Weekly Roundup

Wednesday evening the curtain finally came down on the last Knight Rider session for some months. Hopefully, we can now look forward to glorious summer evening rides, and who knows, maybe a few that end with a refreshing drink in a beer garden somewhere.

A big thank you goes to Peter C for not only minding the shop, but also successfully encouraging riders to get out on the road in all winds and weathers.

Good Friday saw lots of Clarions either riding solo or with others on various rides. Probably the largest contingent, consisting of Howard, Tim H, Dave and Steve M, rode to watch the cycle racing at Castle Combe. Club interest in the Category 4 race centred on ex-member George, who was riding in Performance Cycles' colours.

The fast early pace took some of the 100 riders by surprise, and it wasn't long before the first competitors started dropping off the back. Around 20 were eventually cut adrift and left to complete the race in ones and twos. At least 2 crashes depleted the field even further, the biggest of which saw 7 cyclists come down.

Poor discipline out on the course resulted in stern words of advice being barked by the commissaire following in his track car. The threat to start recording riders' numbers if there wasn't an improvement, can't have been heeded by everyone, as 3 participants were called in for a dressing-down at the end.

In the penultimate lap, George and his club mate Henry, moved through the peloton to occupy first and second places. However, their breakaway was short lived, and they were soon engulfed by the pack.

Coming in to the home straight with the chequered flag unfurled and ready to be waved, a path opened up in front of George, and head down, he made a furious charge for the line, finishing in 10th place. This earned him his first race point and £15 in prize money.

It wasn’t looking too promising. The weather forecast, whilst not apocalyptic, was not good. Early light rain with wind and getting worse throughout the day. As with all weather predictions you can never actually tell how it will turn out until the hour of departure. And as you would imagine, the weather was indeed pretty bad! Nevertheless, I set off from home at the appointed hour, raring to go with the knowledge that MCCC members are a hardy lot and were bound to turn out in their multitudes. Also, I had been emailed the day before by a potential new member asking to ride with us on the Saturday run. Of course the answer was yes, which automatically gave me a second reason for setting off.

On arrival at Cross Hayes I could see in the distance at least one rider and was reassured by the familiar green top the rider was wearing. However, as I approached I was unable to recognise the rider. An immediate thought was, how did someone I didn’t know get hold of a club top? Mystery. Puzzled, I pulled up by the town hall and our potential new member stepped up and introduced himself. The green jersey? Not MCCC livery, Cannondale’s, but very close all the same.

Following introductions and a brief chat, it soon became obvious that no other members were going to turn up. Hmm. Neither the rain nor the wind seemed too bad so we decided to ride and set off into the wild countryside of Wiltshire. We had just under 2 hours to fill before we had to get back to Malmesbury. Lyndon, our potential new member, had driven over from Chippenham and was limited to the time that motorists are permitted to park in Cross Hayes. Given the weather, that was okay by me. We set off and completed the Shipton Moyne, Leighterton, Sopworth, Vine Tree circuit and were back within 4 minutes of the car parking running out. Precision navigation?

Howard

Members in the courtyard at the Berkeley Tearooms

Six riders: Andy Poolman, Peter C, Phil, Steve K, Tim H and me (Tim W) mustered outside of the Town Hall on Monday morning for our trip to the Berkeley Tearooms. 

Nairo was going to meet us there, and when he asked me what time I thought we'd arrive, I failed to factor in the strong headwind or to make any allowance for the flooded lanes after a night of heavy rain.

And so it was, that we found a patient Nairo waiting for us at Berkeley. Overhearing Andy ordering porridge, I followed suit. Filling and yet easily digested, it made a sensible choice, but I couldn't help looking enviously at Tim H's thick wedge of sponge cake and Peter's fried egg and bacon sandwich.

After a round of Peter's legendary magic beans, we saddled up and headed for home. We had hoped to benefit from a tailwind, but for most of the way we were buffeted by a crosswind.

At the bottom of Frocester Hill, Phil suggested that Frocester would lend itself very nicely to a limerick. Making the ascent, I allowed this thought to distract me, as I desperately tried to conjure one up. I can't have been the only rider, as Andy later announced with some glee, that he had an offering, which went along the lines of:

There was a young man from Frocester
Whose legs were the longest in Gloucester
Chasing his girlfriend up the hill
He suddenly felt ill
And then he completely lost her

Back to the cycling. This ride has a bit of a twist. Having reached Kingscote, you might be forgiven for thinking that the ride is in the bag, but there's then a crossing of the hidden valley, and a circumnavigation of Tetbury before reaching the road to Long Newnton.

