The course is being trimmed to just under 90 miles, but if anyone would like a shorter excursion of around 60 miles, there's always the option of spending a couple of hours in Chepstow whilst the loop is being ridden and then meeting up again for the trip home.

The start time and course for what promises to be a truly epic ride will be circulated later in the week.

A Wednesday evening ride last year.

For the second week running just 3 riders (this time Phil, Karine and Peter C) took part in the Wednesday evening training ride. Some recently absent members have already promised to be there this Wednesday and so hopefully we can start getting back to the sort of numbers we enjoyed last summer. 

Clarions waiting their turn.

Thursday evening was the 'Come & Try It' 10 mile TT at Latton hosted by Swindon RC.

I cycled with George over to the Bradstone Sports Pavilion at Ashton Keynes uncertain as to whether I was actually going to take part, but once we'd arrived and I'd seen people pinning their numbers on, I was in.

Entry was only £2 and although we'd arrived in good time, 48 riders had already registered. There was a real mix from those wearing pointy helmets on proper TT bikes to some fairly senior cyclists smelling strongly of liniment. 

For a complete novice like me I can't tell you how exciting it is to be clipped in on the line with someone holding your frame keeping you upright whilst being counted down.

As the word 'one' died on his lips I drove my right leg forward and set off trying to pick up speed as quickly as possible. Glancing down at the Garmin I saw that with just under a mile completed my average speed was 24.5 mph. My lungs soon told me that this was unsustainable and so I eased off slightly on the pedals and settled into a more manageable tempo. My finishing time was 00.28.11, which gave me an average of 21.29 mph.

Meanwhile, George who had breezed past me after a couple of miles recorded a finishing time of 00.24.33, relating to a 24.44 mph average.

Afterwards, back at the Bradstone Sports Pavilion, tea and cake were served whilst participants poured out reasons why they weren't able to ride faster. I relied heavily on the fact that because George was wearing a skin suit and so had no pockets, I'd had to carry his spare inner tube and tools. Who knows how quick I could have been without the burden of his equipment. George concentrated his fire on a lack of equipment, namely a pointy hat and a TT bike.

Relish at Cotswold Water Park.

I'm grateful to Tim H for the following report covering Saturday's club ride:

13 Clarions departed for an appointment at Relish Coffee shop at the Cotswold Water Park.

Unfortunately OGL (our glorious leader) Howard only managed to ride out for the first 5 miles as he had to get back for family commitments. Good job Howard had his Garmin with him or he would undoubtedly have kept riding!

There were two groups, the first took a leisurely direct route whilst the other group took a loop north of Tetbury.

It was a lovely day for a ride and there was a great vibe at the cafe when everybody got together. it was good to see Jim and George W pitch up at the stop and there were also a few new faces who we hope to see again.

Riders listening to the pre-ride briefing at Beech Hill near Reading.

Further afield on Saturday, me and Mike rode together on Alan Furley's Up the Downs 202km Audax from Beech Hill near Reading. The ride is in memory of Alan Furley who was a member of Reading CTC and a former president of CTC.

The course takes a very scenic route through Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Hampshire, and has just under 7,000 feet of climbing, most of which seemed to be in the afternoon.

The weather was glorious, the views spectacular and the company was top notch too!

What's On

First and foremost is the next ride in the MCCC's members only 2015 Sunday (and sometimes Bank Holiday Monday) Series. This will take place on Sunday 5th July. At the time of going to press, the full details aren't yet available, but expect an earlier than normal start and a course of around 85 miles or so.

All members are welcome and you can take as long as you like to complete the course, but please bear in mind that other riders won't necessarily wait for you if you fall behind. If you'd like to take part and would rather not find yourself in a position where you have to ride alone, why not encourage another member of a similar pace to pair up with you. Go on, it'll be a great day out.

Please follow the link to see how this year's Leader Board  is shaping up. 

Certificates will be presented to all participating members at the end of the series.

Sunday 26th July is the Evans Cycles Cotswolds Sportive. Ride HQ is at Didmarton Village Hall. There's a choice of four distances; 15, 30, 60 and 90 miles. The shortest costs £7.50 and the other three are all £18.50.

