Blog Bulletin

Clarions at The Canteen on 10th January 2015

This Saturday's ride sees a very welcome return to our good friends at The Canteen, Nailsworth.

One of the pleasures of compiling the Course Directory has been rediscovering some of the old courses belonging to Howard. Unfortunately, Garmin Connect accounts limit the amount of data you can store. Once the limit is reached, the oldest material disappears to make room for the new stuff. I only mention this in case you suddenly find that the courses no longer exist. This has happened to me a number of times when I've checked the links.

The Social Group's 30.34 mile course can be viewed and downloaded here.

Similarly, the Sporting Group's 32.82 mile course can be viewed and downloaded here.

The Sporting Group might need to throw in an optional climb up to Forest Green Rovers' ground to facilitate a synchronised arrival.

Clarions stop to admire the view at the top of Bowds Lane, Lyneham

Wednesday evening's session saw five Clarions: Des D, Mike G, Peter C, Simon S and me, Tim W, plus George, riding as a guest, tackle another of Peter's gems. 

Simon Hillman came to the start, but had to pop home to collect his cycle helmet. A couple of minutes after 6.15pm, we moved on down to The Triangle to wait for him, but for whatever reason, we didn't see him again. If this was in any way our fault Simon, then please accept our apologies.

Riding in close formation we must have at least looked the part, as some of the participants in Chippenham Wheelers' Jack Nunn 10 mile TT series, acknowledged us at Dauntsey.

A little later than planned, we arrived at the Rose and Crown in Lea, to find Simon L and his friend Daniel, waiting for us. It's always good to meet up with club mates at the end of the ride.

Saturday's excursion, which stopped at The Old Stables Coffee Shop & Deli in Hullavington, again attracted very respectable numbers.

Social Group: Atherton, Chris, Paul and me, Tim W.

Sporting Group: Des D, Ian, Jonathan, Lyndon, Malc, Steve M, Tim H and Tommy.

Both courses included a few lanes not normally used. The Sporting Group wove a path through Nettleton. Meanwhile, the Social Group went into the village of Stanton St Qunintin, something which despite living in the area all of my life, I'd never done before.

It's quite likely that I'll have to miss Stage 5 of the Tour of Britain on Thursday 8th September 2016, as I'll probably be riding elsewhere. I'll therefore leave the arrangements to those who are going.

The route runs from Aberdare to Bath and passes through Stroud, Uley, Dursley, Wotton-under-Edge, Wickwar, Chipping Sodbury and Pucklechurch. Estimated times of arrival at the various places along the route can be found here.

On Saturday 10th September, Stage 7 takes place at Bristol with an individual time trial and a circuit race. 

Both events start from the Bristol Downs. Precise timings still haven't been announced. 

The time trial will start around 10.00am and last for just over 2 hours. 

The circuit race will begin about 2.30pm and end at approximately 5.00pm. The 15.3km circuit will take in some of Bristol's most iconic sites. Each of the 6 laps will include the 9%, 600 metre climb of Bridge Valley Road, which also features once in the time trial.

Maps of the courses can be found here.

Rather than me coming up with a plan, which might not meet the expectations of others, it would be better, if those interested come up with some sort of a consensus.

This will be the only official club ride.

Below are the latest positions compiled by Mike G for the Chairman's Trophy. A busy end to the Audax season and around 3 weeks away on holiday without a bike, will see me easily knocked off of the top spot. Well done to everyone for regularly participating in club events.

Oh and in case you are wondering, Steve M has 16 points. For some unknown reason I can't fill in his points box.

Position	Member	Points
1	Tim W	43
2	Peter C	39
3	Simon S	22
4	Tim H	21
5	Des D	21
6	Phil	20
7	Steve K	18
8	Jonathan	17
9	Malc	17
10	Steve M
11	Andy Poolman	15
12	James	15

The Sunday Series ride to Bibury on 12th April 2015

A date has now been fixed for the final ride in the 2016 Sunday Series. It will take place on Sunday 18th September.

Mike G, Peter C and me, Tim W, have all confirmed. Subject to a late fitness test, Phil will hopefully be coming too. The ride is open to all members. We'd be delighted to see some more of you.

The 122.9 mile Tour of Wiltshire has 6,171 feet of climbing. It can be viewed and downloaded here.

We'll be leaving the Town Hall at 8.00am with a view to returning home before it gets dark. Sunset is at 7.07pm.

Blog Bulletin

The Old Stables Coffee Shop & Deli, Hullavington

This Saturday's destination is not the one originally advertised. Instead, we'll be stopping on the way home at The Old Stables Coffee Shop & Deli in Hullavington.

