Blog Bulletin

Clarions relaxing outside at the National Trust Tearoom, Lacock on 25th October 2015

This isn't exactly a return to normal service for the blog, but it is a step in the right direction. With those warm sunny days quickly becoming a distant memory, the next batch of coffee stops have all been chosen with a degree of warmth and comfort in mind.

November

05.11.16 - Jolly Nice Cafe, Frampton Mansell
12.11.16 - The Canteen, Nailsworth
19.11.16 - The Old Stables Coffee Shop & Deli, Hullavington
26.11.16 - Folly Row Cafe, Kington St Michael

December

03.12.16 - Relish, Cotswold Water Park
10.12.16 - Allington Farm Shop, Chippenham
17.12.16 - AV8, Cotswold Airport, Kemble

Christmas Period Rides

24.12.16 - The Angel Cafe, Sherston
28.12.16 - Knight Riders - to be decided
29.12.16 - Lunchtime meet, The Angel Cafe, Sherston (subject to confirmation)
31.12.16 - Cafe 53, Long Street, Tetbury

The ride on Christmas Eve is traditionally a fairly short excursion. Previously we've convened at the Whole Hog in Malmesbury, and for the last two years, we've enjoyed Howard's generous hospitality at MCCC HQ. The Angel Cafe is only lightly penciled in as a nominal venue.

It's also worth noting that the weekly Knight Riders adventure on Wednesday 28th December 2016, will be switching from 6.30pm to 9.30am.

Members preparing to leave Wickwar on 16th August 2014

This Saturday's Sporting Group ride to the Wickwar Coffee Shop, will be led by Tim H. The 38.6 mile excursion climbs 1,925 feet.

You can view and download the course here. For those of you who made the last trip to Wickwar on Saturday 20th August 2016, it follows virtually the same route, except this time, at the top of Horton Hill, we follow Highfield Lane into Hawkesbury Upton. In doing so, we avoid having to use the busy A46.

Meanwhile, the Social Group, led by me, will also be visiting Wickwar. The 36.8 mile trip gains 1,743 feet. 

Similarly, you can view and download the course here. The slightly shorter outward leg will hopefully see us all arriving at about the same time.

Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the route you intend to ride and if you have a Garmin or similar device, then download the course.

Nick's demolished house in the High Street at Wickwar

In recent times, Wickwar is best known for its gas explosion in 1987. Returning home late at night after playing backgammon, off-duty policeman Nick Shaw smelt gas and raised the alarm, evacuating those living in the High Street to the local Social Club. The gas main later exploded destroying Nick's house and seriously damaging two others. Fortunately no one was injured. It was thought that the frequent lorry movements, coupled with the freezing weather conditions, had caused the 1950's pipes to break.

At the last committee meeting the future of the MCCC trophies was debated. It was decided that in the absence of a volunteer to record all of the necessary data, the Chairman's Trophy for 2017 will be awarded to the member who has made the most significant contribution during the year. This will have a very broad interpretation. It could be a sustained effort or something in isolation.

The Grimpeur and Sunday Series will remain unchanged. Whilst applauding the concept, the Club Ambassador Cup will end. Its discontinuation wasn't a unanimous decision. I felt that for the cup to have any meaning, it needed to be properly contested. Sportive riders are at a disadvantage, as they very often wear an event jersey or one as part of a charity fund raising package. Audax riders don't have the same considerations. I'm also fortunate in having more spare time than some others. The end result is what looks a bit like a one horse race.

I'm very grateful to Mike G for the following positions, as at 29th September 2016. 

Those for the Chairman's Trophy:

Member	Points
Tim W	48
Peter C	47
Phil	24
Simon S	24
Tim H	22
Des D	21
Steve K	20
James	19
Jonathan	18
Mike G	18
Andy Poolman	17
Steve M	17
Malc	17
Lyndon	14
Ian	14
Howard	14
Atherton	12
Andy Parker	11
Karine	11
Paul	10
Chris	10

And those for the Ambassador's Cup:

Member	Points
Tim W	65
Mike G	20
Peter C	15
Phil	5
Steve K	5
Andy Poolman	5

And finally, just in case there are some members who aren't already familiar with Performance Cycles Winter Mini-Sportive Series, here's a link to their home page.

The popular monthly rides start at 9.00am from the Cotswold Water Park. There's a choice of two well signed routes, of either 45 or 65 miles. Entry costs just £9.50 and includes hot food, drink and cake at the end. They are limited to 150 riders. The next one on Sunday 20th November 2016, already has 122 entries, so you'll need to get in quickly if you're interested.