Blog Bulletin

This will be the last blog bulletin for a month or so. Destinations and courses can be found on the website's calendar page covering up to and including 5th November 2016.

As a quick reference, here's where we're heading:

24.09.16 - Sweetapples Tearoom, Marshfield
01.10.16 - Toomers Garden Centre, Lydiard Millicent
08.10.16 - National Trust Tearoom, Lacock
15.10.16 - Cafe 53, Long Street, Tetbury
22.10.16 - Quackers Farmshop, Hinton
29.10.16 - Wickwar Coffee Shop
05.11.16 - Jolly Nice Cafe, Frampton Mansell

  

The Malting House, Marshfield

Next Saturday's ride is to Sweetapples Tearoom at Marshfield. Continuing with the 'notable people connected with' theme, I was surprised to discover that from July to November 1940, Welsh poet Dylan Thomas and his family stayed at The Malting House, 78, High Street, Marshfield, with the critic John Davenport and his American wife, Clement, who kept an open house for musicians and writers. 

Dylan and John Davenport spent much of their time writing The Death of the King's Canary. Dylan also started writing his unfinished novel Adventures in the Skin Trade whilst he was there. His wife however found other distractions.
When Dylan discovered that she was having a fling with another of the guests staying at the house, the music critic William Glock, the Thomases promptly left.

The Social Group's 32.49 mile course can be viewed and downloaded here. 

Similarly, the Sporting Group's 42.26 mile course is here.

Wednesday evening's ride saw a new Knight Rider frontier opened up, as James, Mike G, Peter C and Simon S visited Cricklade.

An enjoyable jaunt was rounded off with liquid refreshments taken at The Horse and Groom at Charlton.

No references to the Last of the Summer Wine brigade this week, as Howard once again demonstrates his photo-shopping skills or deft handling of a selfie-stick.

All joking aside, it really is good to see so many members meeting up and enjoying themselves.

This gathering was captured by Howard last Thursday.

We were delighted to be joined on Saturday by two guests. Phil brought along his son James for his first ride with us. At just 13 years old, James must surely be our youngest ever rider. He certainly brought the average age crashing down. Our other new arrival, was Brian from Little Somerford. We hope to see both of them again very soon.

The ride offered something a little different following a chance meeting with Steve M's son at the Cotswold Airport, Kemble. Steve's son just happens to be a helicopter pilot. Post refreshments, we were offered the opportunity to see at close quarters the helicopters he flies, and very interesting they were too.

Social Group: Phil and me, Tim W, plus guests Brian and James.

Sporting Group: Ian, Jonathan, Karine, Lyndon, Peter C, Simon S, Steve M and Tim H.

Mike G, Peter C and Phil in the garden of The Bridge Inn, Woodford

Congratulations to Peter C for being the winner of the 2016 Sunday Series Trophy. Peter completed all 8 rides and in doing so, clocked up 642.2 miles.

Sunday's ride attracted four members: Mike G, Peter C, Phil and me, Tim W.

Peter C and Phil prepare to leave The Polly Tea Rooms 

Those less disciplined than Mike G enjoyed a roast lunch at The Bridge Inn, Woodford and an afternoon cream tea at The Polly Tea Rooms, Marlborough.

What can it be?

We were intrigued by this structure with its ornate domed brick roof in the form of a pineapple, just outside of Great Bedwyn. Some research carried out later, revealed that it is the pump house at Wexcombe, built in 1899 by W.C Finch, the Lord of Wexcombe Manor, who provided waterworks for the village. The fenced mound behind the building, which we thought might have protected a barrow, is actually a water storage facility. 

The table below shows the final positions.

Rider	Rides	Total Mileage	Points
Peter C	8	642.2	40
Tim W	7	601.7	35
Phil	7	545.4	35
Steve K	5	346.0	25
Andy Poolman	4	282.0	20
Tim H	3	191.8	15
Mike G	2	163.4	10
Colin	1	76.5	5
Howard	1	40.5	5
Steve M	1	40.5	5

No firm decisions have been made yet by the committee, but there is the possibility that there will be some changes to next year's Sunday Series. 

The original concept was a set of monthly rides, gradually increasing in distance and difficulty, which would ultimately enable members to complete one of a 100 miles.

