Blog Bulletin

Sylvia being performed on the Old Grey Whistle Test in 1972

Once the Cyclists' Church Service was brought to a close at St Andrew's, Castle Combe, recently, there was a short wait before the teas and cakes were served. Tinkering around on the ivories, the organist's choice of music was something of a surprise, although the more I've listened to it since, the more fitting it seems. Whilst I instantly recognised the tune, as I'm sure you will, it was Peter C who quickly identified the song title and the group who played the instrumental number. 

I'm referring to Sylvia by the Dutch rock band Focus. Formed in 1969, Sylvia was released in 1972 and became their second hit single. You can listen and hopefully enjoy it here. 

Thank you for all of your musical requests. I'll make a start on them next week.

Clarions outside of the National Trust Tearoom, Lacock on 12th April 2014

It really is astounding how the club has grown over the last 5 years. When the photograph was taken, we would have been pleased with the turnout. Nowadays, this number is easily matched by just one of our 3 groups.

This Saturday we return once again to the National Trust Tearoom at Lacock.

You can view and download the Sporting Group's 46.9 mile course here, which includes a descent of Bowden Hill. There is a very modest 1,914 feet of elevation.

The Social Group will be taking an alternative course.

For details of Howard's ride, please look out for his email later in the week. 

TT training on Tuesday evening 

Over 400 riders turned up for the first Tuesday evening session of the year at the Castle Combe Race Circuit. For those who hadn't pre-registered, there was a long queue to use the iPads provided.

You can register by following the link here. It'll definitely save you time when you arrive for your first Castle Combe experience. The circuit provides a very safe environment, on a great surface, and really is for everyone, from small children on bikes with stabilisers, up to experienced racing cyclists. 

Chipping Sodbury's attractive High Street (just off of our course)

Wednesday evening's Knight Rider session again offered something a bit different. This time we ventured westwards to Chipping Sodbury. (I think Peter C is secretly working his way through the C's, as we've previously ridden to Cirencester, Cricklade and Chippenham, not to mention Charlton, Chelworth, Cherrington and Crudwell. The D's might prove more of a challenge, but there's always Didmarton, Dunkirk and Dodington for starters).

Making her Knight Rider debut, was Sue Akers. Sue stuck to the task well and came through with flying colours. Hopefully we'll see her again soon.

Riders: Graham, Mark, Mike G, Paul, Peter C, Sue Akers and me, Tim W.

All nicely tucked in, Procycling Veloton's first 3 riders, 

George in the blue helmet

There was a good showing of Clarions at the Easter Classic event at the Castle Combe Race Circuit, on Friday. Judging by those that were in cycling kit and those that weren't, Bryan, Howard and Tim H cycled over, whilst Chris, Gary, Jonathan and me, Tim W, all went by car.

Former Clarion George took part in the category four race and despite periods spent at the front of the pack, he unfortunately finished outside of the top 10.

The winner of the Elite, category 1 and 2 race was disqualified because he failed to sign-on. He must have handed in his race licence to receive his number, but then forgot to sign.

Sunday brought about a change of fortune though, as George and his three Procycling Veloton teammates finished 2nd in the four-up 25 mile TT at Cirencester. 

The Heart of England Course

On Saturday, Mike G and me rode the Heart of England 307km (191 miles) Audax from Cirencester. As can be seen from the map, the course ran up through the Cotswolds, into Warwickshire, north of Nuneaton and then back down again through Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire. 

It's a cleverly crafted course that avoids all of the built up areas that a ride up to the Midlands might suggest.

We cycled to and from the start, which meant a 4.00am departure from Malmesbury and a return home around 12.30am.

And now for a roundup of Saturday's club rides featuring a staggering 25 riders, which comes to you via our roving reporters, Andy Poolman, Howard, Paul Hadley and Peter C.

A very nicely composed picture by Caroline capturing the stunning bluebells

The Third Way.

Having no set route this week and offered two possibilities, the group elected to do the bluebell ride. The idea emerged following a recent ride to the café in Oaksey. On that ride, along various wooded roads, it was obvious that, in a few weeks the ground would be resplendent with the flowers. And so it proved. Bluebells in abundance and didn’t they look good beside sweaty cyclists posing for all they were worth? Onwards we travelled and eventually fetched up in Oaksey for our break.

