Blog Bulletin

Middle of The Road

The idea for this week's musical mayhem comes from Graham. On a recent ride he let forth with a quick blast of Middle of the Road's 1971 hit 'Chirpy, Chirpy, Cheep, Cheep.' Critics lampooned the record when it was released, dismissing it as bubblegum. The public thought differently though, and it reached number 1 in the UK charts, where it stayed for 5 weeks.

The song would have made a very worthy entry in the Eurovision Song Contest where repetitious use of the same lines can be a winning formula. 

Amazingly, it was actually covered on a number of occasions. The Cheeky Girls even reworked the record with modified lyrics and gave it the title 'Get the Party On.'

You can transport yourself back to the 1970's, if you wish, by listening here.

Welcome to The Old Stables

Saturday's rides for the Sporting and Social Groups include a coffee stop at The Old Stables, Castle Combe.

Getting both groups to the same The Old Stables has proved a little tricky in the past. Previously, when trying to reach the Hullavington version, the Sporting Group, feeling somewhat weary, only made it as far as the Castle Combe incarnation. And then, on another occasion, Hullavington bound, but delayed by punctures, the Social Group stopped at Castle Combe instead. Hopefully this will be a case of third time lucky.

The Sporting Group will be leaving at 9.00am and following a 44.4 mile course, with 2,293 feet of elevation, which you can view and download here.

Peter C is away, and so I'll be stepping into his cycling shoes.

The Social Group will be departing at 10.00am and following a 35.4 mile course, with 1,477 feet of elevation, which similarly, you can view and download here.

Both groups use the same route home. 

The Third Way will also be setting off at 10.00am. Look out for Howard's email later in the week for more information.

Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the course you intend riding and if you have a Garmin or a similar technical device, please download the course. Both will be helpful to your Ride Leader.

Rich Wiles-Teoh

Seeing as we're off to Castle Combe on Saturday, I thought I'd let you know that Rich, who rides with our neighbours Sherston Velo CC, is 'Everesting' up the hill out of the village, which will be on our route home.

For those that don't know, 'Everesting' is riding the equivalent vertical ascent of Mount Everest (8,848 metres). To achieve this, Rich will have to climb the hill around 220 times. He'll be starting about midnight on Friday and continuing through Saturday until he completes the challenge.

He's raising money for St. Andrew's Church - Make History Appeal. This is the largest project the church has undertaken for over 160 years, by installing running water, a toilet, plus a major enhancement of The Knight Chapel, which will mean that the church can be used for community-led projects.

Please give Rich every encouragement when you see him and if the cause is one you'd like to support, here's a link to his Just Giving site.

Artwork by Des D

This is an absolute first for the blog. Never before has a member submitted a drawing instead of a photograph. I'm tempted to heap praise on Des's handiwork. In sketch form he's captured 4 bicycles, 3 of which are positioned at different angles. The 4th is drawn smaller than the others where it's in the background. I even think I can recognise the riders. What holds me back, is that Des is a Graphic Designer and might well have knocked this up with his eyes closed in 10 seconds. If I proclaim this as evidence of an artistic genius, I could end up looking more foolish than normal. Either way, it's a very novel approach. It certainly brought a smile to my face and I hope to yours too.

The picture is of Sue and Simon Akers, Simon S and Des D on Tuesday evening. Des D reports that it was a lovely evening, but a bit blowy at the start. They completed a ride of about 26 miles out to Littleton Drew. A few of them had an early tea in the shape of flies.

Thank you Des D for taking the time to send this in.

Photograph courtesy of Malc

No drawing, but we do have a photograph of the Wednesday evening Knight Rider crew at The Vine Tree, Norton, thanks to Malc.

On a glorious sunny evening, we rode over to Leighterton, across to Tresham and then up to the Somerset Monument from Hillesley. The warm air and no discernible wind made for perfect riding conditions, and so when Malc mentioned the existence of a Strava segment starting from the base of the hill, which ended in Hawkesbury Upton, we set off with the aim of setting individual PR's.

