This bulletin is a look at the rides before and over the Christmas period, plus a preview of next Saturday's excursion .
I'll be missing on Saturdays until 21st January, as George is racing at Odd Down, Bath on 7th and 14th. Any contributions to keep members informed in my absence will be gratefully received.
Clarions gliding through the High Street, Lacock, 14th June 2014
Our first Saturday club ride of 2017, sees us stopping at the National Trust Tearoom, Lacock.
The village has been used as a film and television set on a number of occasions. In 1995, it featured in the BBC's production of Pride and Prejudice. In 2007, it hosted Cranford, another popular BBC period drama, and more recently, the highly acclaimed Downton Abbey. Film appearances include Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Without doubt its most famous son has to be William Henry Fox Talbot. Although he is best known for his pioneering photography work, William Talbot also served as a Member of Parliament for Chippenham and held the office of High Sheriff of Wiltshire.
The Talbots lived at Lacock Abbey, which was the location used in the Harry Potter films. The Abbey and the village were gifted to the National Trust in 1944. William Talbot, his wife and children are all buried in the Lacock village churchyard.
The Social Group's 38.2 mile course can be viewed and downloaded here. It has 1,274 feet of elevation.
Similarly, the Sporting Group's 43.1 mile course can be found here. It has 1,743 feet of elevation and includes a descent of Bowden Hill, but only after the climb up to Bremhill, which will definitely see you pushing those low gears.
Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the course you intend to ride and if you have a Garmin or a similar device, please download it. Both will be very helpful to your ride leader.
Howard and the Thursday gang at The Angel, Sherston
Thumbs up from Santa!
(Pictures courtesy of Helen)
This photograph was taken on Thursday 15th December, which was Howard's first post-operation club event. Too early for him to be riding on the road yet, but as the picture demonstrates, the Clarion hand of friendship reaches much further than the handlebar.
James H's curry and beer night at the Spice Merchant on Wednesday 21st December, was well attended with 9 diners taking their places around the table. Peter Baptiste also dropped in to say his hellos, which was a nice touch.
(Pictures courtesy of Helen)
There was no mistaking which was Steve and Helen's house
Steve and Helen Mayhew were the perfect hosts on Christmas Eve. Just in case anyone was unsure of where they lived, a club jersey and a festive greeting on a chalkboard were thoughtfully placed in the window. Inside was a very welcome box of man sized tissues for the cyclists' perpetual runny nose and a pile of fresh flannels for any mud splattered faces.
A spread fit for a king adorned the kitchen table, as Helen kept us well lubricated with a choice of either alcoholic or non-alcoholic mulled wine.
A relaxed Steve C and Stuart sink lower and lower into the sofa
We were all made to feel very much at home. Helen and Steve don't stand on ceremony.
Merry Christmas!
Alyson on her recumbent trike
Clarions preparing to leave
On behalf of the club, I'd like to place on record our thanks to Steve and Helen for their generosity. It was a fantastic gesture and one which, was really appreciated by all of those who made the trip.
Riders: Alyson, Andrew, Bryan, James M, John, Peter C, Phil, Stuart, Steve C, Steve M, Tim H, Tim W and Tommy.
Other attendees: Howard, Paul and of course our wonderful hostess, Helen.
The threat of ice preyed heavily on our minds, and so we kept to A and B class roads. After Luckington we were engulfed by thick freezing fog. This stayed with us until we reached the Cross Hands at Old Sodbury, after which, we were treated to glorious sunshine. Rising to around 4 or 5 degrees, it felt toasty warm in comparison.
Clarions having just crossed the Severn Bridge into Wales
(Pictures courtesy of Peter C)
With the temperature hovering just above freezing point, 6 of us rode out from Malmesbury at 9.30am on Wednesday 28th December. Sensibly, Ian decided not to risk it, but won our admiration by still turning up to let us know.
The threat of ice preyed heavily on our minds, and so we kept to A and B class roads. After Luckington we were engulfed by thick freezing fog. This stayed with us until we reached the Cross Hands at Old Sodbury, after which, we were treated to glorious sunshine. Rising to around 4 or 5 degrees, it felt toasty warm in comparison.
There's always a deal to be had at Pye Corner
Arriving at Pye Corner in Chepstow, after so many previous visits, felt like something of a homecoming. Large mugs of coffee, pots of tea, beans on toast and bacon baguettes, were all devoured with gusto.
The Old Wye Bridge, Chepstow
Before leaving Chepstow, we visited the magnificent Old Wye Bridge linking Wales with England on the far side. Opened in 1816, it's the largest remaining iron arch bridge of its period.
Returning home, the sun disappeared behind a thick blanket of freezing fog, as we climbed from Horton up to Hawkesbury Upton. It soon felt much colder than it had first thing in the morning. As much as we'd enjoyed the day out, it was with some relief that we found ourselves back in Malmesbury, all in one piece. The detours extended our mileage for the day to 76.
Thank you Peter C for organising the ride.
Thank you Peter C for organising the ride.
Riders: Andrew, Graham, Peter C, Phil, Tim W and Tommy
Clarions at Cafe 53, Tetbury
(Picture courtesy of Pete B)
The New Year's Eve club run saw 10 members riding in two groups to Cafe 53 in Tetbury. We were delighted to welcome back Pete B following his operation. Weather wise, it was a dismal morning. However, with plenty of lively banter, and Andy Poolman and Phil both sharing birthdays, our good humour shone through, particularly when Andy kindly bought the cake and hot drinks for the rest of the Sporting Group. (The Social Group had already paid for theirs before we arrived).
We might not be the biggest Clarion branch, but we can consistently get a decent crowd out, and very often, in some challenging weather. Well done to each and every one of you for helping to make the club so successful, and here's to 2017! Rest assured, we won't be resting on our laurels, not when there's always new places to explore.
Riders: Andy Poolman, Lyndon, Pete B, Peter C, Phil, Sian, Steve C, Tim H, Tim W and Tommy.