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.