Flowers and riders both full of spring

As every ride leader knows, planning is everything when it comes to leading a successful cycle ride. However, planning was sadly lacking for this ride and alas, the village hall café was closed. Spirits rose with the team suggestion that we tried the Oaksey pub instead, a first for our club, I believe. Some members (they know who they are) will be pleased to learn that the pub was welcoming, but more importantly coffee and hot cross bun came to the grand total of £2.35. The coffee was good too.

And then back to Malmesbury.

Riders: Caroline, Clive, Howard, Lynn and Sian. 

Howard

Social Group riders at The Canteen, Nailsworth

Picture courtesy of Andy Poolman

Andy Poolman informs me that making possibly his second appearance, was a gentleman called Steve. If I've got the name wrong, hopefully someone will put me right. 12 riders left Malmesbury and were joined by Nairo at Kingscote. On the return journey, Nairo said his farewells at Avening. 

Paul Hadley contacted me to say that on the Social Group's ride to Nailsworth, 13 of them were strung out along a narrow lane. Other cyclists were approaching them from the front and a car was trying to pass them from the rear, all at the same time. So the lane was pretty congested. The alien cyclists and the car driver got totally bogged down and neither could move. The car driver wound down his window and asked the cyclist to move. The cyclist replied that he would, but the car was on his foot. He then started banging on the car's roof. They didn't know the end of the story because they rode on..... laughing their socks off.

Riders: Andy Poolman, Bryan, Chris, Colin, Des D, Malc, Nairo, Paul, Simon Akers, Steve, Stuart, Sue and Tim H.

Paul Hadley

The Sporting Group with an Easter Egg display behind them at The Canteen

Picture courtesy of Peter C

A good pace set up to Kingscote, with a nice headwind. The drop down to Dursley was quick, with Andy Parker leading the way. This was followed by a stiff climb up Crawley Hill, which was completed in no time whatsoever.

Staff at the Fieldfare Cafe

At Nympsfield, Andy took us in to view a new cafe, as a possible venue. Fieldfare Cafe at Thistledown Farm can be seen here. The location and view from here looks a must, but probably best visited outside of school holiday time.

We arrived at the Canteen at 10.50am and were pleased to find there were 3 empty tables.

On leaving, Alice took us on a new route to join Horsley Hill, just up from Ruskin Mill, which avoided the chaos in the centre of Nailsworth. We were then passed by the Social Group.

After a very enjoyable outing we arrived back in Malmesbury at 12.15pm.

Riders: Alice, Andy Parker, Paul, Pete B, Peter C, Phil and Tommy.

Peter C

Blog Bulletin

As a musical accompaniment there's something really uplifting this week, which matches the mood of optimism and feeling of well-being that spring can bring.

Formed in 1958, the American instrumental band The Ventures had a number of hits. One of my favourites has to be 'Pipeline.'

You can listen and get those feet tapping, hands drumming and even a bit of air guitaring right here.

First, a bit of a catch up. The above photograph was taken on Saturday 25th March 2017, when Howard's Group visited Oaksey Village Hall for their mid-ride refreshments. I believe I'm right in saying that it also features the Social Group. 

I'm grateful to Andrew Fuller for his photographs of the Sporting Group taken on Saturday 1st April 2017.

Saturday's ride is to the purveyor's of chabby chic at The Canteen, Nailsworth. 

You can view and download the Sporting Group's 39.1 mile course from Strava here. It has 2,546 feet of elevation.

The Social Group will be taking a more direct route.

As usual, please look out for Howard's email later in the week for details of his ride.

Monday's 2nd Annual General Meeting was extremely well attended. We easily surpassed last year's attendance.

Having quite literally burst the seams of the Hobbes Parlour, we poured into the larger neighbouring room. 

I'm pleased to report that Howard and Tim H were both re-elected and that they were joined on the committee by Paul Hadley and Peter C. It's good to know that the club is in such safe hands.

