Last Weekend's Rides & This Saturday's

Saturday's Trip to the Folly Row Cafe, Kington St Michael

This was our maiden visit to the cafe located in the High Street at Kington St Michael.

With Tim H's ride due to take place the following day, two fairly short courses of 28 and 34 miles were devised.

Tim H was joined on the shorter route by Dave, who we were pleased to see once again on a Saturday club run. Five of us took the extended route. Meanwhile, Mike and Maureen followed a more direct path which was to incorporate a coffee stop en route at The Stables Cafe in Hullavington.

The Folly Row Cafe is light, bright and airy. There's a fresh, clean atmosphere inside with a seasonal themed window display. The staff are well presented and polite. The weather was glorious and so we chose to sit outside. My huge pot of tea for one served two decent sized mugs and was still half-full. Whilst cake prices are around the norm, I felt the portion sizes were a little on the stingy side. Perhaps that's just me being greedy.

Mike and Maureen left to continue their tour of North Wiltshire's cafes with their next port of call being at the Bell House Hotel, Sutton Benger, whilst the rest of us, in no particular hurry, rode back to Malmesbury.

Short route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7589930

Longer route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7589053

Tim H's Epic 103 Mile Ride to the Seaside on Sunday

Spot the difference

Clevedon August 2014

Clevedon August 2015

Weather wise it's difficult to think of two more contrasting days. The seven assembled members knew that it was going to be wet, but had hoped that we could somehow achieve the impossible by dodging the rain. 

We managed to stay dry until we reached the High Street at Chipping Sodbury. Like scurrying rats we dismounted and ran for cover, with most of us managing to wedge ourselves in the doorway of a public house. As soon as the
downpour had subsided, we set off again. Alas, the rain was to stay with us for quite some time and judging by the amount of surface water covering the roads, there must have been an earlier deluge.

Our first closeup view of the Bristol Channel was greeted with an exclamation of 'La Mer', which I'm sure Karine appreciated; our mastery of the French language, if not the murky vista.

Incidently, 'La Mer' is the title of a song written by the French composer Charles Trenet. Recorded by Charles Trenet in 1946 it became an unexpected hit and remains a classic today. If you listen to the song here you're bound to have heard it before.

With spirits flagging, an impromptu garage-stop was made at Avonmouth. After standing huddled together under the garage's canopy, with rain still dripping on our heads, had failed to lift our morale, we pressed on.

Having crossed the Avonmouth Bridge the prospect of some brighter weather started to take shape and the rain eased to a light drizzle. 

Two cycles in an otherwise empty beer garden at The Salthouse, Clevedon were instantly recognised as belonging to Heather and Simon who had ridden ahead of us and were already settled in the bar. 

Whilst orders were placed for teas and coffees, Mike hurried off to the toilets. When I went to make use of the 'facilities' I found him busily trying to dry off his socks underneath the hand dryer.

A barefooted Mike at The Salthouse, Clevedon, but where's his socks?

Steve readies himself to leave The Salthouse

Our departure from The Salthouse coincided with yet another shower. With lunch waiting for us at Tim H's mum's house at Portishead, we tackled the rolling coast road.

Once again we were treated to a fine spread. The sea air had clearly given us an appetite, as we eagerly set about clearing the table whilst enjoying a near constant flow of hot drinks.

Other than a light shower before the ascent of the hill at Horton, we remained dry on the return leg and arrived back in Malmesbury to find the town bathed in warm sunshine.

Anyone can ride with the sun on their backs, but it takes courage and determination when the elements are against you. The task was undertaken with good humour and never a serious grumble. Those who took part are to be congratulated. Also, well done Mark and Karine for completing their first ever 100 mile rides.

The day was rounded off with a meal at the Europa Italian Restaurant.

Our very grateful thanks go to Tim H for organising the day and of course his mum for looking after us so well. 

Here's to Clevedon 2016!

Forthcoming Club Ride Saturday 29th August 2015

Please note that the forthcoming ride to Chepstow on Saturday 29th August 2015, will leave from the Cross Hayes at the earlier time of 8.45am. We aim to be back in Malmesbury by 3.00pm.

A number of people (Mike G, Mark, Peter C, Tim W and Simon) have already committed to making the excursion and so the ride will definitely be going ahead.

Andy Poolman on a previous visit

Refreshments will be taken at the excellent Pye Corner cafe in the centre of Chepstow, which we've used before. 

The course will be posted over the next few days and kept to around 60 miles.

At the moment Howard is unsure of his plans. If he decides to ride to Chepstow, then the trip will be the club ride and might well split into two groups. If he chooses not to, then there may well be an alternative shorter ride to another destination. Please look out for the next bulletin. 

Chez Fred's Fish and Chips Run to Bournemouth

Mike G recently overheard a conversation I was having in the peloton with Andy Parker about the Stargazy Fish Bar at Tetbury. This prompted a recommendation from Mike for Chez Fred at Westbourne near Bournemouth. One thing led to another and in no time at all Mike had conjured up a course to get us there and back in a day. You can see it here.

We've penciled in Saturday 12th September 2015 in case any other Clarions would like to join us. If there aren't any takers, then we'll probably go mid-week instead. Please speak to either Mike or me if you think you might be interested.