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.