Blog Bulletin

This bulletin is a look at the rides before and over the Christmas period, plus a preview of next Saturday's excursion .

I'll be missing on Saturdays until 21st January, as George is racing at Odd Down, Bath on 7th and 14th. Any contributions to keep members informed in my absence will be gratefully received. 

Clarions gliding through the High Street, Lacock, 14th June 2014

Our first Saturday club ride of 2017, sees us stopping at the National Trust Tearoom, Lacock.

The village has been used as a film and television set on a number of occasions. In 1995, it featured in the BBC's production of Pride and Prejudice. In 2007, it hosted Cranford, another popular BBC period drama, and more recently, the highly acclaimed Downton Abbey. Film appearances include Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Without doubt its most famous son has to be William Henry Fox Talbot. Although he is best known for his pioneering photography work, William Talbot also served as a Member of Parliament for Chippenham and held the office of High Sheriff of Wiltshire.

The Talbots lived at Lacock Abbey, which was the location used in the Harry Potter films. The Abbey and the village were gifted to the National Trust in 1944. William Talbot, his wife and children are all buried in the Lacock village churchyard.

The Social Group's 38.2 mile course can be viewed and downloaded here. It has 1,274 feet of elevation.

Similarly, the Sporting Group's 43.1 mile course can be found here. It has 1,743 feet of elevation and includes a descent of Bowden Hill, but only after the climb up to Bremhill, which will definitely see you pushing those low gears.

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 very helpful to your ride leader.

Howard and the Thursday gang at The Angel, Sherston

This photograph was taken on Thursday 15th December, which was Howard's first post-operation club event. Too early for him to be riding on the road yet, but as the picture demonstrates, the Clarion hand of friendship reaches much further than the handlebar. 

James H's curry and beer night at the Spice Merchant on Wednesday 21st December, was well attended with 9 diners taking their places around the table. Peter Baptiste also dropped in to say his hellos, which was a nice touch. 

Thumbs up from Santa!
(Pictures courtesy of Helen)

There was no mistaking which was Steve and Helen's house

Steve and Helen Mayhew were the perfect hosts on Christmas Eve. Just in case anyone was unsure of where they lived, a club jersey and a festive greeting on a chalkboard were thoughtfully placed in the window. Inside was a very welcome box of man sized tissues for the cyclists' perpetual runny nose and a pile of fresh flannels for any mud splattered faces. 

A spread fit for a king adorned the kitchen table, as Helen kept us well lubricated with a choice of either alcoholic or non-alcoholic mulled wine.

As well as those who rode, Paul drove Howard over. It was good to see Howard looking more like his old self.

A relaxed Steve C and Stuart sink lower and lower into the sofa

We were all made to feel very much at home. Helen and Steve don't stand on ceremony.

Merry Christmas!

Alyson on her recumbent trike

Clarions preparing to leave

On behalf of the club, I'd like to place on record our thanks to Steve and Helen for their generosity. It was a fantastic gesture and one which, was really appreciated by all of those who made the trip.   

Riders: Alyson, Andrew, Bryan, James M, John, Peter C, Phil, Stuart, Steve C, Steve M, Tim H, Tim W and Tommy.

Other attendees: Howard, Paul and of course our wonderful hostess, Helen.

Clarions having just crossed the Severn Bridge into Wales

(Pictures courtesy of Peter C)

With the temperature hovering just above freezing point, 6 of us rode out from Malmesbury at 9.30am on Wednesday 28th December. Sensibly, Ian decided not to risk it, but won our admiration by still turning up to let us know.

The threat of ice preyed heavily on our minds, and so we kept to A and B class roads. After Luckington we were engulfed by thick freezing fog. This stayed with us until we reached the Cross Hands at Old Sodbury, after which, we were treated to glorious sunshine. Rising to around 4 or 5 degrees, it felt toasty warm in comparison.

There's always a deal to be had at Pye Corner

Arriving at Pye Corner in Chepstow, after so many previous visits, felt like something of a homecoming. Large mugs of coffee, pots of tea, beans on toast and bacon baguettes, were all devoured with gusto.

The Old Wye Bridge, Chepstow

Before leaving Chepstow, we visited the magnificent Old Wye Bridge linking Wales with England on the far side. Opened in 1816, it's the largest remaining iron arch bridge of its period.

Returning home, the sun disappeared behind a thick blanket of freezing fog, as we climbed from Horton up to Hawkesbury Upton. It soon felt much colder than it had first thing in the morning. As much as we'd enjoyed the day out, it was with some relief that we found ourselves back in Malmesbury, all in one piece. The detours extended our mileage for the day to 76.

Thank you Peter C for organising the ride.

Riders: Andrew, Graham, Peter C, Phil, Tim W and Tommy

Clarions at Cafe 53, Tetbury

(Picture courtesy of Pete B)

The New Year's Eve club run saw 10 members riding in two groups to Cafe 53 in Tetbury. We were delighted to welcome back Pete B following his operation. Weather wise, it was a dismal morning. However, with plenty of lively banter, and Andy Poolman and Phil both sharing birthdays, our good humour shone through, particularly when Andy kindly bought the cake and hot drinks for the rest of the Sporting Group. (The Social Group had already paid for theirs before we arrived).