A pot of tea for one and a slice of cake cost just £3.50 on a recent visit. If this will be your first visit, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Some good weather will allow us to relax outside, but if not, there's plenty of room inside.

The Sporting Group's 37.8 mile course has 1,430 feet of elevation. It reaches The Old Stables after 30 miles, hopefully at about 12.15pm. It can be viewed and downloaded here. 

One issue worthy of note is that if you refer to the map at 22.5 miles, there's a sharp right hand bend. When we last used this road on 3rd August, there was a build up of wet mud at this point. Please exercise caution when negotiating this section of road. If you're unsure where this is, please stay behind your Ride Leader once you've turned off of the Fosseway and are heading towards Castle Combe.

The Social Group's course is 30 miles with 1,138 feet of elevation. It arrives at the coffee shop after 23 miles, with a bit of luck, somewhere around the same time. It can be viewed and downloaded here.

If you can't make either ride and you'd like to meet us there, you'd be very welcome to join us.

Last Wednesday's outing saw Ian, James, Peter B, Peter C, Simon S and Tim H variously knock up between 32 and 34 miles, which must have been something of a record for the midweek evening run.

Unfortunately James fell victim to a slow puncture. After bravely trying to keep it inflated, he had to bite the bullet and replace the inner tube.

The extra miles and dealing with the puncture meant that the Cat and Custard Pot in Shipton Moyne, had to be given a miss.

A tractor and trailer near Horton blocks our way home on 16th August 2014

I try and keep a bit of a finger on the pulse of what's happening with the local cycling clubs. The holiday period is definitely impacting on numbers. Although we've suffered too, our rider lists still look fairly healthy.

On Saturday, the Sporting Group, comprising of Andy Parker, Ian, Peter C, Phil, Steve M and Tim H, rode to the Wickwar Coffee Shop. Meanwhile, Atherton, Mike G and me, Tim W, indulged in a spot of plane watching from the warmth and comfort of the AV8 Cafe at the Cotswold Airport.

Although members present at the AGM in February, were asked who would be willing to act as Ride Leaders, now that we're at the point of putting a rota together, it seems sensible to enquire again.

As Steve M pointed out at the AGM, being a Ride Leader doesn't mean that you have to stay out at the front all of the time.

The responsibilities of a Ride Leader are set out in the Ride Leaders Code of Conduct, which can be seen here.

In the first instance, please can you send me, Tim W, an email if you would like to volunteer, stating which group(s) you would be prepared to lead. This will only work if members come forward.

Once we have a bank of members, Howard will register those not already registered, with Cycling UK (CTC) for insurance purposes.

The final phase will be to draw up a rota based on the availability of the volunteers.

My own personal view is that the Ride Leader should at least have some idea how many members intend to ride. This could easily be achieved via Strava and by email. Failure to notify the Ride Leader wouldn't prevent someone riding. This would help stop the Ride Leader being overwhelmed on a Saturday morning and at the other extreme, having a wasted journey to the Cross Hayes. We could also then reserve tables at the cafe stop or at least make a courtesy call to let them know we'll be visiting. I often tweet cafes to warn them, but naturally they want to know how many riders they can expect, which I can't answer.

The project, in my opinion, would ultimately benefit from having a Ride Secretary, who as well as being responsible for the Ride Leaders and their rota, would also put together the calendar of rides and coffee stops, a task made much easier by the creation of our Course Directory. One step at a time though for now.

If being a Ride Leader doesn't sound like your cup of tea, or it does and you're up for another job as well, a vacancy will be arising towards the end of the year for the position of the Club Competition Clerk.

I mentioned in the last bulletin that Mike G will be standing down. Before trophies are purchased for the four club awards (Sunday Series, Chairman's Trophy, Grimpeur and Club Ambassador) we need to know that someone is prepared to take over the collection and recording of the data. If someone can't be found, then modest cups will be bought and presented on a one-off basis rather than those which can be engraved and awarded annually.

Some of the information you need will be sent to you by email by the Ride Leaders and for the Grimpeur Challenge, it's just a question of lifting the data from the MCCC Strava Club. Full support will be given by the Committee.

Again, please email me, Tim W, if you think it's for you. It would be a real shame if the competitions ended after only the first year.

And finally . . . . . . an important notice that the only club ride on Saturday 10th September 2016, will be the one to Bristol for the Tour of Britain. Timings and further details will be available in the next bulletin, as will those for Thursday 8th September, when stage 5 runs through Stroud and Dursley.

