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.