Blog Bulletin

Judging by the very positive feedback I had last week, I'm not the only one who finds Tina Turner's 'Simply The Best' an inspirational piece of music.

The musical backdrops aren't about to become a weekly feature, but I thought I'd try you with a bit of Booker T and The MG's, to accompany your reading of the blog. The instrumental 'Time is Tight' was a hit in 1969. It will be instantly recognisable to some, as Radio 1 DJ, Johnnie Walker, used it during the 1970's, as his back-up music for his weekly rundown of the BBC chart.

In the best radio tradition of linking music with news items, the eagle eyed reader will soon begin to notice a time related theme running through this blog bulletin.

You can listen and relax by following the link here.   

If you have any requests, please let me know and I'll be happy to oblige.

Clarions at the Rose and Crown, Lea last summer

With the lighter evenings creeping ever closer, last Wednesday we'd almost reached the half-light stage when we set off at 6.30pm. It's also getting warmer too, which allowed for less layers and a satisfying, but false impression of being trimmer than usual.

Our quartet eased out of Malmesbury and by the time we'd reached Cleverton, we were engulfed by the darkness.

Sitting behind Peter C and Phil, James H and me explored a wide range of topics of conversation. Midway through identity fraud, it suddenly dawned on me that I'd become so engrossed in the subject matter, I had absolutely no idea where we were. Fortunately, the more responsible riders at the front had been paying attention.

With the clocks due to move forward at 1.00am on Sunday 26th March, it won't be long before we start leaving in the daylight. Then, once the temperature becomes pleasant, we'll be able to start enjoying our very popular end of ride public house visits.

In the meantime, the countdown has started for James H, as his firm's contract in Malmesbury nears completion. If you haven't met him yet, please come along on a Wednesday evening before it's too late.

And the last word goes to Mike G, who unfortunately missed us at the start, but in trying to catch us up, recorded some useful miles and an impressive average.

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

It's green for go! The 9.00am trial for the Sporting Group begins this Saturday. Other rides will continue to start at the usual time of 10.00am. Apart from the earlier start, the Sporting Group's rides will remain the same. They'll maintain an average of around 14mph and cover approximately 40 miles. Allowing for a break for coffee, the aim is to return to Malmesbury at about 12.30pm. 

I've updated the website to reflect the new start time and also the introduction of Howard's group.

Our bikes outside of Wickwar Coffee Shop October 2016

To get the ball rolling, we're off to the Wickwar Coffee Shop. There's always a warm welcome waiting there for us. 

Peter C has crafted an interesting 43 mile course for the Sporting Group. The outward leg to the cafe is 28.3 miles. The estimated time of arrival is approximately 11.15am.

The Social Group's suggested 34.9 mile course takes a direct 16 mile route there. The 12 mile difference between the two courses should facilitate an overlap at the Wickwar Coffee Shop. 

You can view and download the Sporting Group's course here. 

Similarly, you can see and download the Social Group's suggested course here. The actual route will be at the discretion of your Ride Leader.

Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the course you intend to ride. If you have a Garmin or a similar device then please download it. Both will be very helpful to your Ride Leader.

Please keep an eye out for Howard's email later in the week for details of his ride.

Here's where we're heading for the rest of March and April:

25.03.17 - Relish, Cotswold Water Park
01.04.17 - Jolly Nice Cafe, Frampton Mansell
08.04.17 - The Old Stables Cafe, Hullavington
15.04.17 - The Canteen, Nailsworth
22.04.17 - National Trust Tearoom, Lacock
29.04.17 - Sweetapples Tearoom, Marshfield

Other dates of interest:

Cyclists' Service, Castle Combe

2.30pm Sunday 09.04.17 - Cyclists' Church Service, Castle Combe

This event has taken place every year since 27th May 1945. It is a celebration of cycling and a service of thanksgiving for the men in cycling battalions who fell in the Great War and for the many cyclist soldiers, commandos and paratroopers who did not return from World War 2.

The Castle Combe church service, like the services held in May on the village green at Meridian, the centre of England, and at Coxwold, a few miles north of York, is now a memorial service and an informal gathering especially for today's cyclists in the West Country.

Last year Mike G and me represented the club. We were proud to take our places alongside the rest of the congregation, mostly made up of CTC members from Bath, Bristol and Stroud Valleys branches, all wearing their respective club colours, having ridden to the service. You don't have to be religious.The important thing is that we continue to remember those who for our tomorrow gave their today.

The service will be followed by tea and homemade cake served in the church. Donations welcome.

George coming round the outside at Castle Combe 

(blue helmet) in his MCCC skinsuit

Friday 14.04.17 - Easter Classic cycle racing at Castle Combe Race Circuit

There will be some ex Clarion interest in the Category 4 race. George is racing this season in the Veloton Pro-Cycling Team colours. He has 6 British Cycling race points so far, having finished 4th overall in a 3 race event at Maindy, Cardiff in February. Another 6 points will see him become a 3rd Cat rider.

No news yet on whether our other racing ex Clarion, Max Girdler will be competing too. Unfortunately Max failed to retain his Category 2 status by just 1 point last season and so has returned to Category 3.