The merits and demerits of some of the proposals were debated enthusiastically. After all is said and done, not very much has changed. As far as the rides are concerned, these are the main points:

• Variable start times will mean that the Sporting Group will leave at 9.00am. The other groups will continue to depart at 10.00am. Where possible, the various groups will continue to meet at the coffee stop.
• Strava can be used to advertise club rides. This is as an additional resource to those already employed, such as the website, blog and email.
• Under 18's must wear a cycle helmet and an advisory note has been added to the Code of Conduct regarding their use for those 18 years and over. 

Following questions raised, two matters were clarified:

• Members riding with the Sporting Group will not get dropped. A sweeper system will ensure that no one is left behind and riders will, if necessary, be supported.
• Whilst a ride posted on Strava does give a member the opportunity to say if they intend riding, which can be helpful, this is not mandatory.

Otherwise, the constitution has had a bit of a revamp and that's about it.

With the meeting brought to a close, a good number of us adjourned to the bar at the Whole Hog and enjoyed a well deserved drink.

Chippenham's Buttercross

On Wednesday evening, at the start of the Knight Rider session, Paul Hudson became the club's latest member. Howard will know for sure, but I think this now leaves us just 1 short of 50 members.

Paul made up a quintet of riders who enjoyed the outing to Chippenham. We passed the Flying Monks Triathlon Club going in the opposite direction near the top of Hill Hayes Lane on our way there and then later coming back, we passed the Chippenham Wheelers who had been taking part in the Jack Nunn 10 mile TT series.

The mini tour of Chippenham included the facade of the former Goldiggers Nightclub, which allowed Peter C to reminisce about his clubbing days, the historic Buttercross and some of the High Street's period buildings constructed out of Bath Stone. 

The original Buttercross was built circa 1570 and stood a little further up the road from its present position. In 1889, it was sold for £6 and used as a gazebo at the Castle Combe Manor House. It subsequently fell into disrepair. It returned to Chippenham and was re-erected by the Chippenham Civic Society in 1995.

Riders: Mike G, Paul Hudson, Peter C, Phil and me, Tim W.

Social Group riders outside of The Old Stables, Castle Combe

Picture courtesy of Tim H

The 10.00am Social Ride kicked off in glorious weather and undertook an enjoyable 38 mile ride. The original plan was to meet up with the 9.00am start riders and Howard's 8 Recovery Group riders, but due to punctures, we were running late and so settled for a stop at the Old Stables, Castle Combe.

A warm welcome to the two Simons who joined us. One we all know (aka Nairo). The other, who was on his second ride with the club, was Sue's husband, who is also a member of the Flying Monks Triathlon Club.

Riders: Bryan, Chris, Colin, Des D, Paul Hadley, Simon A, Simon S, Stuart, Sue A and Tim H.

Tim H

Howard's Group

Photographs courtesy of Steve M

Our ride comprised of 8 riders including one new rider, Lynn. (Welcome from the blog Lynn). The route was designed by Mike P and Maureen. Mine was swept aside because it was considered to be too short. We did 15 miles to the cafe and along the way visited Lea, Cleverton, Little and Great Somerford. We rode up Scotland Hill to Lower Stanton St Quintin and then on to the cafe at Hullavington.

Great fun was had by one and all. Sorry we missed the Sporting Group.

Riders: Clive, Dave, Howard, Lynn, Maureen, Mike P, Steve M and Sue Alexander.

Howard

The Sporting Group on the final run-in to The Old Stables, Hullavington

Pictures courtesy of Andrew

Velo Club Walcot outside of The Old Stables, Hullavington

Picture courtesy of Paula Sage

Swerve cream for your derriere

Sporting Group members outside of The Old Stables, Hullavington

The sun made fairly short work of burning off the early morning fog, but there's no denying that it was pretty chilly first thing.

The mostly flat course, interspersed with some not too strenuous climbs, allowed us to make good progress.

We arrived at The Old Stables, Hullavington to be greeted by VC Walcot from Bath, who were already in residence. MCCC and VC Walcot share the distinction of both wearing green and white jerseys. 

No sooner had we sat down outside with our drinks and cake, than we were approached by one of their riders, who kindly handed out free samples of Swerve cream, which apparently keeps you smiling in the saddle! I've yet to try mine. If it works, it's available to purchase from Amazon.

Tweets have since been exchanged with Paula Sage from VC Walcot. Good relationships with neighbouring clubs helps to establish our presence within the cycling world.

