Weekly Roundup

Tim H enjoys his last morsel of cake

A little later than usual this week (my fault entirely) and so without further ado, on with the show.

Saturday's ride to the National Trust Tea Room at Lacock was well attended, with 11 members cycling in 3 separate groups. The social group consisted of Howard, Dave and Steve C, and covered a total of 37 miles.

Two groups rode the longer route, and arrived at the coffee stop within 5 minutes of each other (but about 15 minutes behind the social group). They covered a total of around 45 miles, including 28 to the tea room. One was formed by Steve K, Steve M, Peter and Andy Parker, with Tim H, Alice, Ted and Malc making up the other.

Empty tables outside of the Tea Room

Rides to Lacock are normally accompanied by good weather, and Saturday's was no exception. However, it should be noted by the official record keeper that, possibly for the first time ever, members took their refreshments inside the tea room rather than bask in the sunshine outside. And as the camera doesn't lie (unless the pictures have been photoshopped) the proof can be found in the pictures above.

Thank you Howard for the report and photographs.

Does this cycle helmet make my nose look big? Yes Tim, it does

Also on Saturday, Mike G and me rode the Jack and Grace Cotton Memorial 100km Audax from Aztec West, Bristol. We clocked up some extra miles by cycling to the start and then riding home again afterwards. 

Mike's suggestion of a cup of tea at the Wickwar Coffee Shop on the way back sounded a great idea, but when we pulled up outside, the tables and chairs were being taken indoors, and the dreaded closed sign was already displayed on the door. Not to be beaten, we headed off to Chipping Sodbury to make use of the cafe at Waitrose. 

The cycle bars outside of Waitrose included one with just about every tool you're likely to need on a bike ride, hanging down, individually secured by lengths of metal cable. Worth knowing if you ever develop a mechanical issue and you just happen to be riding near Chipping Sodbury.

Wednesday evening was perfect for cycling. Four members, Peter, Phil, Steve K and me (Tim W) were joined by Mark, the Sherston Velo's Club Secretary and Phil, one of their members. Both are well known to Peter, who'd invited them along, and very welcome they were too. 

Speaking as a very recent convert, the Wednesday evening ride in the dark is a lot of fun. If you haven't been before, give it a try. The ride starts promptly at 6.30pm.

February is free coffee month at Performance Cycles, Poulton. Simply pop in on any Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday with your bike and the hot drinks are on them. It's also worth noting that they're now only open on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, by appointment.