Weekly Roundup

Clarions enjoying the sun at Allington on 29th March 2014
(Click once to enlarge the pictures)

Next Saturday we return to an old club favourite, the Allington Farm Shop Cafe, just outside of Chippenham. 

The Social Group's course is 34.9 miles and has just 1,282 feet of elevation. It can be viewed and downloaded here.

Meanwhile, the Sporting Group's course is 42.9 miles, with 1,562 feet of elevation. The outward leg is one of Howard's cunning creations. It can be viewed and downloaded here.

Followers of the Royal Family might be interested to know that Bolehyde Manor, a 17th century Grade 2 listed manor house, can be found at Allington. Andrew and Camilla Parker Bowles moved there in 1973. Its vegetable garden, was reputed, incorrectly, to be the location of Prince Charles' proposal of marriage to Lady Diana Spencer.
  

A happy looking Ian lays siege to Callow Hill, Brinkworth

There are rides, and there are rides, and then there's Wednesday's. The warm weather worked its magic and managed to conjure up 12 members:

Andy Parker, Des D, Ian, James, Jonathan, Malc, Peter C, Phil, Simon S, Steve K, Tim H and me, Tim W.

Peter C's course included an ascent of Lyneham Banks. I stand to be corrected by Tim H, our club statistician, but I believe this is another first for the Wednesday evening Knight Riders.

Clarions gathered on Callow Hill railway bridge

Our second climb was up Callow Hill, where we joined the growing throng waiting to see the Flying Scotsman steam train. Those in the know informed us that she was due in 10 minutes, and as it's not every day you get to see the Flying Scotsman, we decided to stop. The train was travelling from Chester to London.

The Flying Scotsman thunders towards the bridge 

(Picture courtesy of Peter C)

Anticipation grew as word spread that she'd passed through Hullavington and was on her way. The train soon came into view and then almost in the blink of an eye, she'd roared past us at what looked like full throttle.

You can follow the link to a super recording Ian made, together with an amusing soundtrack, here.

The evening was rounded off with refreshments at the Rose and Crown at Lea, by which time a light shower had settled in. In the best tradition of a British summer, we sat under umbrellas in the garden, and apart from Malc, regretted not having packed our rain jackets.

If you can't make the full ride, there's always the option of meeting up with us later at our watering hole of choice. Look out for Peter C's emails to see where we're going.

There was no need for waterproof clothing on Thursday at the weekly lunch gathering. The 9 cycling connoisseurs of cafe culture, as you can see, dined al fresco, and a good time was had by all.

The view from the rear of the Raglan Castle Cafe

Also on Thursday, with Mike recovering from a very painful operation on his nose, I rode up to Raglan Castle by myself to check the route for the next Sunday Series ride on 26th June 2016.

My pot of tea and two thick slices of granary toast smothered in baked beans, came in at a very reasonable £4.95. I joked previously about it probably being too hot for cawl, but the Welsh lamb stew was on the menu. At any other time it would make a very filling meal, but with the climbing that soon follows after Usk, I wouldn't recommend it.

The full itinerary will be published next week, but in the meantime, the course can be seen and downloaded here.

The Social Group outside of the Bread Basket, Stonehouse

A total of 9 members made the trip on Saturday to Stonehouse.

The Social Group, comprised of Atherton, Chris, Dave, Lyndon, Steve C and me, Tim W, rode a straight out and back which, incorporated two cycle paths and a tow path alongside the Thames and Severn Canal.

The weather wasn't quite what we had envisaged when Mike and me designed the course, but the spirit of adventure shone through, even if the sun didn't.

Tim and Peter C out on the road

(Picture courtesy of Karine)

Meanwhile, the Sporting Group consisted of Karine, Peter C and Tim H.

                                 

And finally, last, but by no means least, a huge well done goes out to our members who recently, have successfully completed various Sportives.

Peter B, Lyndon and our good friend Alan Rowles, from the Malmesbury Peloton, who rode with us earlier in the year to Monmouth, all took part in the Velothon Wales event on 22nd May 2016. Peter B was sponsored, with donations going to the Stroke Association.

Phil and Steve K  tackled the very challenging Dragon Ride Gran Fondo on   Sunday 5th June 2016, and in doing so, raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Alan Rowles did the shorter 100km ride.

Malc cycled a charity Sportive on Monday 6th June 2016.Riding to and from the start, he clocked up an impressive 114 miles.