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.