Blog Bulletin

Peter Baptiste gives Toomers the thumbs-up on Saturday

(Photo courtesy of Ian Else) 

Well done to all those who rode on Saturday to Toomers Garden Centre, Lydiard Millicent. We were thrilled to be joined by three guests: Lucy Martin and Chris Davies were two of them, and the name of the third has yet to reach the MCCC Newsroom. We might not be able to promise them the sort of prices they charge at Toomers every week, but we can guarantee them some great rides in good company.

Clarions on our last visit to Wickwar Coffee Shop Saturday 21st May 2016

This Saturday the Sporting Group return to the Wickwar Coffee Shop. Tim H will be leading the 37.7 mile ride, which has 1,868 feet of elevation. For those that haven't ridden the course before, there are a couple of things worth pointing out:

• The descent from Tresham to Alderley is steep in parts. You are likely to encounter horses travelling in both directions and cyclists riding towards you.
• The left turn at the bottom of Tresham Hill is the one immediately before the T junction. A low gear is advisable just before you make the turn otherwise you can quickly grind to a halt.
• The climb from Horton to the A46 is a bit lumpy, but no where near as tough as the one up to the Somerset Monument.
• As always, please take care on the short section of the A46, which can be busy.

You can view and download the course here.

As for the Social Group, depending on who decides to ride and their personal preferences, I'll either lead a shortened version of the ride to Wickwar or something altogether less strenuous with a visit to the AV8 Cafe at Kemble.

                                      
Hopefully you all received your Boots & Spurs magazine. The photograph of us outside of The Angel at Sherston, was an absolute credit to our club. Apart from the combined section picture for the club run at this year's Easter Meet, we made up the biggest body of riders.

Talking of the Easter Meet, our presence at an Easter or Autumn Meet is well overdue. It's about time we rectified this. The 2017 Easter Meet will be held over 14th to 17th April. It's early days yet, but I'm just testing the water to see if anyone might want to make the trip to Chester. I'd cycle there and back, but there's always the option of driving.

Another one for next year, is a possible meet-up with our fellow Clarions at Gosport. If their photograph is anything to go by, we might be well matched. Our nearest neighbours are Hereford, but I understand they only have 12 members and that they ride fairly infrequently. If there was sufficient interest at both ends, we could meet somewhere in the middle for a joint ride.

Judging by their humorous club jersey,the Gosport Clarions don't take themselves too seriously.

Tuesday's committee meeting was the first in a while. Tim H kindly played host. Being a pleasant evening we sat in his garden. With lots to get through, we eventually finished in the dark. I'll put a more thorough summary together for the next bulletin, but as a brief overview, and in no particular order, these were some of the issues covered:

• There are no plans to sever our ties with the National Clarion. The committee will not be putting forward a proposal at the next AGM for us to leave. 
• Volunteers are being sought to act as Ride Leaders. Those willing to undertake the roll will be entered onto a rota based on their availability.
• Before trophies are purchased for the four club awards (Sunday Series, Chairman's Trophy, Grimpeur and Club Ambassador) we need to know that someone will be prepared to take over the collection and recording of the data from Mike G. If someone can't be found, then more modest cups will be bought and presented on a one-off basis.
• The 18th September, has been lightly penciled in as a possible date for the last in the 2016 Sunday Series. Peter C, Phil and me, Tim W, have expressed an interest in this date. Ideally we'd like at least one other rider. 
• The Sporting Group ride on Saturday 10th September 2016, will be to Bristol to watch the Tour of Britain TT in the morning, followed by the criterium race in the afternoon.
• Club advice to all members is for them to carry their own emergency contact telephone numbers and details of any medical conditions. This is in preference to the Ride Leader being responsible and having to possess all of the information.

Blog Bulletin

Clarions gathered at Toomers April 2014

I'm a big advocate of having courses for club rides. Members then know the distance and elevation gain. This in turn allows them to estimate what time they'll return. The absence of one can strongly influence a member when they consider whether or not to ride with the club. 

The MCCC directory of coffee stops with Social and Sporting Group courses to reach them, was intended to be the ultimate point of reference. For it to fulfill its full potential though, it needs courses. It presently lists 29 cafes and 55 courses, all of which I've found by researching 3 year's worth of blog posts, our club website and my Garmin and Ride With GPS accounts. 

Three appeals made via the blog asking members to help fill in the missing gaps, failed to generate a single response from anyone. I'm sure this was just an oversight with everyone assuming that someone else was going to send me theirs.