We later repeated the exercise between the crossroads at Sopworth and Sherston. 

Feeling somewhat pleased with our efforts, we relaxed in the garden of The Vine Tree with a well deserved drink.

Riders: Malc, Peter C, Steve Clark and me, Tim W.

Photograph courtesy of Lyndon

Malc made his debut as a Ride Leader on Saturday's Sporting Group ride to Cafe 53 at Tetbury, and by all accounts came through with flying colours.

I'm grateful to Lyndon for sending me the photograph. He apologised for excluding the Ride Leader, who was sitting on the left. It seems that the curved wall behind the happy group led to his omission.

Malc reports that it was windy, but that mercifully it didn't rain.Two members were nearly left behind when the Ride Leader set off 20 seconds early.  Importantly, the coffee was good.  

Riders: Alice, Andy Parker, Andy Poolman, Ian, Lyndon and Malc.

Third Way Riders

Photograph courtesy of Howard

The Third Way visited The Old Stables, Hullavington on Saturday. Judging by the smiles on Mike and Maureen's faces, a good time was had by one and all. 

Appropriately the photograph was taken on the Happy Land railway bridge.

Riders: Dave, Howard, Maureen, Mike P and Sue Alexander.

Tommy and Tim W

Further afield on Saturday, Tommy and me took part in the Sam Weller's April Foolery 200km Audax from Tewkesbury. The hilly course ran through the Malvern Hills to Ledbury, famous for its black and white timber framed buildings, then onto Bromyard, where we enjoyed a mid-morning pot of tea. 

Continuing northwards, we stopped briefly for lunch at the Castle Lodge Buttery opposite Ludlow Castle. 

Turning southwards, the early afternoon was spent visiting the Welsh border town of Presteigne. Afterwards, the terrain eventually flattened out, which allowed us to make full use of the tailwind. 

A final control at Lock's Garage, Allensmore provided an opportunity to refill our water bottles for the last 40km back to Tewkesbury.

Tommy's ability to ascend hills with consummate ease won the admiration of lots of riders throughout the day. His talents don't end there though, as Tommy later pointed out to me the gargoyles he helped erect on the outside of Tewkesbury Abbey.  

A barely recognisable Pete B

Pete was riding in Swansea during the week and unfortunately hit a hidden speed bump.

He sent me the photograph with his permission to use it on the blog. Luckily Pete wasn't badly injured. He hopes to be back in action after a week or so.

I know that you will all join me in wishing Pete a very speedy recovery. 

Blog Bulletin

Next week I'm Audaxing from Tewkesbury with Tommy and so won't be with you on Saturday. Instead, we'll be exploring Worcestershire and Herefordshire. If you have anything for the blog, please send it to me before 6.00pm on Sunday evening. Contributions are always gratefully received. The blog is only ever as good as the material submitted by you the members.

Clarions at Cafe 53, New Year's Eve 2016

Saturday's ride is designated as one of those when all 3 groups will use the same cafe and with a bit of luck, all arrive around the same time, at 11.00am. Our coffee stop will be at Cafe 53, Long Street, Tetbury.

The Sporting Group will be leaving at 9.00am and following a 40.6 mile course, with just 1,506 feet of elevation, which you can view and download here.

With Peter C also away, Malc has very kindly volunteered to act as the Ride Leader. Well done Malc.

The Social Group will be departing at 10.00am and following a 34.8 mile course, with only 1,419 feet of elevation, which similarly, you can view and download here.

The Third Way will also be setting off at 10.00am. 

Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the course you intend riding and if you have a Garmin or a similar technical device, please download the course. Both will be helpful to your Ride Leader.

Peter C at Castle Combe opts to go straight down the middle

Fortunately the heavy rain forecast never materialised on Tuesday evening. A light shower when we set off at 6.00pm soon petered out and for a few fleeting seconds outside of Grittleton, the sun even threatened to make an appearance.