The date coincides with stage 21 of the Tour de France, but don't worry, there'll be live coverage shown on a large screen.

http://www.evanscycles.com/pages/rideit-cotswolds-sportive-ride-26th-july-2015 

I rode the 90 mile course last year and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. The feed stations were well stocked with a good selection of food and drink and plenty of complimentary gels.

On Sunday 30th August 2015, the Severn Bridge Sportive staged by Andy Cook Cycling takes place from the race circuit and runs alongside the Castle Combe Family Cycling Day.

This one offers a choice of either a 100km or a 100 mile course. Online entry in advance is £29 or on the day £35.

http://www.severnbridgesportive.co.uk/ 

Alternatively, if you're looking for the sort of event where the route won't be clearly marked, has no broom wagon or support of any kind other than a mobile number to ring to say you're not carrying on, no goody bags, chip timing or even a hint of any razzmatazz, then the 300km Cheddar Gorge(ous) Audax from Cirencester on Saturday 26th September 2015, could be right up your street.

Entry is just £6 for AUK members and £8 for non-members. The ride starts at 6.00am and you have until 2.00am on Sunday to complete the 186 miles.

The course heads eastwards to Witney before turning south to Wells and Cheddar, then back up to Cirencester.

http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/15-222/

Weekly Roundup

In the words of David Frost, for those old enough to remember his 1960's ground breaking satirical news programme by the same name, 'that was the week that was' Velothon Wales, Chippenham Wheelers' charity fundraiser, Wednesday evening training ride, racing at Castle Combe, the Saturday club ride and 'Everesting' at Bowden Hill. Not to mention the rides the Last of the Summer Wine brigade will have done and Thursday's lunchtime meet-up.

The much revered show, the format for which has been copied by virtually every subsequent programme of the same genre since, only ran for two series. Launched in 1962 it was taken off the air in the run-up to the 1964 General Election in order to avoid political controversy. 

Well done to Howard, Tim H, Max, Malc, Phil, Steve M and Peter B who all took part in last Sunday's Velothon Wales and thank you to those of you who kindly sent me the photographs below. The first three have captions provided by Howard.

Tim shocked at the realisation that he must soon ride his bike, whilst Steve throws a pre-ride shape.

Phil receives a last minute text with shopping list attached, Pete (aka Andy) smug in the knowledge that the ride has cost him nothing and Steve is convinced he can ride the whole 140km with his eyes closed. Tim meanwhile rocks the club jersey in style.

The grins that would soon turn to grimaces.

On Tuesday evening the Clarions (Phil, his son, George and me) had the great privilege of putting our shoulders to the wheel or should I say feet to the pedal by participating in Chippenham Wheelers' charity ride at Castle Combe.

Seeing a couple of our club jerseys, Andy Cook gave the Clarions a name-check over his microphone and said that it was good to see local clubs getting involved. Cheers Andy!

The 460 riders who took part collectively clocked up 7,465 miles; the equivalent of riding from Chippenham to Moscow and back again, twice! The money raised will be donated to Chippenham Talking Newspapers.

Disappointingly, just 3 members (Phil, Peter C and me) rode on Wednesday evening. 

George heads the pack chasing the breakaway.

Thursday evening was race night at Castle Combe. George once again held his own in the pack and did his fair share of the work at the front, but at the moment he lacks the explosive finish on the home straight to earn him a top ten place.

Towards the top of Bowden Hill

Our excursion on Saturday to the National Trust Tea Room at Lacock was well attended. Phil put together a 54 mile course using some good roads well suited to group riding, with very little traffic and a few challenging hills added to the mix. Eight riders undertook this ride. The ranks were swelled by a number of Phil's friends who rode as guests. This is something the club encourages and has led to people then becoming members.

Meanwhile, those looking for a less energetic ride embarked on a more direct 36 mile out and back course. Four riders took this option including our good friend Jim who was warmly welcomed back.

Having less miles to ride and a flatter route, as well as Tony suffering a puncture on his maiden voyage on his new bike, meant that the quartet arrived for coffee first. Three of the four then made two ascents of Bowden Hill in support of James Bradbury's 'Everesting.' Unfortunately we couldn't quite synchronise our climbs with his, but we did give cheery waves and words of encouragement as he sped back down the hill.

