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.
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.
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.
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.
Anita says your welcome , mind two each was a benefit for us three , sorry Tim H you missed out !!😋😋
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