Numbers were well down at the Castle Combe Race Circuit with just 77 riders having signed on. It looked as though most had already left when we took to the track. (The first of the year on a glorious sunny evening attracted over 400). The upside was that we virtually had the run of the circuit. The downside was that wheels to jump on the back of, were in very short supply.

An invitation to help ourselves to as many free bananas as we wanted when we paid our £3 entry fee and again at the end of our session, was accepted without hesitation.

The opportunity to get back to Malmesbury in the dry took priority over slating our thirsts at the Neeld Arms, and so we postponed our liquid refreshments for another evening.

I've gone slightly out of sequence, otherwise the relevance of the musical diversion would be lost. This week's offering, which although not chosen by Andy Poolman, as a keen golfer, might still be appreciated by him, is 'Straight Down The Middle' by Bing Crosby. The inspiration were the signs at the approach to the circuit at Castle Combe advising slow riders to keep to the right, fast riders to the left and others down the middle.

Bing's real name was Harry. He died in 1977 after a game of golf. He collapsed just 20 yards from the clubhouse. There's some dispute as to his last words though. Some claim they were, 'That was a great game of golf fellas.' Others say they were 'Let's go get a coke.'

You can listen, if so inclined, here.

It doesn't blow in the wind, but it is a Green Flag (van)

Kudos to Peter C and Steve Clark for keeping the green flag flying high on Wednesday evening. Again, the wet weather was no where near as bad, as that predicted, but the threat was enough to dissuade some of the regular Knight Riders, myself included. Actually, Peter C informs me that the evening passed without so much as a single drop of rain.

Clarions inside The Ox House, Northleach
(Picture courtesy of Peter C)

As you will no doubt have read in Peter C's email on Friday evening, Saturday's Sporting Group ride had to be switched at short notice to The Ox House, Northleach. The excursion to Honeystreet Cafe, near Pewsey, will now take place on Saturday 17th June 2017, instead. Departure will be at 8.30am.

Under a bright sky that seemed to hold the promise of a sunny day, but which later turned dark and broody, 6 of us rode out from Malmesbury. 

An early afternoon commitment at Maindy, Cardiff meant that I had to leave the ride before it even reached Northleach.

Bacon rolls were sampled by some at the Ox House and proclaimed a success.

Riders: Andrew, Malc, Pete B, Peter C, me, Tim W and Tommy.

Clarions waiting for their orders at Toomers Garden Centre
(Picture courtesy of Ian)

The only other ride was the Social Group's outing to Toomers at Lydiard Millicent. They welcomed back Lyndon after his travels around the world. Kudos-awarding Strava members will have noticed Lyndon running and cycling in various far-flung places. 

I'm pleased to report, following Andy Poolman's communique, that good value pricing is very much alive and well at Toomers. Most riders were able to fund the purchase of their hot drink and slice of cake for £2.50. You would probably have to go back in time to find somewhere that could undercut them.

Bryan, Paul and Stuart rode the full course, whilst Andy, Ian, Lyndon and Sue returned using a slightly shorter route in order to avoid the rain. 

Riders: Andy Poolman, Bryan, Ian, Lyndon, Paul, Stuart and Sue Akers.

Blog Bulletin

This week's musical entertainment is provided by Scottish punk rock and new wave band, the Skids. Formed in 1977, the single 'Into the Valley' released in 1979, was their biggest hit. And if you're thinking that you wish you'd seen them in concert back in the day, then you'll be pleased to hear that they are currently out on the road with their 40th anniversary tour.

The request stems from the Sporting Group's recent ride to the Allington Farm Shop. Labouring up to Kingsdown, whilst admiring the spectacular scenery below, someone remarked that we were 'going out of the valley.' This was enough to evoke memories of Skids' top 10 record.

