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.
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