Weekly Roundup

Firstly, an apology on my part for the oversight in not including in last week's blog update, a mention of Phil and Steve K completing the Lionheart Sportive on Sunday.

Ride HQ for the 100 mile event was at the historic Longleat Estate, near Warminster. With an abundance of rolling hills, fantastic views and fast descents, plus the added thrill of riding close to the big cats, riders were assured of a challenging and memorable day.

Both recorded impressive averages considering the distance and elevation gained. Well done Phil and Steve K!

As always, I'm grateful to Peter C for his Knight Riders' data:

This was the warmest and driest Wednesday evening so far this year.

The riders who took part were me (Peter C), Tim H, Simon, Colin, James and Des D.

The course ridden can be seen here. 

The Folly Row Cafe, Kington St Michael

Saturday's very punctual start saw an excellent turnout of riders. We were delighted to be able to welcome Jonathan on his first ride with us. If he ever decides to become a member, we'll be even more delighted, as being 16 years old, he would lower the average age of our membership considerably. Anita also joined us, and with our ladies section being a little light, she would make a valuable addition too.

The team lineups were as follows:

Steady Group: Anita, Atherton, Mike G and Tim H.

Sporting Group: Andy Poolman, Colin, Des D, Jonathan, Lyndon, Peter C, Phil, Simon S, Steve K and me (Tim W).

Howard and Dave also reported for duty, and completed their own ride. 

I'd tweeted the Folly Row Cafe during the week to let them know we'd be calling and they'd thoughtfully reserved a long table for us. The cafe has a very fresh, clean feel about it. Descending on somewhere and hitting them with so many orders at once can throw a cafe into meltdown, but the Folly Row team coped admirably. Hot drinks and cake were sensibly priced. My pot of tea delivered 3 cups, and together with a large toasted teacake, set me back just £3.85.

By the time we'd finished our refreshments, the cafe had filled up, and so when the Steady Group arrived, we surrendered our tables and chairs.

Clarions relaxing in the garden at the Honeystreet Cafe

(click once to enlarge)

Six members set off Sunday morning for the fourth ride in the 2016 Sunday Series. Alphabetically they were Andy Poolman, Colin, Mike, Peter C, Phil and me (Tim W).

Although the morning and early afternoon were bathed in sunshine, there was an Arctic edge to a perky wind.

With the ascents of Clyffe Pypard and Hackpen Hill in the bag, we rode through Marlborough, up to Alton Barnes, and then down to the Honeystreet Cafe. Breakfast rolls filled with bacon and egg, or in my case, sausage and egg, were quickly dispatched, as were the scones ordered by the others. Colin Bowden-Hill's (more about which, later) came with jam and thick cream.

Boats tied up at Honeystreet on the Kennet and Avon Canal

Afterwards, our mini tour of Devizes villages, started with Chirton, and was then followed by Urchfont, Easterton, Market Lavington, Worton and Poulshot.

Keeping with the canal theme, a second stop for refreshments was made at the Caen Hill Locks Cafe. With the afternoon drifting away, we made short work of our hot drinks, and ticked off Rowde and Bromham, as our last Devizes villages of the day.

Colin's prowess at hill climbing had been well and truly noted on the trip. With Bowden Hill looming-large, the impending assault seemed to appeal to Colin. The name Colin Bowden-Hill was given birth during some lively banter. Whether or not it will stick, remains to be seen.

Another round of who can make up the best limerick involving a place name we've cycled through, was played out on our way to Bewley Common.This has become something of a Sunday Series tradition. An amusing last line can often prove very elusive. Phil came up with a corker, but you know the old saying, what happens on a cycle tour, stays on the tour!

In the absence of anything amusing or interesting to say about the rest of the ride, it simply remains for me to tell you that the next trip in the series will take place on the Spring bank holiday, on Monday 30th May 2016, when the distance will increase to something close to 85 miles. Departure will be at the (even) earlier time of 8.00am.

The leader board now reads as follows:

Rider	Number of Rides	Total Miles
Peter C	4	235.6
Phil	4	235.6
Andy Poolman	3	195.1
Tim W	3	195.1
Steve K	3	159.1
Tim H	2	104.9
Colin	1	76.5
Howard	1	40.5
Mike G	1	40.5

Don't forget it's never too late to join in with the series. It would certainly be good to see some more members taking part.

Cooked to perfection at the Bread Basket, Stonehouse

At Tuesday evening's committee meeting, the following dates and destinations were agreed for the Saturday club rides:

30th April -Toomers Garden Centre, Lydiard Millicent
7th May - National Trust Tearoom, Lacock
14th May - Sweetapples Teashop, Marshfield
21st May - Wickwar Coffee Shop
28th May - Jolly Nice Cafe, Frampton Mansell
4th June - Quackers Farm Shop, Hinton
11th June - The Bread Basket, Stonehouse

I think you'll agree that there's an interesting mix of venues. We tend not to visit places like Toomers Garden Centre and Sweetapples Teashop during the winter, as they have limited seating indoors. With the warmer weather, we can once again go al fresco.

The 11th June will see us open up a new frontier when we make our first visit to Stonehouse. This will offer something completely different, with a course which employs a cycle path along a disused railway track, possibly a canal towpath too, and a picnic style dining experience. The Bread Basket has a fantastic selection of sweet and savoury offerings, all at very reasonable prices.This one promises to be a lot of fun.

Courses for all of the rides will be posted nearer the time.

At the AGM, 10 members indicated that they would be prepared to act as Ride Leaders on club rides.

A great opportunity has arisen for members to attend a free one-day Ride Leaders workshop organised by Cycling UK (formerly CTC). 

What you will get from the day:

• Ride Leader workshop pack and essential documentation

• A day of interactive workshop activities

• Lunch and refreshments

• Cycling UK Ride Leader workshop certificate

• A Cycling UK goody bag

Our nearest venue is Bristol. The training there will take place on Saturday 4th June 2016, from 9.30am until 3.00pm. Places are limited and so you'll need to act fast.

Howard, Tim H and Mike G have already registered.

You can find out more information and register by following the link here.

And finally, a last reminder that on Sunday 1st May 2016, we'll be joining Gloucester City Cycling Club, as they stage a re-run of their very first ride from Gloucester to Dursley, as part of their 125th anniversary celebrations. Leading the ride will be members of the Vintage Cycle Club on vintage cycles, such as Penny Farthings. There will also be some cyclists coming out from Dursley to meet the ride on Dursley Pedersens.

So far, we have just 3 riders (Mike, Peter C and me) to represent MCCC. We'll be leaving Malmesbury at 6.30am to ride to the start at Gloucester. Please let me know if you can join us. Alternatively, we'd be very pleased to meet up with other Clarions at the Bank Cafe, Dursley where the ride ends and refreshments will be served.