You can enjoy the Skids here. Please resist the temptation to pogo around your living room especially if you have low hanging lights.

Welcome to Castle Combe Race Circuit

This Tuesday there's an opportunity to ride with club mates at Castle Combe. The circuit is open from 5.30pm. Some of us will be riding over, leaving from outside of the Town Hall at 6.00pm. The cost to use the track is just £3 for adults and £1 for juniors, but there is a one-off £2 registration fee. To save time on the evening you can pre-register by following the link here.

If you plan on meeting us there and have a club jersey, you'll be much easier to spot. 

Slow riders use the outside of the track, fast ones the inside and medium paced through the middle. 

Whether you're looking to flex your top gears, improve your fitness or just enjoy some traffic-free cycling, it's a great place to ride.

Depending on the weather, there might be an optional stop afterwards for a glass of something fizzy at the Neeld Arms in Grittleton.

The cycle to and from the race circuit, and time spent on the track, are not club rides.

Clarions at Honeystreet Cafe in April 2016

Next Saturday sees a parting of the waves, as the Sporting Group embark on May's longer ride. The destination is the excellent Honeystreet Cafe on the outskirts of Pewsey. As a location, it has a lot to offer. There's a long, thundering descent under the ever watchful eye of the Alton Barnes White Horse, which delivers you to the banks of the Kennet and Avon Canal. Hot drinks and light snacks can be enjoyed in the spacious garden, as the boats gently chug by.

You can view and download the 59.7 mile course from here. There is 2,953 feet of elevation.

Please note that departure will be at the earlier time of 8.30am.

A good gathering of club members at Toomers on 19th April 2014

The Social Group will be visiting Toomers Garden Centre at Lydiard Millicent for their longer monthly ride. The outward leg includes a ride through Cricklade's attractive High Street with its impressive, brightly painted, Grade 2 listed Jubilee Clock.

Unless they've gone up since we last called there, Toomers' prices have got to be the cheapest on MCCC's cafe carousel. Cake portions are firmly rooted in the generous category, and if you drop a few crumbs outside, don't worry, as the chickens will soon hoover them up.

Similarly, you can view and download the 44 mile course from here. There is 1,490 feet of elevation.

The ride will be leaving at the usual time of 10.00am.

Not a Third Way ride, but it does include some of the group

Please look out for details of the Third Way's excursion later in the week.

Please don't forget that there's an alternative midweek ride every Tuesday evening run by Tim H. Distances typically are between 20 and 25 miles. The pace is slower than that of the Wednesday evening Knight Riders. Departure from outside of the Town Hall is at 6.30pm. Everyone is welcome, so if it sounds like your cup of tea, do go along. 

Tuesday's ride was a figure of 8 out to Minety and back. 

Riders: Simon Locke, Stuart, Sue Akers and Tim H.

Despite Wednesday evening's Knight Rider session probably being the warmest of the year so far, sitting outside for a post-ride drink would still have been a little on the chilly side. Even so, cycling shorts were definitely de rigueur.

We were pleased to welcome back Ian Else who made up our quintet of riders. Deploying a flat course, we visited Cirencester. Our last trip there was just before Christmas 2016, and so we were keen to see the completed work in the Market Place where the tarmac has been replaced with stylish block paving. I must say that I was hugely impressed. The scene makes a very pleasing vista, and one which the town can be rightly proud of.

Riders: Ian, Peter C, Simon Akers, Steve Clark and me, Tim W.

No longer Nymphsfield

Expectations were high for Saturday's first-ever excursion to the Fieldfare Cafe at Thistledown Farm, Nympsfield. 

Unless my eyes deceive me, from the milestone above, photographed at the top of Frocester Hill, it looks as though the village was once known as Nymphsfield.

On an overcast morning, 5 Sporting Group riders rolled out of the Cross Hayes car park.