The calendar page on the website lists the club rides up until Thursday 1st September. Saturday's ride is to Toomers Garden Centre, Lydiard Millicent.The Sporting Group's course is here.  If you take a look at the calendar, you'll see that I'm missing a course for the Social Group. Similarly, I don't have any courses for the Jolly Nice Cafe on 27th August.

If you can help, please send me the links to any courses you might have. Alternative courses to those already published, are also welcome, so that we then have a choice.

The New Inn, Seagry

Peter C's Wednesday evening rides, with an optional pub stop at the end, are certainly attracting a good following. Take last Wednesday for instance. Nine of us set off from the Town Hall. Sadly, Peter C and his girlfriend Sian, were early retirees after Sian was stung by a wasp, but they still rode to the New Inn at Seagry, where we were also pleased to be joined by Steve M and Heather and Simon Locke.

Photo courtesy of Des D

Between Kington St Michael and Stanton St Qunitin we were treated to a spectacular double rainbow. One end of the more colourful rainbow looked to be rooted at the New Inn. As to whether there was a pot of gold there, I couldn't possibly say, but there might well have been a pint of Thatcher's Gold.

Don't forget we're leaving the Town Hall at the earlier time of 6.15pm, and lights are definitely required, particularly if you intend stopping for a glass of something. If you can't make the ride, we'd still like to see you at the public house.

Clarions lined up at the start of the Sunday Series ride on 2nd March 2014

A new date is still being sought for the final ride in the 2016 Sunday Series. 

The 120 mile Tour of Wiltshire is under construction, but it will include the Wylye Valley, Woodfords and Salisbury Plain.

The ride is open to all club members. If you think you have the legs for a ride of this distance, then please come along. Your club mates will be there to offer support and encouragement all of the way.

It would be good to end the 2016 Sunday Series on something of a high. We've had lots of fun this year visiting new places, but there's no hiding the fact that numbers have been disappointing. Whilst 10 members have taken part, only 6 have completed more than one ride. This compares with 13 members participating in 2014 and 15 members in 2015. If you have any ideas about how the appeal of the Sunday Series can be broadened for next year, please make your views known. 

Phil has sent me the above pictures which, he took on our recent outing to the seaside. Amusing captions are of course very welcome, but can anyone who wasn't on the ride tell me what was actually going on. Please feel free to post your reply in the comments box below.

Criterium racing returns to Cirencester on Monday 29th August 2016. The course is on closed roads around the town centre. The races start at 6pm with the main event at 9pm.

I watched last year's thrilling finale. A very tight turn in the Market Place, made treacherous by the light drizzle, was the undoing of a number of riders. Local lad James Lowsley-Williams, whose family have owned Chavenage House, near Tetbury since the late 1800's, whilst riding for NFTO, was the clear winner. 

There's no entrance fee, so why not go along for a great evening of racing!

Blog Bulletin

Clarions at Lacock October 2015

A reminder that this Saturday's club ride is to the National Trust Tearoom at Lacock. The weather forecast at the moment is warm and dry with sunny intervals and a moderate wind, which all sounds very promising.

Tim H and Peter C head our peloton out of Yate

(click once to enlarge the pictures)

Sunday 31st July 2016, saw 5 members (Peter C, Phil, Steve K, Tim H and me, Tim W) take part in the club's 3rd annual trip to the seaside.

In glorious sunshine, and in no particular hurry, we left Malmesbury just after 8.00am. With only 18 miles under our belts, we arrived at Chipping Sodbury. In a relaxed mood, and keen to enjoy the outing to the full, we made an unscheduled stop at Coffee#1 in the High Street. Over tea, coffees and pastries, we all agreed that the cafe would make a splendid venue for a Saturday club ride.

Phil, Peter C and Steve K crossing the Avonmouth Bridge

Our passage through Avonmouth this year was notable for its absence of unwarranted abuse hurled at us by drivers and their passengers. Perhaps the current craze of hunting for Pokemon characters is now demanding their attention.

This year we broke with tradition and visited a cafe on the seafront at Clevedon. With lunch at Portishead planned, and not wishing to spoil our appetites, we confined ourselves to hot drinks. 

As time and tide waits for no man, we headed for the coast road to Portishead. Note the wording on the chalk board to the left of Steve K.

Reaching Portishead, we skirted the boating lake and lido, and threaded our way through to the plush new marina.

We fitted in seamlessly with the sophisticated types who haunt such places and dined alfresco.

