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.