Andrew and his daughter Kirsten - it takes two to tandem

At Hawkesbury Upton, two yellow jacketed cyclists on a sporty looking tandem, cut through us like a knife through butter. Much to our surprise, we realised that it was Andrew and his daughter Kirsten, who were running a little late.

New riders are always welcome, and younger ones especially so, as they help considerably to lower our average age. Hopefully we'll see Kirsten again soon.

Our peloton, boosted by the dynamic duo, rode the roller coaster of ups and downs into Wotton under Edge and around to Cam.

Alice looking strong at the top of Frocester Hill

Steve Clark powers his way to the top

Andrew and Kirsten picking up speed again near the summit

With just Frocester Hill standing in our way before we could reach the cafe, the only thing we could do was to mount a spirited assault. At some point the sun burst forth and emerging at the top in a euphoric mood, we wasted no time in reaching our intended destination.

Peter C notified the cafe in advance that we would be calling. Staff thoughtfully reserved a long table indoors for us. My poppy seed and elderflower drizzle cake was light and zesty. The pot of loose leaf tea delivered four good sized cups of full bodied brew, so no complaints from me.

Before we'd had a chance to familiarise ourselves with our new surroundings, we were pleased to be joined by the Social Group, which was being led by Bryan. Well done Bryan for volunteering. 

After our refreshments, with the sun having disappeared and been replaced by a blustery wind, our combined pelotons rode together back to Malmesbury. 

Social Group: Andy Poolman, Bryan, Des D and Simon (Nairo).

Sporting Group: Alice, Andrew, Ian, Kirsten, Peter C, Steve Clark and me, Tim W.

Tasty treats galore at The Old Stables Cafe, Hullavington 

Meanwhile, the Third Way, with Paul Hadley deputising for Howard, enjoyed their trip to The Old Stables Cafe at Hullavington. 

Hats off to Paul too for helping out.

Third Way: Caroline, Dave, Paul and Sue Alexander.

Sunday Series riders at Northleach

The first ride in the Sunday series took us to Northleach. Bryan tipped us off that the intended cafe stop at the Oxhouse had gone posh, so we headed for the Cotswold Discovery Centre, just out of town on the main road, which had plenty of seating inside and out, and is recommended.

A really enjoyable route so well done to the creator and a great day out.

The next Sunday ride will be prepared by Chris and will take us to Bradford on Avon via the canal path. All are welcome. 

Those riding were Des, Sue A, Stuart, Andy Poolman , Chris and Tim H.

Tim H

Blog Bulletin

Dipping into the blog's post bag, Peter C's choice for this week's musical accompaniment, was the lucky one to be pulled out.

His request is for 'Hooked on a Feeling' by Blue Swede. The band had success with a number of singles during the 1970's, which were covers of other artists' material. 'Hooked on a Feeling' was a cover of the late 1960's B.J Thomas feel-good single.

You can get hooked here. 

Next Saturday the Social and Sporting Groups make their first ever visit to the Fieldfare Cafe at Thistledown Farm, Nympsfield. This comes about following a tip-off from Andy Parker. The reason for the picture of the Elderflower is because they have their own Elder orchard. Whilst the flowers and berries of the Elder can be eaten if properly prepared, the leaves, twigs and roots are toxic and if consumed, can lead to the build up of poisonous cyanide in the body. 

You can see and download the Social Group's 34.4 mile course here . It has 1,495 feet of elevation.

Similarly, the Sporting Group's 42 mile course can be found here. It has 2,700 feet of elevation and includes an ascent of Frocester Hill. Don't let the climb put you off though. We'll be taking it nice and steady, and regrouping at the top.

Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the course you intend to ride. If you have a Garmin or a similar technical device, please download the course. Both will be of assistance to your Ride Leader.

Enjoy the ride and if the cake doesn't fill you up, please don't go gnawing any Elder roots!

Third Way riders can expect a global email later in the week from Howard.

