Weekly Roundup & Bits and Pieces

Something in your eye Timothy - stop making such a fuss 

No Help Sorry

It started as a mild irritation. A Doctor once told me that the eye is extremely efficient at keeping itself clean and washing out unwanted matter. I tried to focus on this positive thought, but couldn't help thinking that my left eye was taking its time.

The day had started out so well. Thursday morning I'd met Mike outside of the Malmesbury Town Hall at 7.00am. Ahead of us was a 200km ride which began with a wide arc, out around to Bourton on the Water. We'd stopped there for hot drinks and toasted tea cakes at a baker's shop.

The Royal Hop Pole, Tewkesbury

Lunch was taken at The Royal Hop Pole, Tewkesbury. Mike wisely went with a well presented pasta dish and a coffee, whilst I threw caution to the wind with a very enjoyable bowl of broccoli and stilton soup, a Pepsi and a serving of apple crumble and ice cream.

Appetites satisfied without feeling uncomfortable, we headed for Newent. I can't pinpoint precisely when or how it happened, but after Tewkesbury I became aware that there was something stuck in my left eye. I normally wear sunglasses to prevent such occurrences, but on high ground across the Cotswolds, they'd fogged up in the mist and having removed them, stupidly I'd never got around to putting them back on.

Newent

We stopped briefly at Newent. Mike went into the baker's and emerged triumphantly with a magnificent looking mince pie topped with brandy butter cream. Coming so soon after my pudding, I felt that I couldn't justify buying a cake, but I did finish off the bun I'd bought from the village shop at Poulton in the morning.

Its worth pointing out that long distance cycling is all about keeping the body well fuelled, particularly so, in winter. Running on energy bars and gels alone, is a recipe for failure.

Still plagued by whatever was refusing to leave my eye, I drowned it in a weak solution of orange squash from my water bottle and then water from Mike's.
With no change, I formulated a plan of sorts. I'd continue to our next port of call at the Forest of Dean Heritage Centre, where I'd carry out a proper examination of my eye. If I couldn't resolve the situation myself, I'd then try and get medical help.

  The Forest of Dean Heritage Centre

By the time I'd reached the Heritage Centre my eye looked a bit of a mess. Puffy underneath, bloodshot and narrowed to a thin slit, looking for something which shouldn't be there, was a hopeless task.

Our route home was across the Severn Bridge. I felt confident that a town of Chepstow's size would have a hospital, and so it seemed sensible to continue in that direction.

At Bream, Mike found a Boots and suggested that the pharmacist might be able to help. The lady in question, who I sensed would have done a lot more if she hadn't been bogged down with bureaucracy, could only help me buy a bottle of Optrex eyewash. Presumably she was only filling in, as she had to ask the other staff members if there was somewhere in the shop I could use the eye bath. There wasn't. What about any public toilets or a public house, she enquired. There weren't any toilets and the public house didn't open until later.

I explored my opportunities for medical intervention. There was a hospital at Lydney, but there was a question mark as to whether it would be open. Mention of my intended destination being Chepstow brought a confident chorus of voices. My best bet was definitely Chepstow.

Outside on the footpath, most of the Optrex missed the target and ran uselessly down my face. The only way I could get any sort of relief was to ride with one eye closed.

The entrance to Chepstow's Community Hospital

At Chepstow Mike turned for home with my full blessing and I set about finding the hospital. When I did, I was filled with a sense of foreboding. Something didn't feel right, it was too quiet. There was no Accident & Emergency Department, it had closed some years ago. I was told I'd have to go to either Newport or Frenchay Hospital, Bristol. 'But I'm on a bike riding around with one eye, it's too dangerous', I pleaded. 

I'd noticed on my way in that the building also housed two doctor's surgeries. Surely there was a doctor or a nurse who could take a look. 'They won't see you', I was informed, 'but you can try if you want to.' 

They each had their own reception desk. The first said that they were just closing. The second listened with interest and said she'd have to speak to her supervisor. I repeated my desperate plea and for a moment it looked as though salvation was close at hand. She began inputting my details, but quickly logged off when I said that I wasn't registered with the practice.

Lydney railway platform, not exactly a station

As a last throw of the dice I asked about the hospital at Lydney. Yes, I could go there, it should be open. Getting to Chepstow had been a complete waste of time. Dejected I couldn't face cycling the 10 miles to Lydney and so I went to the Chepstow Railway Station, where, I had my first stroke of luck. The train to Lydney, which I thought I'd just missed, was actually running a few minutes late.