Somehow, we've managed to lose our target audience. The participants in this year's series, with the extended aim of reaching 120 miles, have mostly been capable of riding the distance from the outset. This might have put some people off.

A series based on rides of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and 65 miles, could appeal to those members who would like to ride further, but perhaps not as far as others.

For those who enjoy a longish winter outing or an all-day ride in better weather, their rides could continue as a separate series.

If you have any observations, please make them known to a committee member. All options are open.

Waiting for another Audax rider to join the club has been a bit like waiting for a bus to come along. You wait for ages and then two arrive at the same time.

Mike and me were sitting in The Royal Hop Pole in Tewkesbury on Saturday 3rd September, waiting for our ride to Hay on Wye to start, when in walked Tommy. Talking to him, we discovered that he's a regular Audaxer.

The second metaphorical bus was Caroline. She sent me the above photographs taken on Sunday 11th September, when she rode one of three Audaxes run by Dursley RC, all of which start from Rodborough, near Stroud. The courses of 100km, 100km and 60km, all have a fearsome reputation as being particularly hilly challenges. 

With entry costing only £6, they represent excellent value for money. Be sure to look out for them next year. I've already made a mental note to flag-up the rides in advance. Thanks Caroline for sharing this with us.

Blog Bulletin

AV8 Cafe, Cotswold Airport

We make our second visit to the AV8 Cafe at the Cotswold Airport, Kemble on Saturday 17th September 2016. We're definitely overdue some good weather on a Saturday, so fingers crossed!

As you ride through the site to the cafe, if you think that any of the structures or settings look familiar, then you could well be right. The airport has been used as a film location for a number of television programmes and series, including: Top Gear, Casualty, Ultimate Force, Car of the Year Show, Wheeler Dealers, Classic Car Club, Drop the Celebrity and Fifth Gear.

Social Group's 33.3 mile course: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/14392129

Sporting Group's 39.1 mile course: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/14535537

Clarions soaking up the sun at the Honeystreet Cafe in April 2016

The following day, on Sunday 18th September, the curtain finally falls on the 2016 Sunday Series.

You can view and download the 122.9 mile Tour of Wiltshire here.

We should have at least four members riding, with a fifth expressing a keen interest, but would of course, welcome more. Departure will be at 8.00am from the Town Hall and with favourable conditions, we aim to be back by 7.00pm. Don't forget to bring your 'be seen' lights.

Please bring plenty of food and drink with you. The course is very rural and opportunities to stock-up will be few and far between, particularly during the second half of the ride. 

There are a number of options as far as coffee stops are concerned. We could, for example, stop at Coffee#1 in the Market Place, Warminster (41 miles) for elevenses and then by taking a short detour, a late lunch at the Crofton Beam Engine Cafe (86 miles). Alternatively, we might well be tempted by some of the public houses we'll be passing.

The Somerford Arms, Little Somerford

There are rides and there are rides, and then there is a ride like the one on Wednesday. A perfect early autumn evening, comfortably warm, even after the sun had gone down, with barely a flutter of wind to influence our progress.

Peter C's imaginative routing took us up Pavenhill into Purton. Pushing back the boundaries, but skillfully managing to stay within a sensible radius, we rode through Lydiard Millicent, Greatfield, Hook and Royal Wootton Bassett. The last leg, via Grittenham, Dauntsey and Great Somerford, delivered us safely to the door of the Somerford Arms, where something thirst-quenching was definitely the order of the day. 

Weather permitting, there will hopefully be a few more pub stops before we have to start wrapping up against the elements.

Riders: Andy Parker, James, Mike G, Peter C, Simon H, Steve K and Tim W. 

Inside the Folly Row Cafe

Saturday's club ride to the Folly Row Cafe at Kington St Michael, was a rain-affected affair, but just like the week before, there was still plenty of fun to be had.

Listed among the persons of note with a connection to Kington St Michael, is Jeremy Corbyn. Some of you will already know that he was born in Chippenham. Jeremy lived in Kington St Michael until he was 7 years old and the family moved to Shropshire. His father was an electrical engineer and an expert in power rectifiers. Pure speculation on my part, but he might well have worked at Westinghouse Brake & Signal Company Ltd, in Chippenham.