Steak and kidney pudding, best eaten in moderation

Wednesday evening's Knight Rider session saw Steve Clark become our latest MCCC member. (He also became our second Steve C, which means that both Steve's will now have the privilege of being referred to by their full names). With former stalwarts James H and Mike G now out of the game, we were trimmed back to 4 riders. 

Peter C's entertaining course included elements of what was at one time Howard's lumpy January curtain raiser to the Sunday Series. For a bit of fun, there was an impromptu staging of the Freewheel Challenge, last run during the 2016 Sunday Series. Various techniques were deployed on the descent into Foxham. As gravity can have a quite a big say in determining the eventual winner, Phil's victory claim left me wondering whether Mrs Moody has been adding a little too much suet in the making of his steak and kidney pudding.

A brief stop was made at Cycling HQ (Howard's house) on our return so Steve could hand over his membership form and money. 

Riders: Peter C, Phil, Steve Clark and me, Tim W.

Always a great selection of cakes at Allington Farm Shop

After recent record numbers over successive weeks, we were well overdue one of those Saturdays, where for no particular reason, we suddenly found ourselves a bit thin on the ground. This certainly seemed to be the case on Saturday, but there was still plenty of fun to be had.

On the Fosse Way after The Gibb, the Sporting Group encountered a number of cars seemingly on their way to the Badminton Horse Trials. If so, it would have been better if they'd stuck to the designated routes. We then had the pleasure of descending Bannerdown Hill, which was considerably quicker than the previous week's ascent. This was followed by the long, gradual climb from Bathford up to Kingsdown, which was one I'd never done before. Turning left at the Five Ways Crossroads onto the B3109, and now heading towards Corsham, we were buffeted by a strong headwind, which was to stay with us for the rest of the ride.

The Social and Sporting Groups arrived at the Allington Farm Shop within about 5 minutes or so of each other. Whilst there aren't any tables inside big enough for us all to sit together, we were able to stay in our respective groups, as opposed to being spread out around the cafe.

The Third Way ride ended a little earlier than expected and so didn't extend as far as Allington. 

Social Group: Bryan, Chris, Jonathan, Paul Hadley, Stuart, Sue Akers and Tim H.

Sporting Group: James M, Peter C, Phil, Tommy and me, Tim W.

Phil Moody in training

On 24th May 2017, Phil is heading out to La Clusaz in the French Alps to take part in a cycling challenge to raise money for the St James's Place Foundation. The numerous causes to benefit will be around the themes of cherishing children, combating cancer and supporting hospices.

Phil is opting to ride the longer course each day, typically covering around 135km, but with up to 3,300 metres of climbing. So, a big challenge and one which he'll be working hard, through his training and on the ride, to earn every pound raised for the Foundation.

As a Wealth Manager and Financial Adviser, it's not often (in reality it's actually never) that Phil can guarantee a 300% return. On this occasion he can, so this is definitely an opportunity not to be missed.

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of St James's Place Wealth Management, all sponsorship donations will be tripled by the company. So for each £1 donated, £3 will go to the Foundation.

To find out more and make a donation, please follow the link here.

Any donations will be very much appreciated by Phil and of course the Foundation. 

FOR SALE 

Trek 1.2 Alpha (Triple) - 47cm frame.

Excellent condition. Used by Phil’s son James until his legs just got too long. Suitable for an adult or a child. 

• Aluminium frame with carbon fork. 
• 700c wheels. 
• Shimano Sora Groupset. 

Full details can be found on the Trek website.

Cost £700 new, sale price £300.

Any questions or if you want to go and take a look, please contact Phil via his email address: pmoodyuk@gmail.com

VC Walcot taking liberties on our manor!

Regular readers will remember that back on 8th April 2017, at The Old Stables, Hullavington, the Sporting Group came across Velo Club Walcot from Bath, and a very friendly bunch they were too. Since then, through one of their riders, Paula Sage, we've kept in contact.