The Charge Nurse at the Lydney Minor Injuries Unit was a credit to her profession and after squirting the eye with some local anesthetic, she soon had the troublesome piece of grit on the end of her cotton bud. The not so good news was that the cornea was badly scratched and I'd have to use cream to prevent infection. This blurred my vision and with the pain returning as the anesthetic wore off, I had no alternative but to take the train to Gloucester, and from there to Kemble, where my wife picked me up.

My quarrel isn't with the dedicated NHS staff working at the point of delivery, it's the modern day mania for closures and centralisation implemented by those at the top, as cost-saving measures.

Tim W

In view of the poor weather, Saturday's club ride to the Allington Farm Shop was abandoned. 

Beginners Group

Riders: Howard, Atherton, Dave and guest, Steve Cox.

Weather Conditions: Headwind on outward leg, temperature about 8 degrees C.

Total Mileage: 15, average speed 10.8 mph although it is worth noting that the outward average was 9.9 and the return average was 13.2 (wind assisted return).

Destination: Should have been Allington Farm Cafe but circumstances, weather and with rider agreement the ride was shortened and cake was consumed at the cafe in Hullavington.

Sporting group

Riders: Pete C, Steve M and Phil.

Weather: As above for beginners group.

Total mileage: 38, average speed 13.1 mph.

Destination: Once again the destination change due to weather conditions and coffee was taken at Costa Coffee in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Peter C ready for the excursion to Bristol

Agh my fellow Clariontears, what a ride you have missed!

9.30am at the square with Peter, no one else arrived (a lot of emails saying no ta), for which I thank you all!

A wet and windy looking Bristol Harbourside

So into the wind we rode, headwind for the most part. Some light rain, with the odd heavy shower. Not deterred we duly arrived in Bristol, a quick decision made, a resounding no ta to Mud Dock so onto a cafe of Peter's choice for tea and an excellent bacon butty!

Peter C enjoys his bacon butty

A return journey enhanced with a mostly tail wind. A quick detour through Bristol and back to the Railway Path and onward via Sherston to arrive elated and self-satisfied (as only those who faced the elements can feel), back where it had all started, Malmesbury! A quick hand shake and each to our separate routes home!

So the mileage (smiles) bank increases!

Mike G

The boathouse at Bradford on Avon

I was recently pleased to receive an email from Jamie with an update on what he's up to these days. Those of you who've been members for quite a while will remember Jamie on his fixed wheel.

Jamie is now the captain of the Bradford on Avon Rowing Club, which sounds like an achievement in itself.

He's kindly invited us to come and visit him one weekend for coffee and cake at the Grumpy Badger. I'm going to pass though on his offer of a quick skulling lesson.

We might not be a racing club, but we do have first and second claim members who race. You might recall that earlier this year Jamie took part in the Tour of Cambridgeshire. Well, what I hadn't realised was that wearing his MCCC jersey, he finished in the top 25% for his age and gender group, which meant qualification for the World Amateur Road Race Championships. Unfortunately financial constraints meant that Jamie couldn't travel to Aalborg, Denmark. 

A brilliant effort Jamie and one which you and the club can be rightly proud of.

The Darkroom Expresso Cafe, Swindon

Finally, John from Swindon, has been in touch. Although never a member, he has been a friend of ours for some time and has ridden with us on a number of occasions.

John has now joined the Darkroom Expresso Cycling Club in Swindon. The man responsible for setting up the club owns the Darkroom Expresso Cafe. Apparently they brew coffee in an ultra serious fashion. The club meets on a Sunday, drink coffee and then head off for their ride.

I don't know about the cycling, but the cafe certainly seems to be a big hit with the coffee drinkers. You can see what they're saying on Trip Advisor here.

Weekly Roundup

Clifton Suspension Bridge

On Wednesday the MCCC Research Team in the form of Mike and me returned to Bristol. The primary objective was so that we could tie up a couple of loose ends ahead of next Sunday's club ride to the historic harbour. Cycling across the Clifton Suspension Bridge has been on my 'Must Do' list for a while and seeing as we were so close, it seemed a shame to waste the opportunity.