We might not be the biggest Clarion branch, but we can consistently get a decent crowd out, and very often, in some challenging weather. Well done to each and every one of you for helping to make the club so successful, and here's to 2017! Rest assured, we won't be resting on our laurels, not when there's always new places to explore.

Riders: Andy Poolman, Lyndon, Pete B, Peter C, Phil, Sian, Steve C, Tim H, Tim W and Tommy. 

Blog Bulletin

This is the last blog bulletin for 2016. I've therefore previewed the next four club rides on 17th, 24th, 28th and 31st December. (Not forgetting the Knight Riders on 14th and 21st). Please support the rides when you can. Your participation is very much appreciated.

The ride on Saturday 17th December 2016, is to the Folly Row Cafe at Kington St Michael. 

You can view and download the Social Group's 35.2 mile course here. It has 1,275 feet of elevation.

Similarly, you can find the Sporting Group's 40.6 mile course here. It has 1,448 feet of elevation.

Given that the cafe is likely to be busy, I'm going to ask if they can reserve us some seats. I'd like to be able to give them some idea how many of us there will be. Please could you email me by Wednesday if you plan to ride. You can of course still cycle with us, regardless of whether or not you've said that you're going to.

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 great help to your ride leader to assist with the navigation.

Clarions returning from Cirencester on 24th January 2015

The following week, on Saturday 24th December 2016, we have something rather special for you. Steve Mayhew is going to throw open the doors to his house at Great Somerford, where mulled wine and mince pies will be served. This is an incredibly generous offer on Steve's part, and hopefully one which, lots of you will take up.

Departure from outside of the Town Hall will be at the slightly earlier time of 9.30am. Only one course will be used. We'll ride together as a club, at a leisurely pace, with the aim of arriving at Steve's en masse, at about 10.45am. The ride will officially end at his house meaning that riders can leave when they're ready to go or Steve decides to throw you out.

You can view and download the 16.3 mile course, not including the distance back to Malmesbury, here.

There's also the option of cycling straight to Steve's house and of course, driving there too. 

To assist Steve with the catering arrangements, it would be helpful if you could let him know that you'll be attending.

For those that might be riding independently or driving to Steve's house, but don't know where he lives, please email him for directions. You'll find his email address included in the global circulation list.

Let's spread the word and all make this a big success.

Clarions outside Pye Corner on 28th August 2015

On Wednesday 28th December 2016, the Knight Riders are cycling to Pye Corner in Chepstow, leaving at 9.30am. You can view and download the 66 mile course here. It has 3,740 feet of elevation.

Whilst we've been to Pye Corner a number of times in the past, this will be our first ever Christmas expedition there. The outing promises to be a great ride and offers a perfect opportunity to burn off those excess calories.

On Saturday 31st December 2016, departing at the usual time of 10.00am, the club ride will be stopping at Cafe 53, Long Street, Tetbury.

There are two courses to choose from. Both are a little under-distance, but this is to allow for the fact that cafes tend to close a lot earlier than normal on New Years Eve.

You can view and download the Social Group's 33.7 mile course here. It has 1,132 feet of elevation. 

Similarly, you can find the Sporting Group's 37.8 mile course here. It has 1,189 feet of elevation.

Peter C's bike with additional lighting!

Wow! Wednesday evening really was a cracker! With the weather a staggering 15 degrees warmer than the previous week and barely a flutter of wind, it really was a perfect evening for cycling.

The McDonald's 2016 range of festive hot drinks

Our Clarion Christmas contingent was boosted by Graham and Mark from the Sherston Velos. An enthusiastic charge out to Cirencester via some familiar lanes, safely delivered us to the Market Square. After a circuit of the town centre, and having gazed in amazement at the spectacular lights, hot drinks were enjoyed inside the recently refurbished McDonald's.

Suitably refreshed and in good spirits, we headed for home riding in much the same vein, as before.

Having returned to Malmesbury, we bade farewell to the Velos and watched as they disappeared into the night, the common consensus being that the ride should become a fixture on the Knight Riders' calendar. 

Riders: Graham, James H, Mark, Peter C, Phil and me, Tim W.

Inside the AV8 Cafe, Cotswold Airport

Considering the early light rain Saturday morning and the predicted heavy rain later, 11 riders turning up for the trip to the AV8 Cafe at the Cotswold Airport, was a magnificent effort.

Sian became our latest new member and Andrew returned for his second trip with us. 

Peter Snow's legendary swingometer, made famous during all of those election night specials, would have gone into meltdown, as for the first time in some weeks, numbers wise, the pendulum swung erratically in favour of the Sporting Group.

Both packs arrived at the cafe within a couple of minutes of each other, and then amazingly managed to repeat the feat on our return to Malmesbury. 