Longer route https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/9947317

Shorter route https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/9940217 

Finally, well done to Max who after a recent run of excellent form has gained enough points to move up to 2nd category.

Oh and don't forget that there's no racing at Castle Combe next Thursday. There is however the 'Come and Try It' 10 mile TT at Latton. As the reigning family champion after my success at last year's event when I bettered George's time by 3 whole seconds, I've sportingly put my crown up for grabs. Entry is just £2. See you at the Bradstone Sports Pavilion, Ashton Keynes.

Weekly Roundup

Without further ado, which always implies that there's already been some ado, whatever ado actually is, lets make a start.

Wednesday evening saw 6 members complete an entirely new course designed by Tim H. The concept is to use wider roads better suited to group riding than some of the narrow lanes previously ridden, particularly now that speed has become a key feature. Wider can sometimes mean busier, but the club is committed to developing courses which, whilst accommodating faster riding, are also still enjoyable. I'm confident that over the next few weeks the right balance can be found. This strategy only applies to the Wednesday evening training ride.

On the home straight
(Click once to enlarge the pictures)

Thursday afternoon George took part in the category 4 support race to the final of the Pearl Izumi 2015 series. Although the course is one of the shortest, it's also one of the most technically demanding with a number of tight 90 degree bends, a steep ascent and a section over cobblestones around the Royal Crescent. 

During the 30 minute plus 3 laps race there was a very early break on the first few laps. The 7 or 8 riders who managed to go with it created a wide enough gap to ensure that they wouldn't be caught. George was in a chasing group, but the searing heat and energy-sapping climbs meant that they couldn't make any impression.

Coming up the hill

Over the cobblestones

Disaster struck when with two laps to go George's back wheel was pinched riding over a drain cover. The blowout ripped through his inner tube and peeled off the tyre. Fortunately he managed to keep control of his bike and came to rest uninjured.

Saturday's club ride was to Relish at the Cotswold Water Park. We were delighted to welcome Andy Cook on his first ride with us. We look forward to seeing him again soon together with his teenage daughter Bethany who is also interested in coming along. John from Swindon joined us too, which took our tally up to 5 riders. The wet weather and Sunday's Velothon Wales no doubt accounted for our much depleted peloton, but it was still a pleasant outing.

And finally, good luck to all those taking part in Velothon Wales tomorrow.

Oh and don't forget the recently featured charity ride at Castle Combe on Tuesday evening. The circuit is open until 9.00pm. See you on the track! 

  

Weekly Roundup

The Royal Crescent, Bath

Before we start on a review of last week, a quick reminder that this coming Thursday at Bath, is the final race in the Pearl Izumi series. The main event is at 7.30pm, but there's a host of supporting races throughout the day including the category 4 contest at 3.15pm, in which George will be representing the Malmesbury Clarions. 

We both rode to Bath on Sunday to get a look at the course. The cobblestones in the Royal Crescent, some of which are very pronounced and a bit on the wobbly side, are going to be a real challenge.

Please note that there is no racing at Castle Combe in the evening.

Another date for your diary, is Thursday 25th June 2015. Racing is again cancelled at Castle Combe, this time because of a motor cycle event. Instead, if you've ever wanted to test yourself against the clock, there's a chance to have a go at a 10 mile TT at Latton. 

The 'Come and Try It' TT is being staged by Swindon RC. Event HQ is the Bradstone Sports Pavilion in Ashton Keynes. Entry is just £2 and all riders are welcome.

This link will tell you all you need to know: 

http://coriniumcc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/2015-Club-10-TT-Handbook-Guide-1.pdf

If anyone fancies going along, me and George will both be there. We took part in a similar TT at Latton last year when I finished a massive 3 seconds faster than him. Unfortunately he interpreted the marshal's instruction to 'carry on around' as meaning that he had to complete a second circuit of the roundabout.

I blogged the TT at the time and so if you haven't already, you can read about it here: 

http://malmesburyclarioncyclingclub.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/10-mile-time-trial-saturday-5th-april.html 

An arid Foxley Road

We can now turn to matters closer to home.