Looking up to the bridge from the Cumberland Basin, on what had so far been a cold, but dry day, I couldn't wait. However, by the time we'd reached the bridge, a light drizzle on our ascent had quickly turned into a downpour. The panoramic views had all but disappeared behind the thick cloak of mist.

With no where to take cover, we rode across the bridge and back again. Both times we managed to incur the wrath of the men in the toll booths by using the footpath and not the road.

Parsons Bakery in Clifton, Bristol

Wet and bedraggled, we cruised the nearby streets looking for a cafe which might be pleased to see us. The Clifton Lunchtime Set had already bagged the best tables and eyed us with suspicion as they sipped their aperitifs.

Parsons Bakery offered a menu better suited to our pocket. We were prepared, if needs be, to sit outside under the awning at the table for two, but a couple of vacant stools inside, caught our attention. Despite the best efforts of an elderly gentleman, who in fairness did arrive after us, we managed to secure the coveted stools and with them, enough heat to warm us up. 

If you can bring yourselves to ride with the sort of people who go around bullying senior citizens, then don't forget that next Sunday's outing will be leaving from outside of the Town Hall at 9.30am. The excursion to Bristol and home again is a total of 60 miles. The Bristol and Bath Railway Path will be used to deliver us into the city centre. We aim to return to Malmesbury in the daylight by around 3.00pm, but please bring your lights in case we are delayed by any mechanicals. There are no proper hills and just one gradual climb. To achieve this, allowing for a 30 minute stop for coffee, we'll need to maintain an average of at least 12 mph. Please bear this in mind if you are thinking of joining us. The course will be circulated later in the week.

One of two yurts at the Jolly Nice Cafe

Saturday's club ride was to the Jolly Nice Cafe at Frampton Mansell. This was a change to the advertised destination on the grounds that it's actually nicer.

As is traditional on such occasions when we're joined by someone new, we extend a warm Clarion welcome to Steve Cox and look forward to seeing him again soon for his next ride with us.

Some time ago on the blog, we tried to come up with cycling related songs, such as, 'My White Bicycle' by Nazareth. This set me wondering whether there were any connected with yurts. The best I could come up with was the 1980's, high energy, girl trio by the name of Flirts, which I know makes a pretty poor pun. My only other offering is slightly better. 'Love Hurts' first recorded by the Everly Brothers in 1960, is almost there if pronounced with a silent 'H.' Coincidently, 'Love Hurts' was also released in 1975 by Nazareth. My choice for a musical link though is Flirt's 1984 hit 'Helpless.'

For the record:

Beginners Group

Riders: Howard, Atherton and guest, Steve Cox.

Weather Conditions: Block headwind on outward leg, temperature about 5 degrees C.

Total Mileage: 31, average speed 10.8 mph although it is worth noting that the outward average was 9.9 and the return average was 13.2 (wind assisted return).

Point of Interest: Snow spotted on high ground on the grass verges to the west of Cirencester for the first time this season.

Other Group(s)

Riders: Des D, Karine, Mark, Peter, Phil, Simon S, Tim H and Tim W.

Total Mileage: At Daglingworth we split into 2 groups of 4. Half elected to continue straight to the coffee stop, whilst the others added what proved to be a lumpy extension and brought the total to 35 miles. Average speed was 13.8 mph. We all returned together. 

Weekly Roundup

That's the beauty of a beard, there's always a bit of congealed coffee to enjoy later (Click once to enlarge the pictures)

Saturday 7th November 2015, intended destination - Relish Café, actual destination - Waterside Café. Riders - Howard, Peter C, Tim H and Andy Poolman.

Only the stupid, daring, or hard were likely to venture out at a very wet and windy 10am. Following negotiations at the very highest level, the start time was delayed until 11am. Due to the lateness of the circulated email (9.15 that morning) I felt duty bound to at least go to the start for 10am just in case someone turned up who hadn’t got the message. Luckily for me, no one did.

By 11am the weather had changed and cheered up and a small group, (stupid, daring or hard, you choose) set off for Relish. Quite a few non-riding members were spotted in town and it has to be said that they did miss out on what turned out to be a very pleasant morning out. Things proceed at a reasonable pace bearing in mind the ride was wind assisted by a fairly strong south westerly.

Uneventful until just past Ashton Keynes, a temporary road sign near Cerney Wick informed us that the road ahead was closed, we pressed on regardless. It is seldom that cyclists cannot get past such closures, but on this occasion we were totally thwarted and had to turn back. 

