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.