The reason for this priceless piece of trivia, is that over coffee Andy Poolman mentioned that there was someone famous associated with the village, but he couldn't quite recall who. As to whether he was thinking of Jeremy Corbyn or someone entirely different, we'll have to wait and see.

Riders: Andy Poolman, Peter C, Sian, Tim W and Tommy. 

And finally . . . . . . . .  well done to Steve M and Phil who cycled to Bristol to watch the Tour of Britain.

Blog Bulletin

   Hopefully the umbrellas won't be needed

Following something of a lukewarm reception to the idea of riding to Bristol to watch the Tour of Britain this Saturday, there will be a club ride after all, for those who aren't planning on making the trip there.

The ride will be to the Folly Row Cafe at Kington St Michael, leaving at the usual time of 10.00am.

Social Group's 29.4 mile course: ridewithgps.com/routes/12826724
​

Sporting Group's 39 mile course: ridewithgps.com/routes/12826390 ​

There was an unexpected crush in the bar of The Horse Guards at Brokenborough on Wednesday evening. We arrived in a sort of half-light that had lingered for some time. Members of the Abbey Flyers Running Club were in residence enjoying their post-run drinks. Edging our way to the bar, there was an exchange of some friendly banter.

Riders: James, Jonathan, Peter C, Phil, Simon H, Simon S, Steve M, Tim H and me, Tim W.

Howard and Marina

The activities of the Last of the Summer Wine brigade on Thursday lunchtimes (with apologies to Caroline who is far too young) don't receive anywhere near the publicity they deserve.

Clarions at The Angel, Sherston

I'm grateful to Howard, as in Sprange and not the actor Robert Fyfe, who played the part of Howard in 230 episodes of the hit series between 1985 and 2010, for this photograph taken at The Angel, Sherston last Thursday.

Attendees: Caroline, Clive, Howard, Malc, Paul and Steve C.

Clarions still smiling

Well done to the hardy souls who braved the wet weather on Saturday. It certainly was a wet one! By the look of the happy faces, even the rain failed to dampen the riders' spirits. It only goes to show that there's still a lot of fun to be had even when it's pouring down.

Ian, who kindly sent me the photographs, informs me that refuge had to be sought at The Hog in Horsley, which was closed at the time, but opened up especially for them. Although there was no cake available, they did cut a deal on the chocolate brownies, which looks as though it must have been a very acceptable substitute.

Meanwhile, the Social Group rode to Relish at the Cotswold Water Park.

Sporting Group: Ian, Karine, Peter C, Phil and guest rider, Tony Marsh.

Social Group: Andy Poolman, Atherton, Steve C and Tim H.

Des D racking up the elevation on Horsley Hill earlier this year

Below is the latest table for the Grimpeur Challenge Trophy based on the elevation gained, as recorded on Strava, by those members of the MCCC Strava Club, since 1st April 2016.

Matters will be simplified next year, as we'll be able to start counting the metres climbed on 1st January. However, the position of Club Competition Clerk remains vacant, which we must fill if the various trophies are to continue next year. Hopefully someone will come forward soon before it's too late.

Position	Member	Elevation in Metres
1	Tim W	64,441
2	Peter C	43,640
3	Mike G	41,702
4	Phil	24,217
5	Steve K	20,711
6	Tim H	19,471
7	Malc	19,185
8	Andy Poolman	17,371
9	Howard	10,308

Phil on a Sportive in his club jersey

Mike G has also sent me the current standings for the Club Ambassador Trophy. All you need to do is send him a photograph of yourself in MCCC kit when you participate in an Audax, Sportive or represent the club in some other way, such as when some of us participated in Gloucester City CC's 125th anniversary celebrations.

Position	Member	Points
1	Tim W	55
2	Mike G	15
3	Peter C	15
4	Phil	5
5	Steve K	5

It's always interesting to read about what some of the other sections have been up to in the excellent Boots & Spurs magazine. I only wish that more branches submitted articles for inclusion. It's important that we continue to play our part. 

It can be difficult to come up with something original. Our two most significant club activities are the annual birthday ride in February and the summer trip to the seaside. Both have been well covered in previous editions. 

The closing date for the next publication is 31st October 2016. If you have anything you'd like to see in print, such as your own personal achievements, those of other members or anything else noteworthy, please email me by 24th October 2016. Together we can keep the MCCC flag flying high over our southern outpost.