Weekly Roundup

A Merry Christmas from the Malmesbury Clarions!

This photograph was taken on 17th January 2015, on our way back from Cirencester. I've given it another airing, as with Christmas just days away, it makes a pleasant seasonal greeting.

As for club rides between now and Saturday 2nd January 2016, it's very much a case of looking out for the emails. This is how we're shaping up at the moment:

Wednesday 23rd December 2015 - Evening ride with the Knight Riders.

Thursday 24th December 2015 - Members only ride starting at 11.00am. This will be the 15 mile circuit, followed by a festive gathering at Howard's house. If you intend going and haven't already done so, please let Howard know to assist with the catering arrangements.

More rides will no doubt be added. 

In sharp contrast to the snow and ice we gingerly rode through back in January, Saturday's weather was exceptionally mild. So much so, that one of the 10 members who rode, was sporting a pair of cycling shorts! 

Alphabetically the riders were Andy Parker, Atherton, Des D, Mark, Mike G,

Peter C, Phil, Simon S, Steve K and me (Tim W).

As for the logistics, Mike and Atherton completed a slightly shorter ride to the Wickwar Coffee Shop. 

The rest of us set out for the Tortworth Estate Shop. Simon S joined us at Bowldown Road near the junction with the A46. Around the same time, we split into two groups, but were soon reunited when one of those in the leading pack suffered a puncture on the Old London Road.

The Estate Shop cafe wasn't particularly busy when we arrived and this allowed us all to sit together. 

The return journey involved the climb up to the Somerset Monument at Hawkesbury Upton. This towering stone edifice can quite literally cast a shadow over the ride, but only if you let it. 

No, it's not another of Peter's bikes. This one belongs to the Ox House

Three members, Mike G, Peter C and me (Tim W) assembled on Sunday morning for our excursion to the Ox House at Northleach. We were pleased to be joined by Tim H who came with us as far as Relish for a quick leg stretch.

This was a beautiful sunny morning and with the help of a light tailwind, we made good time.

On high ground just outside of Northleach, Mike popped open his Tupperware container to reveal some delicious mince pies kindly made for us by Anita. Fewer riders meant that we could have two each. These were gratefully received and surrounded by far-reaching views, it was difficult to imagine a more pleasing outdoor experience. 

Rolling into Northleach we parked our bikes outside of the Ox House. Inside we were engulfed by the warmth from the fire. Peter and me feasted on our bacon rolls whilst Mike exercised far more control by confining himself to the complimentary biscuit.

    
The trip home was a little harder into the wind. The first spots of rain fell near Cerney Wick and very quickly turned into a deluge. Fortunately it was short lived and the sun soon reappeared. We returned to Malmesbury on schedule at 2.00pm.

Weekly Roundup

Cotswold Discovery Centre, Northleach

Wednesday Mike and me rode to Northleach as part of our preparations for the Sunday ride on 20th December 2015. Our brief for this current series is to visit places the club hasn't been to before, but to keep the overall distance down to under 60 miles. Unfortunately Bourton-on-the-Water tipped the scales closer to 70 than 60, so we're off to Northleach instead. 

Our cafe of choice on the day was the one at the Cotswold Discovery Centre at the Old Prison. However, the Ox House in the town square caught our eye afterwards. You can follow the link here to watch a short video about the Ox House, which should make for an enjoyable stop.

There's just a little fine-tuning required before the course can be released. And don't forget we'll be setting off at 9.00am.

Peter dims his lights

Two Knight Riders, Peter C and Simon S, took to the streets on Wednesday evening. Air Traffic Control say that rumours that pilots flying over the Cotswolds in to Staverton Airport, Gloucester, were being distracted by Peter's front lights, are completely unfounded.

Quackers Farm Shop & Cafe, Hinton Road, Pucklechurch

(Click once to enlarge the photographs)

Undeterred by the BBC's prediction of heavy rain of biblical proportions, seven riders mustered in the Cross Hayes. In actual fact, we never saw a drop of rain all day.

Malc, Peter C and me (Tim W) headed off into the wind, with Andy Poolman, Mike G, Atherton and Steve Cox making up the other group.

The Fosseway was busy with mounted members of the Duke of Beaufort's Hunt gathering for the start. The usual courteous pleasantries were exchanged and we passed without incident.

Negotiating the A46 was a little trickier with the endless stream of Christmas shoppers flooding down to Bath. Running across the junction whilst wheeling your bike seemed to be the safest option.