A portion of triple cooked chips, two thick slices of ham, two perfectly cooked fried eggs and a dollop of tangy tomato relish, certainly hit the spot for me.

We spent a while watching some boats leave the marina through the deep lock gates.

There was just time for a quick team photograph, minus me, before we set off.

Peter C waiting at the traffic lights in Avonmouth

Disaster struck as we were leaving the marina when Peter C's carbon seat post fractured, possibly as a result of a heavy fall into a deep pothole earlier in the day. Peter C was able to remove the seat post, snap off a length from the bottom where it had split and then insert the shortened seat post back in the frame. Whilst this allowed Peter C to ride home, it did mean that his pedal stroke was restricted.

Do my eyes deceive me or is that an oily chain mark on Steve K's right calf?

Helped by a perky tailwind, and rejuvenated by a quick stop for ice creams, we arrived back in Malmesbury at about 6.00pm, which gave those dining at the Spice Merchant enough time for a quick spruce up. They were joined by Heather and Simon to round off another fantastic seaside adventure. Our thanks go to Tim H for organising and leading the ride, and also for reserving the table at the restaurant.

Position wise, the only change to the table is that Steve K and Andy Poolman have swapped places. 

Rider	Rides	Total Mileage	Points
Peter C	7	519.3	35
Tim W	6	478.8	30
Phil	6	422.5	30
Steve K	5	346.0	25
Andy Poolman	4	282.0	20
Tim H	3	191.8	15
Colin	1	76.5	5
Howard	1	40.5	5
Mike G	1	40.5	5
Steve M	1	40.5	5

This just leaves one ride to complete the 2016 series. Our final ride, the Tour of Wiltshire, of around 120 miles, was scheduled to take place on Monday 29th August 2016, but for a number of reasons, this might be changed. The situation will be clarified as soon as possible.

I'm very grateful to Andy Poolman for sending me these two pictures of members clearly enjoying the sun at Relish, Cotswold Water Park on Saturday 23rd July 2016 .

Considering we've now entered the summer holiday season, numbers on club rides are holding up very well.

This time my gratitude is extended to Sue Poolman, who thoughtfully sent me a link to an interesting article which appeared in The Guardian newspaper regarding Adam Yates, winner of this year's coveted white jersey in the Tour de France.

Adam and his twin brother Simon both rode as young lads with Bury Clarions and despite their meteoric rise to fame, they're still members today. Through our mutual membership of the National Clarion, that makes them club mates. 

A number of members have expressed an interest in the 2016 Tour of Britain. There are two opportunities locally to watch the Tour:

Thursday 8th September, stage 5 is from Aberdare to Bath. The route passes through Stroud and Dursley. Estimated arrival times at various points along the course are not yet available. 

Saturday 10th September, stage 7 takes place at Bristol with an individual time trial and a circuit race. Both events start from the Bristol Downs. Precise timings haven't been announced yet. 

The time trial will start around 10.00am and last for just over 2 hours. 

The circuit race will begin about 2.30pm and end at approximately 5.00pm. The 15.3km circuit will take in some of Bristol's most iconic sites. Each of the 6 laps will include the 9%, 600 metre climb of Bridge Valley Road, which also features once in the time trial.

Further details of the club rides to see the Tour will be published nearer the time. 

You will no doubt recall that in a recent blog post I raised the matter of Ride Leaders needing to have emergency contact numbers etc for the riders in their care. I said then that my own view was that members needed to take some personal responsibility where this is concerned.

I'm very grateful to Peter C for sending me this link for OneLifeiD. The advantage this company has over those who simply manufacture and then personalise a silicon wristband, is that it comes with an online facility where web pages with more detailed information can be completed by the wearer. You can also add links to important documents such as travel insurance.

If you don't like the idea of wearing a wristband, there's always OneLifeiD's less expensive option of an identification card.

Please give this some thought. Peter C has purchased a wristband from OneLifeiD, which I'm sure he'd be pleased to show you.

Saturday 30th July 2016, saw the official opening of a new bicycle shop imaginatively called Wheelers Retreat, in Gloucester Street, Malmesbury. The owner is Gary Walker, who is a member of our club. Some of you will already have met him, as he's ridden with us a number of times on Wednesday evening. 

We wish him every success in his new business venture. Gary has very kindly offered all club members 10% discount.

The link to his website, which is still under construction, is here. 

Opening times are as follows:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 0830 - 1630
Wednesday: 0830 - 1800
Thursday: 0830 - 1630
Friday: 0830 - 1630
Saturday: 0900 - 1630
Sunday: 0900 -1500 (Summer only)