With no sign of the Recovery or Social Groups, we headed back to Malmesbury and arrived shortly after midday. 

Riders: Alice, Andrew, Andy Parker, Jonathan, Mike G, Paul Hudson, Pete B, Peter C, me Tim W and Tommy.

Tim W

Which all adds up to an amazing 28 riders. Well done everyone!

Clarions and Veloists outside of St Andrews, Castle Combe

On Sunday we managed to double the number of Clarions at the annual Cyclist's Service at St Andrew's Church, Castle Combe, from the previous year. As you can see, Mike G and me were representing our club, whilst Graham and Peter C were there to represent Sherston Velo. Also pictured is Graham's wife, Anne.

With time to spare, Mike G, Peter C and me stopped on the way there for a refreshing drink at the Neeld Arms, Grittleton.

The service appropriately included Psalm 121, which begins with 'I lift up my eyes to the hills;where does my help come from?' And, the hymn 'Ride on, ride on in majesty.'

Easily the largest contingent were the members of CTC Bristol.

When the service was brought to an end by the Reverend Canon Roger Clift, tea and cakes were served inside the church. The homemade Polish cheesecake, which I'd enjoyed last year, was once again on offer, and I wasted no time in securing a slice before it all disappeared.

Blog Bulletin

Clarions outside of the Old Stables Cafe on 19th November 2016

Next Saturday we return to the Old Stables Cafe at Hullavington.

You can view and download the Sporting Group's 40.8 mile course from Strava here.

The Social Group will be employing a shorter course there, and don't forget to look out for Howard's email later in the week for details of his ride.

At 2.30pm on Sunday it's the annual Cyclists' Church Service at St Andrews, Castle Combe.

The event has taken place every year since 27th May 1945. It's 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 photograph above shows the congregation gathered opposite the church for the first one. Numbers have dwindled since then, but the flickering flame of remembrance still burns bright.

If you can, please come along to pay your respects. Expect to see plenty of CTC members there from Bath, Bristol and Stroud Valleys branches, all of whom will have ridden to the church in their respective club colours.

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

For the second year running, Mike G and me will be representing the club. We'll be leaving from outside of the Jackdaw Cafe at 1.00pm for a very leisurely ride to Castle Combe. Alternatively, meet us there for 2.15pm.

Whilst on holiday recently I participated in the UCI Cyprus Gran Fondo. I say participated, it was actually more a case of obstructed, but it wasn't my fault though. Let me explain. We left our hotel early morning for a guided tour around some of the island's hidden treasures. Eager to please, the Land Rover driver wasted no time in beginning his commentary. So engrossed was he, that he failed to notice that he'd pulled out onto the main road just ahead of the peloton. A police car quickly arrived on our tail with its blue light flashing, the officer waving frantically, urging us to get out of the way. Panic stricken, our driver misinterpreted the hand signals and began a desperate attempt to put his seat belt on. The penny did eventually drop and we accelerated out of harm's way.

A Wednesday evening ride summer 2014

Before I tell you about Wednesday's Knight Rider session, I thought I'd introduce this photograph taken from our archives. As was noted at the time, we set a rather poor example by carelessly occupying the disabled bay in The Triangle.

With a number of regulars either on holiday or otherwise committed, it was left to Peter C, James H and guest rider, Simon Vannerley to keep things afloat. The 30 mile course went out to Cricklade. I understand from Peter C that Simon, who had taken part at the weekend in the gruelling Gent-Wevelgem Challenge in Belgium, put them through their paces.

Clarions on Saturday's outing to Jolly Nice Cafe

Saturday's ride to Jolly Nice Cafe, Frampton Mansell was another well attended trip.

Peter C has kindly sent me the photograph above of the Sporting Group.

Sporting Group: Alice, Andrew, Andy Poolman, Bryan, James M, John, Karine, Malc, Paul, Peter C, Phil and Tommy.

Not the Sporting Group News

As they always say in the Section News in the excellent Boots & Spurs magazine, we want to include something from every section in the next edition. So come on the other MCCC groups, we want to hear something from you too. There's no need for War and Peace, just a few lines and the occasional photograph for the blog bulletins would be brilliant.