All that rain can play havoc with the waterworks

Taking advantage of the stop, Pete and Tim decided on, what the French call a ‘break au naturel.' Comfort restored, we turned around and set off on the long way round to Relish. Luckily we happened upon a café we hadn’t visited before, the Waterside Café. We stopped, should we go in? We went in. Research, you see? What we found was enough to warm the cockles of some of our members hearts. Americano at £1.65 a mug. Yes, cheaper coffee than we normally come across. Will we ever go anywhere else again? Only time will tell.

Following this startling discovery, having consumed drink and cake, we set off. Peter pointed out that the sun had even now made an appearance.Ten minutes later, down came the rain, it always happens. Didn’t last long though. We kept adding little bits on to the route to prolong the ride. On the descent from Kemble to Kemble Wick the entire length of road was under a flowing stream of water. Not deep, but very wet. Good mudguards.

We made it home notwithstanding the oncoming wind having covered about 34 miles. Stupid, daring or hard? No, just ordinary club riders enjoying a morning awheel.  

(P.S. I believe Jim had mentioned this café in the past so it was about time we visited. Cheers Jim)

Howard Sprange

I attended the Saturday 7th cop out club ride on Sunday 8th with Ted, Alice and Atherton !

We more or less followed Howard's original route which included some very challenging pot holed dirt tracks! Any way we made in at a leisurely rate to Relish and then made a b line back to SN16 as the weather was about to change 37 miles done and all back safely 

Peter Cattermole

The weather might be something of a disappointment, but it certainly hasn't curtailed the activities of the MCCC Research Team, membership of which, is automatic when you join the Clarions. There are just two demands. You need to undertake occasional experimental rides and eat cake. The best bit is that you can claim expenses to cover the cost of the cake. Actually, you're free to claim expenses for anything you like. Just claim away to your heart's content, it doesn't matter, as you won't be paid a penny!

The cafe at Bitton Station

Wednesday, I rode with Mike Greer on another of his ingenious courses, this time down to Bath using a different section of the Bristol and Bath Railway Path. Refreshments were taken at the Bitton Station, where we took advantage of the 'hot drink and a slice of cake for £3.75' offer. 

Our return route took us up Landsdown Lane to the Bath Racecourse. I've used this road a number of times after visiting family members at Bath's Royal United Hospital. I'd always thought that it must be a difficult hill to climb and so it proved to be.

Merkins Farm Cafe

Friday, Howard battled through the heavy showers to visit Merkins Farm Cafe just outside of Bradford on Avon. It's a favourite haunt of Chippenham Wheelers, but watch this space to find out how Howard rated the experience.

Tim Wadsworth

Clarions riding through Badminton Park

(Pictures courtesy of Des Doody)

Saturday 14th November 2015

The original destination was going to be Nailsworth, but with the wet weather and strong winds, Howard decided that we would instead venture to Leighterton and from there out to Badminton Park before returning to Malmesbury. 

5 Clarions showed up for the start which given the weather was not a bad turnout, these being Howard, Andy Poolman, Des D, Peter C and Tim H. At Badminton Peter and Des went their own way and the rest ended up for a coffee stop at The Stables Café, Hullavington. The coffee was good and the prices were reasonable and definitely worth visiting again as a club.

All in all a very enjoyable ride of about 30 miles at a leisurely pace. The weather was not as bad as it could have been and the return leg was rain free.

Where will next Saturday take us? Well, we will just have to wait and see......

See you then!

Tim Hibbert 

Weekly Roundup

Mr Pickwick's Cymraeg Cyrch 200km Audax

Audaxing isn't a word which encourages sympathy. And rightly so. Why should it? No one is under any obligation to take part in an event. There's also quite a few Audaxers who are forever seeking the ultimate epic ride. The ones where they're physically and mentally challenged, pushed right to the very edge. Battling with the elements can be just one part of such a ride. After all, those are the rides we tend to remember most, whereas memories of the pleasant outings on sunny days, can soon be forgotten. 

Setting up my bike at 7.00am in a remote car park in Tewkesbury on Saturday morning, I felt like an unwilling participant. The wind was howling and the rain was already finding it's way down the back of my neck.