Paula has tweeted with photographs to let us know they've been on our manor. Pictured above are VC Walcot members inside The Summer Cafe, some of whom took advantage of the bacon and eggs with coffee deal. I did mention that we rode through Bath on our way to Marshfield, which was an incursion of sorts.

Keep a look out for our chums in green and be sure to give them a wave.

Blog Bulletin

There was no blog bulletin last week, as I was a little short of time. I know from the recorded traffic to the blog site that quite a few of you must have been looking for a new post, which is always good to know, but I'm sorry to have caused you a wasted visit.

The current blog distribution list includes around 60 past and present members, but I'm far from confident that I've got all of the most recent members' email addresses. If you're a blog reader and you're not receiving a weekly email to advise you of a new post, then please email me at flemingway123@hotmail.co.uk so I can rectify this.

With something of a backlog, there's quite a bit to cover this week. I'm going to go out of date order, as the first item involves our optional musical accompaniment.

James H, 3rd from left at the Rose and Crown, Lea last summer

Wednesday evening we said our farewells to James Horler, as his work in Malmesbury drew to a close. A lot of you will know that James was the Quantity Surveyor for the new development on the site of the former Burnham House. Living in deepest Devon, this meant that he stayed at the Kings Arms during the week.

James' attendance on Wednesday evenings was second to only that of Peter C's. His company and participation in the Knight Rider session will both be sorely missed.

After a shorter than normal ride, which saw our peloton converge by chance with the Flying Monks Triathlon Club at Cleverton, some of the Knight Rider crew enjoyed a meal with James at the Spice Merchant.

James contacted me with the following message to the club and its members:

Thanks for all the great rides, it made my time living away much more enjoyable cycling with such a friendly bunch of people!

I hope I'll be able to pop along for a ride again at some point in the future.

Cheers,

James

It's only fitting then, that this week's song choice falls to James. His fairly off the wall selection, is 'Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen' by Baz Luhrmann. It's full of good advice, some related to cycling, such as always wear sunscreen. You can listen here.

James M tucks into his chocolate cake

(Photograph courtesy of Andrew)

Saturday 22nd April 2017, saw another excellent turnout of riders across the 3 groups. The Sporting and Social Groups both went to the National Trust Tearoom at Lacock, whilst Howard's Third Way, called in at Cafe 53, Tetbury.

Sporting Group:

Alice, Andrew, Andy Parker, Colin, James M, John, Mike G, Paul, Pete B, Peter C, Phil, Rob, Simon Akers, me Tim W and Tommy.

Missing from the photograph are Simon Akers, who had to go to work, so couldn't stop and Tommy, who must have been inside getting his drink.

The Social Group and Third Way riders outside of the Town Hall

(Photograph courtesy of Howard)

The Social Group had the great pleasure of being joined by a father and son combination from Crudwell. Hopefully we'll see them again soon.

Social Group:

Andy Poolman, Bryan, Chris, Des D, Paul, Stuart, Sue Akers and Tim H, plus the 2 guest riders.

The Third Way at Cafe 53

(Photograph courtesy of Caroline)

Third Way:

Caroline, Clive, Dave, Howard, Simon Locke and Sue Alexander.

Hopefully that's everyone and if my arithmetic is correct, that makes a truly amazing 31 riders.

Mike G on his travels

Some of you will already be aware that unfortunately Mike G took a bit of a tumble just outside of Norton on the way home. Thankfully nothing was broken, but Mike's injuries mean that he'll be off his bike for the next 5 weeks.

I know that he's very grateful for the assistance given to him by members at the scene.

We all wish Mike a very speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in action when he's ready.

The Social and Sporting Groups at Sweetapples Tearoom

Saturday 29th April 2017, saw the start of a new club activity - the Sporting Group's monthly longer ride. Departing at 8.30am, 9 of us rolled out of the Cross Hayes car park and headed for Pucklechurch in order to join the Bristol and Bath Railway Cycle Path.