The outing means that the leader board now reads as follows:

Rider                 Number of Rides    Total Miles


Peter C                3                         159.1
Phil                     3                         159.1
Steve K               3                         159.1
Andy Poolman      2                         118.6
Tim W                 2                         118.6
Tim H                  2                         104.9
Howard               1                           40.5
Mike G                1                           40.5

The next Sunday Series ride will take place on Sunday 24th April 2016. Departure will be at 8.30am. The emphasis this time switches from distance to difficulty with an elevation gain of 5,136 feet over a 74.2 mile course.

Bringing your climbing legs will help, but with all day to complete the ride, you can always dismount if you wish and take some time out to enjoy the spectacular scenery. 

The route passes the Jolly Nice Cafe at Frampton Mansell, but we're trying to find a suitable cafe around the midway point. There's a few at Stonehouse, but they don't open on a Sunday. You can be certain that the Research Team will find a solution.

You can view and download the course here.

  

Howard was recently contacted by Dave, a gentleman who is organising the first Cotswold Cogfest at Minchinhampton on Sunday 8th May, in aid of the school. There are 2 sportive routes, a 'Ride the Common' family route, an event village with food and drink, a secondhand bike jumble, where you can buy and sell, and some other fun cycling-related activities.

It all sounds like great stuff. For more information and entry to the sportives, please follow the link here.  

Weekly Roundup

The penultimate Knight Riders session, before it reverts to the plain evening ride, attracted four Clarions, one of which, was our latest new member, James. If you'd like to meet James, you'll have to come along on a Wednesday evening, as has been mentioned before, James comes from Plymouth. He's staying in Malmesbury during the week, where he's working at the construction site at the former Burnham House, and then returns home at the weekend.

The other three members of the quartet, who need no introduction, were Peter C, Phil and me (Tim W).

We rode a repeat of the previous week's 31 mile course, and up until Peter C's chain snapped outside of the Horse and Groom at Charlton, everything ran very smoothly.

Fortunately I was carrying my chain splitter tool. Peter C was able to carry out a quick repair, and having declined the kind offer of refreshment from a member of staff at the public house, we were soon on our way.

Climbing up Holloway to Cross Hayes, the chain broke again. With home not too far away, Peter C consigned the chain to a bin and set about the task of freewheeling the rest of the way.

Let's see the final Knight Rider session out in style this week with a bumper turnout!

The Saturday ride made another visit to Yurt City, aka the Jolly Nice Cafe.

Five Clarions, Simon S, Karine, Andy Poolman, Dave, me (Tim H), and a recently returned Colin, left Malmesbury and made our way via Charlton, Crudwell and Ashley.

The trip was well timed, as we met Mike and Maureen at the cafe stop, at pretty much the same time.

Suitably refreshed and warmed up, all eight riders left together, before Mike and Maureen went their separate way at Cherington.

Tim H

Yes, we've done it! Riders having completed the climb up to the Somerset Monument on the way back

Meanwhile, away from the club, at 8.15am on Saturday morning, six Clarions assembled outside of the Town Hall for the 100 mile ride through the Wye Valley to Monmouth. The lineup of Peter B, Peter C, Phil, Steve K, Steve M and me (Tim W) sounds a bit like a Spice Girls tribute band with one too many members, but there the similarity ends. We were also pleased to be joined by Alan from our friends in the Malmesbury Peloton.

The ride, came about, as a way of helping Steve K with his training, ahead of his forthcoming charity ride to Paris. Steve was looking to get some big miles into his legs, and we were only too happy to lend our support. As things turned out, I'm not too sure who was helping who, as Steve was easily the strongest rider on the day.

Having followed the club's usual route to Chepstow, a coffee in the town sounded inviting, but we decided to push on a further 18 miles to Monmouth. The B4293 out of Chepstow is a little lumpy, but there aren't any killer hills. We all agreed that had we stopped, the climbing would have been much harder with stiff legs.

The steep descent into Monmouth saw Peter Baptiste give a master class in cornering at speed, as he defied gravity.

Henry's Cafe, Monmouth

Our cafe of choice was Henry's situated in a courtyard just off of the High Street. The staff made us very welcome and I was pleased to discover that like me, Alan is a tea drinker. We shared a large pot brewed with loose leaf tea, and the waitress said just to ask if we needed more hot water or milk.

Cheese on toast with baked beans on top, was a new one on me, but was a popular request and despite the cafe being fairly busy, we were presented with our orders in no time at all.

We then set off to ride back through the Wye Valley, this time running alongside the River Wye, the UK's fifth longest river. This road is very flat, and it wasn't until after Tintern Abbey, that we needed to deploy our bottom gears. The gradual ascent eventually peaked, and we dropped back down to Chepstow, at first running parallel to the racecourse.