Having descended Hinton Hill, we arrived at Quackers. Malc and Peter C went for doorstep bacon sandwiches and I had scrambled egg on toast. Judging by the clean plates, there were no complaints.

A neighbouring table was vacated just in time for the other group to take residence when they arrived and we were able to share our experiences thus far.

Andy needed to be back in Malmesbury fairly sharpish and so he left with Malc and Peter C. They charted a course into Pucklechurch, up towards Westerleigh and then turned for home through Codrington to Tormarton.

. . . . . which left Mike, Atherton, Steve and me to assault Hinton Hill. Approaching it from the side certainly made life a bit easier and once we'd reached the summit, the tail wind and gradual descent meant that we barely had to pedal.

Back on the Fosseway the hunt looked to be winding down when we arrived, but the other trio were in time to see it in full flight, with the hunt thundering across the road in front of them. 

And finally, here's a link to Cycling Weekly's quick-quiz aimed at determining which kind of cyclist you are.

I'm not taking the results too seriously though, as apparently I'm a commuter! 

Weekly Roundup

Riders at the Allington Farm Shop

 7 clarions took part in the Sporting Group ride to Allington via Castle Combe. (Karine, Peter C, Phil, Simon S, Steve K, Steve M and Tim H).

It was a very windy outward leg and trouble ensued for Phil who lost any gear changing ability from his rear derailleur. Probably not a problem if it was stuck in a high gear but no, it was a tiny wee sprocket which left Phil hitting the bottom of each climb like a bat out of hell in an effort to get to the top! Well done for your efforts.

After an enjoyable cafe stop we set off for Malmesbury with the wind behind us and a speedy trip down the Fosseway towards Sherston.

About 39 miles in all.

Tim H

Social Group

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

Weather Conditions: Headwind on outward leg, temperature about 11 degrees C.

Total Mileage: 33, average speed 10.8 mph with the return leg very much wind assisted.

Destination: Allington Farm Cafe.

Howard

The Kings, Castles, Priests and Churches 200km Audax

Also on Saturday, Mike and me rode a 200km Audax event starting at the Royal Hop Pole, Tewkesbury. The culinary canter included stops at Flowerdews Cafe, Bromyard, the Castle Lodge Buttery, Ludlow, the Chocolate Box Cafe
Kington and the not so attractive sounding, but nevertheless very much appreciated, Lock's Services on the A465.

Looking down over Ludlow

(Pictures by Mike)

Meanwhile, I'm poised to continue the climb out of Ludlow

As you can imagine, strong winds dominated the day, particularly on high, exposed ground. For the most part we suffered with head and cross winds. It wasn't until the last leg that we benefited from the wind.

Hampered by strong gusts and riding to a deadline, meant that we had to restrict the time spent at cafes to a minimum. Fortunately, neither of us was affected by the reduced calorie intake.

AAA (Audax Altitude Award) points are given to members who complete hilly rides based on the amount of elevation gained. This particular event involved climbing 2550 metres and attracted 1.75 points. Meaningless I know to those not involved in Audax, but an important indication to those who are, as to the difficulty level of an event.

Tim W

Bourton-on-the-Water

The next Sunday excursion will take place on 20th December 2015. Mike G and me have put together what we think is an interesting course, this time to Bourton-on-the-Water. The outward leg has already been ridden. The full course will be available soon. Given that the Winter Solstice (shortest day) is on the 21st, we'll be leaving at 9.00am, so that we can get back in the daylight.

Expressions of interest or ideally a firm commitment notified by email to one of us would be appreciated, as we're exploring the possibility of a festive treat at Bourton, in which case we'd need to have some idea of the numbers beforehand. No, it's not a visit to Santa's grotto!

There's nothing like a bit of a quiz to get the wheels whirring. Previously, Howard has proved himself the master of cycling related songs. More recently, Ted was the king of song titles and groups or artists incorporating the word 'yurt.' This was inspired by our trip to the Jolly Nice Cafe at Frampton Mansell.

This time the challenge is to come up with place names that you've ridden through which match with the name of a song title, group or solo artist. Puns are not only acceptable, they're positively encouraged. Please give some indication as to where the place can be found.

You can use the comments box below and as we're approaching the season of goodwill, there might just be a small gift for the winner.

Here are my offerings to start the ball rolling:

Group or Solo Artist

Clapton-on-the-Hill, Gloucestershire (Eric Clapton)
Elton, Herefordshire (Elton John) 
Street, Somerset (Manic Street Preachers)
Lea, Malmesbury (Leapy Lee)

Song Titles

(Porton) Down (Down, Down by Staus Quo)