Blog Bulletin

Cricklade's Jubilee Clock

A shorter bulletin than normal this week, partly due to a change in destination. It occurred to me that the courses to the Folly Row Cafe at Kington St Michael, our advertised coffee stop, were a bit too similar to those we'd used on Saturday for our visit to the Old Stables Cafe at Hullavington. I've therefore mixed things up a bit and brought forward our outing to Relish at the Cotswold Water Park.

For the Sporting Group's course, I've borrowed some elements from a couple of Peter Cattermole's Wednesday evening routes. The outward leg includes an ascent of Pavenhill at Purton and an opportunity to admire Cricklade's very impressive Jubilee Clock, which was erected in 1897.

You can view and download the 41.2 mile course here. It has 1,429 feet of elevation.

Meanwhile, the Social Group's 34.5 mile course is also ready for viewing and downloading here. It has 1,163 feet of elevation. Whilst the Social Group riders will be denied a view of the Jubilee Clock, they will have the advantage of slightly more rural surroundings.

Post refreshments, both group's return via the same route.

Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the course you intend to ride and if you have a Garmin or a similar device, then please download it. Both will be of assistance to your ride leader.

 

A different type of poacher?

The Knight Riders Wednesday evening session has a loyal following, but it needs a bigger pool of riders to make it sustainable. If, as happened last Wednesday, some of the core participants are unavailable, it means that someone can end up having to ride alone. Fortunately for Peter C, he was joined by Simon Vannerly from the Sherston Velos, to keep him company.

If you're unsure as to whether the Knight Rider experience is for you or not, I would urge you to give it a try. Collectively we put out a lot of lumens, and it's definitely a case of safety in numbers. Also, if you live outside of Malmesbury and don't fancy having to ride home alone afterwards, just have a word with Peter C. He's very accommodating and will construct a course that drops you off at your door.

As to the ride, Peter C informs me that it was a mild and dry evening. Riding between Frampton Mansell and Chalford they came across a poacher out with his dog. Simon initially mistook the animal for a wolf, but Peter C recognised the tail as that of a springer spaniel. The poacher was no doubt taking advantage of the super moon, which was particularly prominent later at the top of Star Lane out of Avening.

Clarions outside of the Old Stables Cafe, Hullavington, minus, Lyndon and Mike, who had already left and me, Tim W holding the camera

Saturday we were pleased to be joined by Stuart from Malmesbury for his first ride with us. Hopefully we'll have the pleasure of his company over many more miles.

A special mention also goes to young James Moody, who having ridden to the start and then home again afterwards, clocked up a praiseworthy 44.7 miles.

Keeping on trend, the two groups arrived at the Old Stables Cafe within minutes of each other and sat around two tables.

Riders: Andy Poolman, Brian, Chris, James M, Lyndon, Mike G, Peter C, Phil, Steve C, Steve M, Stuart, Tim H and Tim W.