Pye Corner, Chepstow

Hot drinks and cake were taken at Pye Corner. Peter C and me both opted for the triple layered sponge cake and when the two slices were presented by the waitress at the same time, we were both keen to ensure that we had the biggest piece.

Refueled, we crossed the Severn Bridge on the other side and headed for home, all the while knowing that the only thing in our way was the steep ascent up to the Somerset Monument at Hawkesbury Upton. But what the hill didn't know, was that we'd each had a handful of Peter C's magic (jelly) beans and some of Alan's Jelly Babies. 

With sugar coursing through our veins, we laid siege to the hill, and like popping corks, one by one, we emerged at the top. 

Following a spirited final flourish, we arrived back in Malmesbury, a fraction under nine hours after we'd left, having made two scheduled stops and an enforced one for a puncture. With bonds made ever stronger, we exchanged handshakes and went our separate ways. 

Just a reminder that on Monday 28th March 2016, the Sunday Series ride will be leaving the Town Hall at 8.30am.

The 64.4 mile course is another of Howard's, which we used last year. It's a mostly flat route with an elevation gain of just 2,650 feet, but there is an ascent of Frocester Hill on the way home. 

All members are welcome. You can take as little or as much time, as you want, to complete the ride. Anyone looking for an energetic excursion can expect to be back in Malmesbury for around 1.45pm. Alternatively, take your time and get back when you want.

Refreshments will be taken at the Berkeley Tea Rooms, where bikes can be stored in the courtyard. 

You can view and download the route here.

Weekly Roundup

Wednesday evening Peter C took advantage of the dry weather conditions, and well and truly raised the (cross) bar by riding a 31 mile course. With Phil unavailable until later, Peter C and James set off from the Town Hall to collect him from his house. They ventured out across the Common Road to Corston, then over to Great Somerford via Rodbourne and Startley.

The trio then headed out to Dauntsey, across the M4 to Grittenham, up Callow Hill and back to Malmesbury via Braydon, Minety, Upper Minety, Eastcourt and Charlton.

Saturday's ride to La Primavera Cycle Show at Barnsley House Hotel attracted the following riders: Colin, Howard, Malc, Peter B, Peter C, Tim H and me (Tim W). Simon L met us at the venue.

A word of praise must go to Atherton, who finding himself the only 'Social Group' rider in attendance at the start, undertook a solo adventure.

We were pleased to welcome Colin back to our peloton, who like Peter B, must have kept himself in good shape during his absence, if Saturday's excursion was any guide.

The outward leg used some less familiar roads, including the High Street at Cricklade, which I can't ever remember having ridden along on a club run before.

Having arrived at the hotel, Colin, Peter B and me left the big spenders to peruse the stalls at the show, and completed the return leg of a very enjoyable 50 mile course. 

Hopefully everyone received their latest Boots & Spurs during the week. Our club picture was unfortunately reduced to the size of a postage stamp, but if things run true to form, we'll get a much bigger spread in the next one.

The caption of 'Malmesbury beside the sea' is the Editor's own invention, as the picture is in fact one of us taken outside of Relish. Next to a lake maybe, but no where near the sea. 

It's a great little magazine, but unfortunately the need to submit articles for inclusion in the Section News, months in advance of the publication date, means that the news tends to be a little stale by the time it goes to print. 

The deadline for the July edition is 31st May 2016. I try and name-check as many different members as possible. If there's anything you think worthy of inclusion, please let me know by 21st May 2016. 

You should also have received your membership card from National Clarion. Just a reminder that in addition to the benefits outlined in the accompanying letter, on production of your card at C.H White & Son, High Street, Malmesbury they'll happily give you 10% discount, with no minimum spend.

At Tuesday's committee meeting, Mike G's suggestion of awarding club trophies, won instant approval. For the first year, the qualifying period for categories 1, 2 and 3, will be 1st April 2016 to 30th November 2016. The presentations will be made at the AGM on a date to be fixed in December. Subsequent years will run from 1st January to 30th November.

1. Chairman's Trophy: Points given for each club event attended, to include club rides on Saturday mornings, Wednesday evenings, Thursday lunchtimes, as well as any other organised events such as, family rides, public house outings etc.

2. (As yet untitled): One point given for every Audax or Sportive a member takes part in, but they must do so in club kit. Proof will be required in the form of a selfie or other photograph taken of them at the start.

3. (As yet untitled): The member who gains the most elevation recorded on Strava.

4. Sunday Series Trophy: Based on the number of miles covered and the number of rides ridden. The complete course must be ridden for the miles and attendance to count.

The categories have been deliberately chosen to recognise and reward commitment.

The trophies will be ones which can be engraved each year, left in the care of the winner and then returned before being presented again. Winners will also receive a medal or small trophy which they'll be able to keep as a permanent memento.