On Wednesday six members took part in the evening dash. The warm, sunny weather made a welcome change.

A highlight was a very casual looking Steve K turning up at the start. It'll be a while yet before he swaps his summer sandals for his cycling shoes, but it was good to see him all the same.

Clive performs one of his magic tricks at the Allington Farm Shop

(Photo courtesy of Howard)

Saturday saw an excellent turnout with fifteen riders setting off for Allington in two groups. Our new-found friend Paul returned to make up a trio with Howard and Clive. Meanwhile, John, an old friend of ours from Swindon, paid us a long overdue visit and joined those taking the longer route.

The car park of the Vine Tree at Norton will forever be remembered as the setting for an important milestone in the history of our club. Andy Parker brought our peloton of twelve riders to a halt and Steve M then took us through the principles of safe group riding.

Steve's input was well received and everyone was keen to put the theory into practice. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was our chain gang, but what shone through was a willingness to learn and with more practice we will become proficient.  

After coffee, Phil's Tours steered a large group of us home via Lacock, Bowden Hill, Sandy Lane, Calne, Compton Bassett, Tockenham and Brinkworth.

Also on Saturday, Mike Greer not only rode a 100km Audax, he also cycled to and from the start in Tewkesbury. Well done Mike! 

Weekly Roundup

A cut-down version this week I'm afraid.

A windswept Foxley Road

Wednesday afternoon was fairly warm with some sunshine. However, the closer it got to 6.15pm, the darker it became and out of nowhere a vicious wind whipped up. As a result, just four of us took part in the training ride. There was an unpleasant cold edge to the wind and when we reached Alderton there were a few spots of rain to add to the misery. After leaving Badminton we picked up the tailwind and flew back to Malmesbury. I had thought of running with the tide out to Great Somerford with Phil, but the thought of then having to plough a lone furrow into the wind afterwards put me off of the idea.

Thursday evening George raced again at Castle Combe and although he finished in the top third of a large field, he was disappointed not to have secured a place in the first ten.

It's always difficult to predict how many riders will turn up on a Saturday morning. Sometimes there are just a handful and then there are days like Saturday when there's a veritable sea of faces waiting to get underway. We welcomed Karine's friend Alex from France and a gentleman whom I believe rode with Howard, whose name I never discovered. Hopefully I'll have a chance to rectify this on a future excursion.

Negotiating the High Street can be difficult at the best of times and it only takes one enforced stop at the zebra crossing for the peloton to be broken up and people cut adrift. For those taking the longer route, a decision was made to reassemble at Long Newnton where we could sort ourselves out into different groups. This we duly did with the first being made up of eight riders and the second of six.

Not far from Cherington disaster struck when in the larger group there was an unfortunate touching of wheels whilst lining out in the face of an oncoming vehicle. The contact led to Steve K being thrown over the top of his handlebars and into the ditch. Andy Poolman was also unseated, as was a cyclist who had somehow got mixed up with us.

Steve K was clearly in a lot of pain and unable to continue. Worried that he might have sustained some internal injuries, an ambulance was requested. The paramedic who attended the scene from Swindon carried out a thorough examination and was happy that Steve K didn't have any fractures. Andy Parker rode home to collect his car and then conveyed Steve K and his bike back to Malmesbury.

Steve K has already become a popular member of the club. We all wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in the saddle soon.

Members begin to arrive at Cafe 53

Meanwhile, our numbers at Cafe 53 were swelled by the arrival of George who had been out riding with Performance Cycles and Mr and Mrs Dynamo. Overall Mike and Maureen clocked up a very creditable 25 miles and having used the Fosse Way on their return journey, created what they've named the Geriatric, Off-Road, Dynamic Section of the MCCC. 

Those of us left who had been with Steve K did go to the cafe afterwards, but by this time everyone else had left a long time ago.

By my calculations there were nineteen of us, but I stand to be corrected. We really are a club where everyone knows your name and judging by the phone calls, emails and texts from concerned members, Steve K being injured certainly cast a shadow over the ride.

The long route https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/7213680

The short route https://connect.garmin.com/course/9131275