Weekly Roundup

Wednesday was a lovely evening for a ride. Stalwarts Peter C, Phil and James were pleased to be joined by Colin. Howard and Tim H accompanied them as far as Foxley.

Riding through Badminton, eagle-eyed Phil spotted Malc in the middle of quite a large group of cyclists. As to whether there was a pub stop planned, I couldn't possibly comment!

Snow at Snowshill on Saturday

On Saturday, I was one of 50 Audax riders who set off at 6.00am from Cirencester, to ride the Heart of England 300km. On high ground over the Cotswolds, it began to snow, and by the time I'd reached Snowshill, there was a good 2 to 3 inches covering the road. This made cycling treacherous, particularly on the descents.

More snow at Broadway Tower

I started to see a trickle of riders heading back to Cirencester, who had clearly abandoned. With frozen hands, and experiencing extreme difficulty in trying to operate the controls, I sought sanctuary in Broadway.

Although it was still early, I was very grateful to find the Broadway Deli open for business. Other riders were already holed-up inside the cafe, and it wasn't long before we were joined by some more. As we started to thaw out, the puddles of water began to run through the wooden floorboards and drip on the diners below. Staff had to hurriedly dry the floor with towels.

Two riders cuddled up against the radiator managed to find a taxi company with a suitable vehicle to take them and their bikes back to Cirencester. Others made arrangements for their wives to rescue them. I thought I'd chance my arm. My text to my wife explained my perilous predicament, but I said I'd try and get home, somehow. Her four word response wasn't quite what I was hoping for. 'Okay, see you later.' 

After two pots of tea and a portion of beans on toast, the snow stopped and the sun made an appearance. Too late to continue, I joined the other 31 who had thrown in the towel, and headed south. Somewhere along the journey, and not wishing to waste the day, the idea of visiting the Berkeley Tearooms came into my head, and so I set a course for there.  

Although there was a cold edge, it was sunny for most of the afternoon and early evening, and I eventually returned home around 9.00pm.

What's the serious face all about, try smiling

I should have warned people of a nervous disposition to look away first, but the reason for the photograph, is as a reminder that if you take part in an Audax or Sportive event, and you wear your club colours, points are up for grabs if you have a photograph as proof. The member with the most points will win a trophy.

I'm going to create a gallery on the website where the pictures can be stored.

Ruskin Mill, Nailsworth

I understand that the club run to Nailsworth on Saturday enjoyed much better weather in the morning. It was a pleasure to welcome Ian Else on his first outing with the club. Hopefully, we'll be seeing a lot more of Ian over the coming weeks. Another first, was the club's visit to the Ruskin Mill Cafe. 

The Social Group consisted of Mike, Atherton, Dave and Ian, whilst the Sporting Group was made up of Tim H, Peter B, Peter C, Colin, Karine, Lyndon, Des and Steve M.

All of the above were joined at the cafe by Howard and Simon S.

The Folly Row Cafe, Kington St Michael

With the Sunday Series ride the following day, next Saturday we make our second ever outing to the Folly Row Cafe, in the High Street, Kington St Michael.

For the Sporting Group there's a leg-saving 39 mile course.

And for the Social Group, a 29.4 mile course.

Keep a look out for the Alton Barnes White Horse

As for the next ride in the 2016 Sunday Series, on Sunday 24th April 2016, we'll be leaving from outside of the Town Hall at 8.30am.

The course is a different one than previously advertised. The reason for this is that some of the ascents and descents we intended to ride, are best tackled when the lanes are dry and free from debris. We'll review the situation again at the end of May.

Instead, we're scaling Clyffe Pypard and Hackpen Hill, riding across the scenic Marlborough Downs, through Marlborough and on to the Honeystreet Cafe (31 miles) situated on the bank of the majestic Kennet and Avon Canal, where we'll stop for coffee and mid-morning snacks.

Suitably refreshed, and having watched a narrow boat or two gliding effortlessly through the water, we then embark on a mini-tour of Devizes villages, including: Chirton, Urchfont, Market Lavington, Worton and Poulshot. There's then the option of a second break at the Caen Hill Locks Cafe (50 miles) or a slight detour at Lacock (59 miles) to the National Trust Tearoom. 

An ascent of Bowden Hill will return us to more familiar lanes and allow us to complete the 76.5 mile course, which you can view here. However, please don't download it just yet, as some last minute checking is needed first. I'll send out an email with a link to the course Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.

As always, you can take as little or as much time as you need. There are three challenging hills, but the overall elevation is only 3,453 feet. With favourable conditions, sporting riders can expect to be back around 2.30pm.

A Dursley Pedersen

A reminder that Gloucester City Cycling Club, has very kindly extended an invitation to our members, to join them in celebrating their 125th anniversary. 

Leaving Kings Square at 9.00am on Sunday 1st May 2016, the club's very first ride from Gloucester to Dursley will be re-enacted. As well as contingents from various local cycling clubs, the cavalcade will be led by members of the Vintage Cycle Club, on vintage cycles such as Ordinaries (Penny Farthings). There will also be some cyclists on Dursley Pedersens coming out from Dursley to meet the ride.

Refreshments will be served at the Bank Cafe, Dursley, which we're also welcome to attend.

From the range of options posted last week, the unanimous choice of those who responded, was to cycle from Malmesbury to the start in Gloucester. You can view and download the complete 62.5 mile course here. 

This will mean leaving from outside of the Town Hall at 6.30am, which should give us time for a quick coffee and a slice of toast at Gloucester before the fun begins.

If you'd like to watch the spectacle, but don't fancy the ride to Gloucester, let me know and we'll look out for you when we get to Dursley.