Mike G is going to collate all of the data and will via the blog provide regular updates for each of the competitions. 

Weekly Roundup

With daylight extending more and more into the evening, it won't be long now before we can at least start the ride without the need for lights. 

The lineup on Wednesday consisted of Peter C, Phil, Mark from Sherston Velo's and James from Dartmoor, who is working in Malmesbury during the week.

Conditions were cold, but dry, with quite a stiff headwind. A 28 mile course was completed.

Wednesday morning I accompanied Mike Greer on a course-testing expedition. This was in preparation for an experiment that Mike suggested, and the rest of the committee endorsed. The idea being that a fast(er) paced ride will leave at 8.30am on a Saturday and return to Malmesbury in time for the 10.00am outing. Hopefully riders will want to stay on for the main ride, but if for any reason they don't, then that's okay too.

Our route, which was the one used on Saturday, took us down to Nailsworth and then tackled the technical climb up to Rodborough, emerging at the Bear Hotel.

The photograph of a snow plough on Rodborough Common, is a bit of an exaggeration, but on high ground, we did find ourselves in the middle of a snow storm. Although it wasn't settling on the road, the large flakes did stick quickly to our cycle clothing. The arctic conditions soon froze our fingers. On Minchinhampton Common the wind was gusting at around 45mph, and on more than one occasion, I thought we were destined for the golf course. Soaking wet, and struggling to operate our brake and gear levers, we sought sanctuary at Mike's place in Tetbury. By the time I'd thawed out, the sun had made an appearance, and it was as if the nightmare had never happened.

Fortunately, Saturday's first early-bird trip enjoyed much better weather. Mike and Peter C set out together and were joined by Simon S at Nailsworth.

A number of members who might be good candidates for this type of ride, were otherwise engaged on Saturday. A clearer picture, as to whether this format is going to prove popular, should take shape once they're back in circulation. Look out for advance warning on when the experiment will be repeated.

Back in Malmesbury, Mike, Peter C and Simon S, made up the Sporting Group to Relish, where they met up with the Social Group in the form of Howard, Heather and Simon L, and Steve C.

Riders readying to leave at the rear of The Royal Hop Pole, Tewkesbury

(Pictures courtesy of Clemo)

Further afield, on Saturday I rode the Mr Pickwick's March Madness 207km Audax. Driving to the start at Tewkesbury, there was a good covering of snow around Birdlip, and a snow plough on standby outside of the Air Balloon public house. This didn't bode well, but I needn't have worried, as apart from a heavy shower just before the end, it was a glorious day.

A full ride review can sometimes take as long to write, as it did to cycle the event, and so I'll keep things brief.

The ride to the first control at Bromyard included a testing climb up to the British Camp on the Malvern Hills. 

It was then down to Soudley for lunch at the Forest of Dean Heritage Centre. With the next control being the Stables Cafe at Saul on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, some 46 miles away, this was a chance to fuel-up. A large pot of tea and a jacket potato topped with baked beans and grated cheese set me up nicely for the long haul.

Around St Briavels there were some commanding views out across the River Severn to the other side.

I arrived at the Stables Cafe just before 5.00pm and was pleased to find it still open. More tea and a rather dry slice of sponge cake revived my flagging spirits. It was then onto Gloucester, where the city centre traffic was avoided by using the cycle route, which ran along the tow path. Finally, the A38 delivered me back to Tewkesbury.

The Berkeley Tearooms

The next ride in the members only, 2016 Sunday Series, will be on Monday 28th March. Switching the monthly outing to a Monday when the last Sunday falls on a Bank Holiday weekend, proved popular last year, and so we're staying with it. 

As there's no point reinventing the wheel, the course is another of Howard's clever creations. It's the 64.4 mile round-trip to the Berkeley Tearooms, which we used on 4th May 2015.

You can take as little or as much time, as you want, to complete the ride. Departure from outside of the Town Hall will be 8.30am. Anyone looking for an energetic excursion can expect to be back in Malmesbury for around 1.30pm. Alternatively, take your time and get back when you want.

You can see and download the course here.

2016 Sunday Series Leaderboard

Rider                 Number of Rides    Total Miles
Peter C                2                         94.7
Phil                     2                         94.7
Steve K               2                         94.7
Andy Poolman      1                         54.2
Tim W                 1                         54.2
Howard               1                         40.5
Mike G                1                         40.5
Tim H                 1                         40.5

The National Clarion's new website went live recently and very impressive it is too. There are lots of interesting features including our very own section page, from which, you can link to our website, Twitter and Strava activity.

You can follow the link here.

Also, for anyone that isn't already aware, National Clarion Cycling Club has its own Strava Club, which MCCC members are welcome to join. A couple of our members are already participating.