Blog Bulletin

Clarions at Allington Farm Shop on 5th December 2015 

Given the all-year-round popularity of the Allington Farm Shop at Chippenham, and with the added attraction of Christmas creeping ever closer, it seems sensible that we pay them a visit sooner rather than later if we want to find some spare seats. And so without further ado, that's where we're heading next Saturday.

You can view and download the Sporting Group's 40.1 mile course here.  It has 1,500 feet of elevation.

Similarly, the Social Group's 35.9 mile course can be viewed and downloaded here. It has 1,362 feet of elevation.

Warning! As you're leaving Biddestone, please resist the temptation to take the first left at the side of the Manor House. This might be a quicker route to the farm shop, but the Chippenham Lane is notoriously muddy this time of the year. Stay safe and use the next left instead. 

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, please download it. Both will be of a great help to your ride leader.

You can't beat a freshly picked carrot

Four members and one guest took part in Wednesday evening's Knight Rider session. We tend to ride in fairly close formation; two abreast when conditions allow. The addition of just one more rider would have allowed us to cycle in perfect symmetry. It would also have meant that no one had to ride for periods without someone to talk with. If you'd like to even-up the numbers, you'd certainly be made very welcome, and don't worry if you're short of conversation. Riding in silence on any climbs is positively encouraged.  

The course was a repeat of the previous week's outing to Chalford, which most of us had missed last time. 

Another mild, dry evening produced a second sighting of the mysterious poacher. This time he was carrying a bag of carrots. The plot, or perhaps I should say, the vegetable soup, thickens.


Riders: James H, Peter C, Phil, Simon Vannerley and me, Tim W.

Lots of Clarions at Relish

(Photo courtesy of Tim H)

Saturday's club ride to Relish at the Cotswold Water Park drew another good turnout. Stuart came back for his second ride. John Shephard became our latest member and also introduced his wife Alyson for her first ride with us. 

Over recent weeks we've seen an influx of new faces, which is a very welcome development. We might not be the most boisterous bunch, but you can rest assured that everyone's participation is valued, and we really are a club where everyone knows your name.

For the second week running, the Social Group easily outnumbered the Sporting Group. Sporting riders were joined by Steve M at Great Somerford, but this didn't narrow the numerical gap, as the Social Group picked up John's wife at Minety.

Seating 15 around the same table at Relish required a sweep of the cafe for any unattended chairs, but we just managed to squeeze everyone in. Eating and drinking together is an essential part of the Clarion experience. This was a very agreeable refreshment stop. Cake was served in substantial wedges. The practice of using the bacon slicer looks to have ended.

Clarions leaving Relish

The Sporting Group was boosted on the return leg by Lyndon and Malc switching sides.

Clarions on the Spine Road heading for home

Sporting Group: Mike G, Peter C, Steve M and me, Tim W.

Social Group: Alyson, Brian, James M, John, Lyndon, Malc, Mike R, Phil, Steve C, Stuart, and Tim H.

The table below shows the current standings for the Chairman's Trophy after the club ride on Saturday 26th November 2016. The competition will run until Saturday 31st December 2016. Club trophies will be presented at the Annual General Meeting, on a date to be fixed, early in 2017.

This competition is all about club commitment. Two names worthy of a mention are Steve Cox in 5th place and James Horler in 6th. Whilst the limelight often falls on some of the club's other members, Steve has an excellent record of attendance on Thursdays and Saturdays. Unless you've ever ridden on a Wednesday evening, you won't have met James. He works in Malmesbury during the week and returns home to Devon at the weekends. Without fail, James is present every Wednesday evening. 

Member	Points
Peter C	64
Tim W	56
Phil	35
Tim H	29
Steve C	28
James H	25
Mike G	25
Simon S	24
Lyndon	24
Des	21
Steve K	21