Riders begin to assemble at the start
(Photographs taken on the day reproduced by the kind permission of Clemo)

Arriving at The Royal Hop Pole public house, just a short ride away, I found the bar busy with cyclists. Now among kindred spirits, I immediately warmed to the task ahead. The entry fee included a choice of breakfasts and a hot drink. Sausages in a roll and a mug of tea, for me, was the choice of champions.

Heading out of Tewkesbury into a stiff headwind, with heavy rain, and already plenty of surface water, we laughed in the face of adversity. Mother nature could do her worst. After all, it was only adding to the experience, not diminishing it.

The cycle path alongside the River Wye

I managed to find some shelter towards the back of a 14 strong peloton, but this slowly fragmented. At Symonds Yat, some took the riverside cycle path to Monmouth, whilst others, including me, chose to stay on tarmac. The course, with some deviations, was an out and back, so I'd have another chance to use the cycle path later.

The impressive looking King's Head in Monmouth

The first control was at the King's Head in Monmouth, which like The Royal Hop Pole, is part of the J.D Wetherspoon empire. Cooked breakfasts were flying out of the kitchen. My humble order of tea and toast arrived within minutes. 

After wringing out my gloves, I set off again. The route now ran parallel with the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. There was even a short section along the towpath.

Me fettling outside of the White Hart Inn

Around 12.30pm the rain eased to a drizzle and then stopped altogether. Under a weak sun I arrived at the mid-way point at the White Hart Inn at Talybont-on-Usk in the Brecon Beacons. There was an inviting open fire in the bar, but I resisted the temptation knowing that it would make leaving all the more difficult. Instead, guilt-free, I snacked outside on a coke, crisps and a Mars Bar.

The bridge at Crickhowell across the River Usk

Now on the return leg, the route this time branched off at Crickhowell. Here, the River Usk looked wild and unpredictable as it raged under the bridge.

Cycling to Abergavenny, I couldn't get Marty Wilde's 1968 single 'Abergavenny' out of my head. If you haven't heard it before or you have and would like to listen again, you can follow the link here. 

The climb out of Abergavenny and the subsequent rolling hills were something of a challenge, but the tailwind helped a little.

Having reached Monmouth, this time I took the cycle path to Symonds Yat. It's shared with pedestrians who are often deep in conversation and not alert to the fact that a cyclist is approaching. Shouting out seems a bit rude. The friendly tinkle of a bell normally does the trick in these situations or it would have done if I hadn't removed mine.

The rope ferry across the River Wye in front of the Saracens Head Inn

The last control was the Saracens Head Inn at Symonds Yat. With daylight slipping away, a Fentimans botanically brewed ginger beer and a slice of fruit cake, topped me up for the last 30 miles or so. This proved to be a fast run back to Tewkesbury, where on my arrival I found the town in the grip of firework-fever with hordes of pedestrians and cars bumper to bumper, all heading for the firework display.

There's a Youth Hostel near Ross on Wye, which would make a great base for a weekend of cycling. Perhaps something we could do next year as a club.

The interior of the Mud Dock Cafe

In a bit of a scoop for the blog, I can reveal exclusively that the next Sunday ride will take place on 29th November 2015. Departure will be at the slightly earlier time of 9.30am. Our destination is the historic Bristol Harbourside.

Mike Greer has put together an interesting and varied 60 mile course, which will be published nearer the time. It cleverly uses the cycle path into the city centre. There's only one gradual ascent, which isn't until we're on our way home. Needless to say, there will be a coffee stop, which might be at the Mud Dock Cafe. Allowing 30 minutes for refreshments, the plan is to try and be back in Malmesbury by 3.00pm.

I had the pleasure last week of testing the course with Mike and I'm certain it's one that members will really enjoy. Don't forget to put the date in your diaries.

Finally, the blog in it's present form burst onto the cycling scene on 9th November 2013. This was after Howard's excellent pioneering work during the early days of the club. Since then, if the stats are to be believed, and I've no reason to doubt them, the 144 posts have attracted 11,646 page views.

Judging by the audience traffic, ride reviews are easily the most popular feature. The least read are the 'What's On' posts, suggesting that most MCCC members are content with the club rides and are not looking elsewhere for their cycling fix.

It's not all good news though. The blog has a loyal band of followers, for which I'm very grateful. It's an absolute pleasure to be of some service to you, but the viewing figures are definitely in decline. The blog is crying out for fresh ideas. Someone else's perspective is badly needed to liven things up. If you think you can help, please let me know.