The traffic-free cycle path is popular with cyclists and walkers, and Saturday was no exception. The tarmac surface south of Bitton was extremely smooth and safely delivered us to the edge of Bath's city centre.

Traversing Bath, we split into 2 groups to make it easier for cars to overtake us. The second pack, having failed to find a public convenience that didn't have its doors chained and padlocked, made an unscheduled stop at Morrisons to make use of their facilities.

Bannerdown Hill might not have been taken at a gallop, but we all made it without too much huffing and puffing. The 2 groups merged back into 1 shortly before we reached Marshfield when those who had visited the supermarket, managed to catch up.

We arrived at Sweetapples Tearoom to find the Social Group who had only just placed their orders.

James M at Cotswold Airport, Kemble, September 2016

Congratulations to James who by completing the ride accomplished his first 100km. James' cycling forms the Physical Activity section of his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

James and his dad, Phil, would like to extend their thanks to all of the club members who have supported James and made him feel welcome.

I know that those who have ridden with James, will join me in saying that having such a polite and well mannered young man along with us, is an absolute pleasure. He clearly puts a lot of effort into his riding and is really coming on in leaps and bounds.

Sporting Group: Andrew, Andy Parker, Andy Poolman, James M, Pete B, Peter C, Phil, Simon Akers and me, Tim W.

Social Group: Bryan, Chris, Des D, Paul, Steve, Sue Akers and Tim H.

Tim W

The Third Way

Meanwhile, Howard's Third Way visited the Folly Row Cafe, Kington St Michael, which I have to say, is a personal favourite of mine. The owner thoughtfully provides cycle locks for you to borrow and there are anchorage points on the wall outside. Quirky features include timers for tea drinkers so they know when to pour from the pot and the water in the toilet runs out of an enamel jug and into a cake mixing bowl. The cafe is also home to a ladies knitting circle.

It's good to see Steve M again on a Saturday club run.

Riders: Clive, Dave, Howard, Steve M and Sue Alexander. 

Guerrilla Gardeners

Pictures courtesy of Bath Chronicle Newspaper

An interesting article caught my attention on Saturday 22nd April, in the Bath Chronicle newspaper. An anonymous group of cyclists and drivers are filling up potholes around the city with compost and pansies. And no, it wasn't a late April Fool's Day story.

A spokesman for the group said 'We think it's a good thing to do but it's more than about making people smile. Potholes are a real problem and have the potential to be death traps for people on bikes and drivers. The whole point is to raise awareness of them.'

I rather like the idea, but isn't there a danger that a motorist might swerve to avoid crushing the flowers and then collide with an oncoming car or cyclist.

Clarions outside of The Ox House, Northleach during the 2016 Sunday Series

Following notification from the committee, I've updated the calendar page on the website with details of the rides for May. With the introduction of a weekly Tuesday evening outing and the start of the 2017 Sunday Series monthly excursion, the club is now offering rides on 5 days of the week.

You can follow this link to see the full list and courses. To whet your appetite, below are the weekend club rides. You'll notice that on 6th and 27th May, the intention is that we'll all meet at the same cafe, at more or less the same time. Peter C will be liaising with the cafes concerned, as we don't want to send them into meltdown with an unexpected deluge of customers.

Saturday 6th May

Allington Farm Shop, Chippenham. Designated as a ride where all 3 groups will meet for coffee.

Saturday 13th May

Fieldfare Cafe, Thistledown Farm, Nympsfield. Sporting and Social Groups only.

Sunday 14th May

The Ox House, Northleach. The first ride in the 2017 Sunday Series. Depart at 10.00am.

Saturday 20th May

Honeystreet, Pewsey, depart at 8.30am. Sporting Group only.

Toomers Garden Centre, Lydiard Millicent. Social Group.

Saturday 27th May

Cafe 53, Tetbury. Designated as a ride where all 3 groups will meet for coffee.