Weekly Roundup

Kingscote Village Hall

Wednesday evening saw 7 riders complete another of Tim H's great courses. This particular ride is a favourite of mine and when Tim H asked for any suggestions at the start, I didn't waste any time putting a shout in. Whilst there aren't any standout killer hills, there are some challenging ascents, a few technical descents and a chance at the end to flex the top gears. 

You can see where we went by following this link:

https://www.strava.com/activities/346842935

Arriving outside of Kingscote Village Hall we were treated to the sound of a steel band from within. A bit of internet research has revealed that they were the Kingscote Steelpans who meet every Wednesday at 7.00pm. Back in January they were looking for more members, so if you fancy joining in, you know where to go.

Saturday's club ride was to Gloucestershire's home of shabby chic at The Canteen, Nailsworth. I understand there were at least two groups and that Heather and Simon were back out on their recumbent tandem; something not seen on a club run for quite a while.

I've also received word from Dynamo Mike that the club's Geriatric Division enjoyed their outing to USAF Base Fairford for the airshow. He informs me that his and Maureen's mileage was 36 and time taken was all day! Well done Mike and Maureen and I hope you didn't get stiff necks watching all of the aerobatics. 

Riders getting ready to leave Bath
(Picture courtesy of Audax Club Bristol)

Also on Saturday, I rode the Raglan Castle 204km Audax from Bath and topped up the distance by cycling to and from the start.

The route first went northwards up to near Wotton-under-Edge and then turned southwards to Aust and across the Severn Bridge. By the time I reached Chepstow I'd already ridden over 100 miles and my legs were definitely not at their best. The undulating road to Monmouth became a real struggle and in desperation I ran a quick check through my memory bank to try and establish if there was a railway station there. I must have misfiled this piece of information, as the answer wasn't forthcoming. 

Another concern was the creaking sound coming from my bike. A plan began to take shape in my mind whereby I could withdraw due to a yet to be determined mechanical failure whilst at the same time feigning disappointment at my bad luck. The missing element was how exactly was I going to get back home again.

Raglan Castle, Monmouthshire

Hurtling down towards Monmouth all thoughts of 'packing' quickly evaporated, particularly as I'd traced the source of the mysterious creaking to my cycling shoes. Over exposure to the sun had clearly taken its toll on me. The perfect remedy for my temporary insanity was a pot of tea, a slice of iced lemon sponge and some Welsh cakes at the delightful Raglan Castle Cafe.

With renewed enthusiasm I headed for Usk. The roads were far less brutal and absorbed by the glorious scenery I allowed my mind to wander. Could it be that the route back to Chepstow would meander along a never ending flat lane? No, it couldn't, because this was Wales and having left Usk, the road began to gradually rise and then the 16% sign appeared.

MCCC rules dictate that members should never dismount on a hill if they're wearing their club jersey and so I stuck to the task. However, to my eternal shame, with my heart rate running out of control, I deemed it sensible to stop just short of the summit to allow it to return to something approaching normal, before continuing.

Olveston Stores

Having crossed back over the Severn Bridge the last control was at the Olveston Stores. Already awash with tea and cake, a refreshing ice cream made a nice change.

The arrivee was at the Boathouse Inn, Bath. After a quick glass of ginger beer and a bag of crisps, priced at a shocking £3.80, I completed the last leg of the 179 mile ride. The ascent of Box Hill tipped the elevation gain to just over 10,000 feet.