Weekly Roundup

This Saturday's outing is to the Jolly Nice Cafe at Frampton Mansell. I don't think there's anything I can tell you about the venue that you don't already know, so just ride and enjoy!

Mike G has come up with a course for the Sporting Group, which you can view and download here.

Please note that it has to be route-checked first. Should any amendments be required, these will be advised by email later in the week.

Social Group riders can expect an alternative route to the cafe.

Too chilly for the Cat & Custard

Six members made the Wednesday evening session: James, Jonathan, Malc, Phil, Peter C and me, Tim W.

The weather forecast wasn't promising and the further north we went, the darker the sky became. Just when it seemed that we were about to get caught in an absolute downpour, the first few spots of rain fell and then to our utter amazement, stopped.

Reaching Kingscote, having battled against a perky headwind for most of the way, we turned for home, and pushed on by the tailwind, flew back to town, grateful to have stayed dry. 

The original intention had been to stop at Shipton Moyne for liquid refreshments, but as it was a little chilly for sitting out in a beer garden, we decided to postpone our visit for another day.

Howard wasn't taking any chances

I think it's about time I started using a pine cone to predict the weather. I won't bore you, but there are well founded reasons why a pine cone is actually a reliable indicator. 

The periods of light and heavy rain predicted by the Met Office for Saturday, once again, failed to materialise. It's not that I'm not grateful for their non-appearance, it's just that the merchants of doom who deliver the weather forecasts, have a nasty habit of convincing people that they should abandon any notion of pursuing an outdoor activity. 

Ten non-believers or at least doubters, turned up to ride, plus Howard, who as you can see came with his own defibrillator in a handy carrying case.

Social Group: Tim H, Atherton and Steve C.

Sporting Group: Andy Poolman, Jonathan, Karine, Peter C, Phil, Steve M and me, Tim W.

Clarions outside of the Wickwar Coffee Shop on Saturday

The Sporting Group rode to the Wickwar Coffee Shop, and apart from a 

few spots around Tresham, members were more troubled by sweat in the very humid conditions than they were by the rain.

We arrived at the cafe just in time to occupy a large table that was in the process of being vacated. Hot drinks, cake, and in my case, scrambled eggs on toast, were all served promptly. 

Before bidding farewell, we lined up outside for a team photograph. Karine once again worked her magic by finding someone to take the picture for us. 

The Social Group rode instead to the Jolly Nice Cafe.

Crofton, the home of the mighty beam engine

A final reminder that May's Sunday Series ride will take place on Monday 30th May 2016, and will leave at 8.00am.

The 86.9 mile course has 3,499 feet of elevation, with just one proper hill up towards Aldbourne. You can view and download the course here.

Please make sure that you bring enough food and drink with you to last until we reach Hungerford (38 miles). With it being a bank holiday, village shops might well be closed. If needed, we should be able to buy provisions in the High Street at Hungerford.

The cafe at Crofton (45 miles) serves hot and cold snacks. If it's fine, we'll be able to sit outside overlooking the Kennet & Avon Canal. 

Shops during the second half of the ride will again be few and far between, but we do pass the Woodborough Garden Centre (56 miles) and a number of public houses along the way.

Confirmed riders so far are Andy Poolman, Peter C, Phil, Steve K and me, Tim W. It would be great if some more members could join us. We have a lot of fun and riding through unfamiliar villages always throws up all sorts of possibilities for amusing, if sometimes unrepeatable, limericks.