As forecast, the heavy rain made an appearance on our way home and well and truly tested the waterproofing qualities of our cycling kit. The chink in our armor was our gloves. Most needed a thorough wringing out by the time we'd reached the town hall.

Social Group: Sian, Steve C and me, Tim W.

Sporting Group: Andrew, Brian, Ian, James M, Mike G, Phil, Peter C and Stuart.

Blog Bulletin

Are friends electric?

As Gary Numan said in the opening line of Tubeway Army's 1979 hit single 'Are Friends Electric?' It's cold outside. And it certainly is. If you fancy some mean and moody music with Minimoog and Polymoog synthesizers played at their very best, you can listen in here. The full version lasts 5 minutes and 22 seconds, which should easily cover the time needed to read the bulletin.

 Cirencester's big switch-on

As you know, I don't normally preview the next Knight Riders session, and for good reason, as Peter C already makes an excellent job of keeping you all informed.

I thought I'd make an exception, as this Wednesday's ride promises to be even more fun than usual. It's a flat course of just over 30 miles, which includes the spectacular Christmas lights in Cirencester and a hot drink. 

There's been some strong interest already. Make sure you don't miss out. Departure is at 6.30pm from outside of Jackdaws Cafe.

The Cotswold Airport

Saturday we're off to the AV8 Cafe at the Cotswold Airport, Kemble. On our last visit there on 17th September 2016, we were treated to a guided tour by Steve M's son around the helicopters he flies. It was still warm enough for shorts then. How quickly the weather changes.

It goes without saying that there's two courses to choose from.

You can view and download the Social Group's 33.3 mile course here. It has 1,395 feet of elevation.

Similarly, you can find the Sporting Group's 39.1 mile course here. It has 1,577 feet of elevation.

As always, 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, download it. Both will be helpful to your ride leader.

You get more rock salt at Brinkworth than Minety

Yes, believe it or not, the Knight Riders did indeed do their thing on Wednesday evening proving that it's definitely an all-weather activity. We were very pleased to be joined by Paul Hudson from Chavenage for his first ride with us. 

With the temperature plummeting to well below freezing, the course was switched to the 'Safety Triangle.' The three roads employed were thankfully all free of ice and so presented no problems. During the course of the ride we were showered twice with rock salt by gritting lorries, once at Minety and again at Brinkworth. Minety was a rather disappointing light dusting, whereas Brinkworth was a much more comprehensive coating. 

Riders: James H, Paul Hudson, Peter C and me, Tim W.

Allington Farm Shop Cafe

The Clarion fighting spirit was also much in evidence on Saturday for the trip to the Allington Farm Shop, Chippenham. A few degrees warmer maybe, but it was still on the chilly side. 

It was good to see the two Andy P's back in the driving seat. The pair of them on the front is an awesome combination. 

The flurry of new faces continued with the arrival of Andy, who has recently moved to Malmesbury. Needless to say, we hope to see a lot more of Andy over the coming weeks and months. I also understand that there was a new lady too. Hopefully someone can help me out so that I can give her a proper blog introduction and welcome.

Mike G also made an appearance at the cafe and joined the ride on the return leg. 

I'm informed that there were some vacant tables in the cafe, which is always a relief, and that the staff were very accommodating.

Social Group: Andy, Brian, Paul, Steve Cox, Stuart and Tim H. 

Sporting Group: Andy Parker, Andy Poolman, Lyndon and Peter C.

To assist with your forward planning, here's where we're heading over the next three months. The Research Team will be assessing the suitability of a few new cafes over the coming weeks. If successful, they'll be introduced and swapped with one or more of the venues below.

The standout event has to be our 5th birthday party ride on 25th February 2017. Please try and keep this date free. Look out for more details nearer the time.


December

10.12.16 - AV8, Cotswold Airport, Kemble.
17.12.16 - Folly Row Cafe, Kington St Michael.
24.12.16 - Angel Cafe, Sherston.
28.12.16 - Knight Riders - Pye Corner Cafe, Chepstow, leave at 9.30am. The                     ultimate twixt Christmas and New Year ride.
31.12.16 - Cafe 53, Tetbury.

January

07.01.17 - National Trust Tearoom, Lacock.
14.01.17 - Quackers Farm Shop, Hinton.
21.01.17 - The Old Stables, Hullavington.
28.01.17 - Jolly Nice Cafe, Frampton Mansell.

February

04.02.17 - The Canteen, Nailsworth.
11.02.17 - Relish, Cotswold Water Park.
18.02.17 - Wickwar Coffee Shop.
25.02.17 - MCCC 5th birthday party ride.

Sue outside of the Wickwar Coffee Shop

Sue Akers, one of our new members, recently had an operation on her foot, which will keep her off of her feet and her bicycle for 6 weeks. With Howard and Pete B also recovering after their surgery, a post-operation group seems to be taking shape. (Written whilst stroking my lucky rabbit's foot in case I'm in anyway tempting fate).

Get well soon Sue, from all of your friends in the Malmesbury Clarions.